- When to do the morphological ultrasound
- What is it for
- What diseases can be identified
- How to prepare for ultrasound
Morphological ultrasound, also known as morphological ultrasound or morphological USG, is an image exam that allows you to view the baby inside the uterus, facilitating the identification of some diseases or malformations such as Down syndrome or congenital heart disease, for example.
Usually, ultrasound is indicated by the obstetrician in the second trimester, between the 18th and 24th week of pregnancy and, therefore, in addition to malformations in the fetus, it may also be possible to identify the sex of the baby. In addition, the morphological USG marks the first moment when parents can see the developing baby in detail. Know that other tests should be done during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Although the price of ultrasound can vary between 100 and 200 reais, depending on the clinic, it can also be done free of charge at SUS, but only after 20 weeks of gestation.
When to do the morphological ultrasound
It is recommended to perform a morphological ultrasound in the second trimester, between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation, as it is when the baby is already sufficiently developed. However, this ultrasound can also be done in the first trimester, between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, but as the baby is not yet well developed, the results cannot be as satisfactory.
Morphological ultrasound can also be done in the 3rd trimester, between 33 and 34 weeks of gestation, but this usually only happens when the pregnant woman did not undergo USG in the 1st or 2nd trimester, there is a suspicion of malformation in the baby or when the pregnant woman developed an infection that can impair the baby's development.
In addition to the morphological ultrasound, 3D and 4D ultrasound show details of the baby's face and also identify diseases.
What is it for
Morphological ultrasound allows to identify the baby's developmental phase, as well as to evaluate possible changes in the developmental phases. In this way, the obstetrician can:
- Confirm the baby's gestational age; Assess the baby's size by measuring the head, chest, abdomen and femur; Assess the baby's growth and development; Monitor the baby's heartbeat; Locate the placenta; Show abnormalities in the baby and possible diseases or malformations.
In addition, when the baby is open-legged, the doctor may also be able to observe sex, which can then be confirmed with blood tests, for example. Check out a list of available techniques to try to identify the baby's gender.
What diseases can be identified
The morphological ultrasound done in the 2nd trimester can help to identify several problems in the baby's development such as spina bifida, anencephaly, hydrocephalus, diaphragmatic hernia, kidney changes, Down syndrome or heart disease.
See what the normal development of the baby at 18 weeks should be like.
How to prepare for ultrasound
Normally, no special preparation is necessary to perform the morphological ultrasound, however, as the full bladder can help improve images and also elevate the uterus, the obstetrician can advise you to drink water before the exam, as well as avoid completely emptying the bladder if you feel like going to the bathroom.
