Gynecology and Obstetrics Pathology

Ultrasound and Genetics

Ultrasound is done at the time of pregnancy to track the development of the fetus in the mother’s womb. Ultrasound   gives the details of  the heartbeat of the foetus, the radius of the head, the length of the hands and feet  and also his/her height and weight. There are different kinds of ultrasound which can be done during pregnancy namely Transvaginal Ultrasound, 3-D Ultrasound, 4-D Ultrasound and Fetal Echocardiography. While the Sonography reports in the first trimester gives   information about the fetal heartbeat, it also, examines the placenta, uterus, ovaries, cervix, checks for multiple pregnancies, the sonography done in the second and third trimester reveals much significant criteria like placental abruption, placental previa, and characteristics of Down ’s syndrome if there are any possibilities. The ultrasound in this stage also examines whether the foetus is carrying any form of congenital disease whether hereditary or non-hereditary or not. As most of the pregnancies come un planned passing on of genetic disorders from parents to the baby is very common.