Gynecology and Obstetrics Pathology

Ultrasound and Genetics

Ultrasound is done during pregnancy to track the development of the foetus in the mother’s womb.  It is not only helpful in tracking down development but also helps to find out any foetal anomalies, if there are any. Ultrasound reveals the heartbeat of the foetus, the radius of the head, the length of the hands and feet and his/her height and weight. There are various kinds of ultrasound which can be done during pregnancy namely Transvaginal Ultrasound, 3-D Ultrasound, 4-D Ultrasound and Foetal Echocardiography. While the Sonography reports in the first trimester provides information about the foetal heartbeat, it also, examines the placenta, uterus, ovaries, cervix, checks for multiple pregnancies, the sonography done in the second and third trimester reveals much important criteria like placental abruption, placental previa, characteristics of Down’s syndrome if there are any possibilities. The ultrasound in this stage also determines whether the foetus is carrying any form of congenital disease whether hereditary or non-hereditary or not. Genetics is not given enough importance before conceiving. As most of the pregnancies come unplanned passing on of genetic disorders from parents to the baby is very common. Genetic disorders are also known as ‘recessive disorders. Some of the genetic disorders are Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Tay-Sachs Disease Fragile X Disease etc.