Going for an ultrasound scan is often the most exciting part of an uncomplicated and healthy pregnancy. Getting to see your little one on screen, their heartbeats, and growth metrics all seem reassuring. However, not every ultrasound report turns out how you may have expected.
Certain abnormal findings, such as low heart rate or small crown-rump length, can seem alarming. It’s also natural to have your mind jump straight to “Am I at an increased risk of a miscarriage”? Let’s see when a gynecologist in Navi Mumbai is concerned about an ultrasound scan and when they might order additional tests.
Are all Abnormal Ultrasound Findings Dangerous?
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create clear and detailed pictures of your uterus and the fetus. An abnormal ultrasound scan means the practitioner noticed something falling outside the usual range. This can be related to your baby’s anatomy, growth, heart rate, placenta, amniotic fluid, blood flow, etc.
Fortunately, not every abnormal ultrasound report indicates a serious pregnancy issue. Sometimes, abnormal metrics are simply harmless or might indicate closer monitoring. Some are called “soft markers”, which means they might slightly raise the risk of certain chromosomal defects, but they may disappear in later scans.
Common Abnormal Findings in Pregnancy Ultrasounds
Here’s what’s considered abnormal ultrasound reports:
1. Baby’s Measurements
Estimated baby’s weight is more or less than the mother’s gestational age can raise concerns. Sometimes, it is a normal familial trait, while in other cases, it can indicate fetal growth restriction or an underlying infection.
2. Increased Nuchal Translucency
An NT scan, conducted in the first trimester, measures the level of fluid behind your baby’s neck. The measurements between 1.6 mm and 2.2 mm are considered normal, while NT ≥ 3.5 is considered elevated. It means there’s an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
3. Structural Issues
An ultrasound report may find structural abnormalities, such as improper growth of certain organs, such as the baby’s spinal cord, brain, digestive tract, heart, kidneys, etc. Minor structural issues may resolve on their own before delivery. However, major abnormalities may require closer monitoring through pregnancy and after childbirth.
4. Amniotic Fluid Abnormalities
Normally, amniotic fluid levels increase throughout your pregnancy before decreasing around the final weeks before delivery. A healthy range is between 5cm and 24 cm. Too low amniotic fluid can indicate placental problems, ruptured membranes, fetal kidney issues, while too much of it can be due to gestational diabetes or congenital anomalies.
What to do After an Abnormal Sonography?
You must visit a maternity centre in Navi Mumbai to discuss your ultrasound reports with a gynecologist rather than making your own assumptions. Based on your medical history, blood tests, and pregnancy history, the doctor will decide whether additional tests are needed.
Some common tests that can be used to rule out abnormal ultrasound findings include targeted or level II ultrasound and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and amniocentesis. In some cases, fetal MRI may be advised to get detailed pictures of the baby’s organs, mainly the chest and brain.
