Learning About Fetal Ultrasound Results

What is a fetal ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound is a test that lets your doctor or midwife see an image of your baby. They learn information about your baby from this picture. You may find out, for example, the sex of the baby. But the main reason you have this test is to get information about your baby's health.

(You may hear your baby called a fetus. This is a common medical term for a baby that's growing in the uterus.)

What kind of information can you learn from this test?

The findings of an ultrasound fall into two categories, normal and abnormal.

Normal

• The fetus is the right size for its age.
• The placenta is the expected size and does not cover the cervix.
• There is enough amniotic fluid in the uterus.
• No birth defects can be seen.

Abnormal

• The fetus is small or large for its age.
• The placenta covers the cervix.
• There is too much or too little amniotic fluid in the uterus.
• The fetus may have a birth defect.

What does an abnormal result mean?

Abnormal seems to imply that something is wrong with your baby. But it just means that the test has shown something the doctor or midwife wants to take a closer look at.

And that's what happens next. Your doctor or midwife will talk to you about what further test or tests you may need.

What do the results mean?

Some of the things your doctor or midwife may see on an abnormal ultrasound include:

• Echogenic bowel. The bowel looks very bright on the screen. This could mean that there's blood in the bowel. Or this could mean there is a problem such as a blockage (obstruction) or an infection.
• Increased nuchal translucency. The ultrasound measures the thickness at the back of the baby's neck. An increase in thickness is sometimes an early sign of Down syndrome.
• Increased or decreased amniotic fluid. The doctor or midwife will look for a reason for the level of amniotic fluid and will watch the pregnancy closely as it progresses.
• Large ventricles. Ventricles in the brain look larger than they should. Your doctor or midwife may take a closer look at the brain.
• Renal pyelectasis or hydronephrosis. The ultrasound measures the fluid around the kidney. If there is more fluid than expected, there is a chance of urinary tract or kidney problems.
• Short long bones. The ultrasound measures certain arm and leg bones. A long bone (humerus or femur) that is shorter than average could be a sign of Down syndrome.
• Subchorionic hemorrhage. An ultrasound can show bleeding under one of the membranes that surrounds the fetus.

What do you do now?

Take a deep breath, and let it out. Keep in mind that an abnormal finding on an ultrasound, after it's coupled with more information, may:

• Turn out to be nothing.
• Turn out to be something mild that won't affect the baby.
• Turn out to be something more serious. But if this happens, early diagnosis helps you and your doctor or midwife plan treatment options sooner rather than later.

Your medical team is there for you. So are your family and friends. Ask questions, and get the help and support you need.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.