Ultrasound

Role of Ultrasound in Fertility & Pregnancy

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that plays a vital role across fertility diagnosis, infertility treatments, and pregnancy monitoring. It provides real-time visuals of reproductive organs, enabling timely and accurate clinical decisions.

During Infertility Diagnosis

Ultrasound helps identify underlying causes of infertility by assessing the condition and function of reproductive organs. Key uses include:

• Assessing Ovarian Function
  Tracks follicle count and size, and helps diagnose conditions like polycystic ovaries (PCOS).
• Evaluating the Uterus
  Detects fibroids, polyps, adhesions, or congenital abnormalities that may impair fertility.
• Checking Endometrial Lining
  Measures thickness and quality of the uterine lining to assess readiness for embryo implantation.
• Detecting Tubal Issues
  Identifies hydrosalpinx (fluid in fallopian tubes), which may indicate blockage.
• Monitoring Ovulation
  Observes follicular development and confirms ovulation, essential for timed intercourse or IUI.
• Identifying Pelvic Conditions
  Detects ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and other abnormalities.

During Fertility Treatments

Ultrasound guides critical steps in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and IUI:

• Follicular Monitoring
  Tracks the growth of ovarian follicles during hormonal stimulation.
• Endometrial Assessment
  Evaluates endometrial thickness and vascularity to ensure a suitable environment for implantation.
• Ovulation Timing (IUI)
  Helps identify the precise ovulation window to time insemination for maximum success.
• Guiding Egg Retrieval (IVF)
  Assists in accurately locating and retrieving mature eggs from ovarian follicles.

During Pregnancy

Ultrasound supports a healthy pregnancy journey, from early confirmation to delivery planning:

• Confirming Pregnancy
  Detects the gestational sac and fetal pole to confirm intrauterine pregnancy.
• Estimating Due Date
  Determines gestational age and helps calculate expected delivery date.
• Monitoring Fetal Growth
  Assesses baby’s development, weight, and overall health throughout pregnancy.
• Checking Fetal Heartbeat
  Confirms presence and monitors fetal heartbeat regularly.
• Detecting Multiple Pregnancies
  Identifies twins or higher-order multiples early on.
• Placenta Positioning
  Ensures placenta is properly located and functioning well.
• Amniotic Fluid Levels
  Measures fluid levels to detect abnormalities such as polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios.
• Detecting Birth Defects
  Screens for congenital structural issues (e.g., cleft palate, spina bifida).
• Guiding Prenatal Procedures
  Aids in invasive diagnostic tests like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.
• Monitoring High-Risk Pregnancies
  Offers close surveillance for conditions like gestational diabetes or hypertension.

Types of Ultrasound Used

• 2D, 3D & 4D Ultrasound – Standard and advanced fetal imaging
• Transvaginal Ultrasound – High-resolution images of pelvic organs
• Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS) – Evaluates the uterine cavity
• Antenatal Ultrasound – Regular fetal check-ups during pregnancy
• Obstetric Doppler – Measures blood flow in placenta and umbilical cord
• Foetal 2D Echo – Assesses fetal heart structure and function
• Neurosonogram – Detects fetal brain abnormalities
• 3D Pelvic Ultrasound – Detailed view of uterine and ovarian anatomy
• 3D Laparoscopy – Surgical imaging technique with high depth perception