Use of ultrasound during pregnancy


Ultrasound examinations during pregnancy serve various crucial purposes. These scans measure the head, abdomen, and femur to estimate the current fetal weight. They also determine the fetal heart rate and employ Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in the umbilical artery, thereby checking placental function. More important EDD can be estimated as many women forget their LMP and this helps also to monitor growth of baby. 

EARLY ULTRASOUND

In early pregnancy, typically around seven weeks after a missed period, ultrasounds are recommended, especially for women with a history of miscarriages. And as the heart beat is developed in seven weeks therefore early ultrasound is recommended .They help confirm the pregnancy's location (intrauterine or ectopic) and whether it is a single or multiple gestation. During the first trimester, typically between 11 and 13 weeks, an ultrasound can detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, by measuring nuchal transparency, which involves assessing the fluid behind the baby's neck (NT Scan). 

In the second trimester, between 15 and 20 weeks, ultrasound scans are essential to screen for fetal anomalies or birth defects.

SEX DETERMINATION DURING 18 TO 22 WEEKS

 Determining the baby's sex is possible during ultrasound examinations, typically between 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. However, it's important to note that many countries, including South Korea, China, India, and parts of North America and Vietnam, have banned revealing the baby's sex during ultrasounds to combat gender-based selective abortion. 

For example, South Korea implemented the slogan "One daughter is equal to 100 sons" in 1998 to discourage selective abortion by imposing such a ban (according to a World Bank report)


KOREAN SLOGAN THAT ONE DAUGHTER IS EQUAL TO 100 SONSs

 In India during last decade 8 million of female fetuses are reported to be aborted in spite of revealing sex in 1994 is outlawed. 

    Unfortunately, Pakistan lacks precise data on this issue, but a survey conducted at Dow Medical College Ojha Campus and Lady Dufferin Hospital found that 31% of women interviewed were interested in knowing the gender of their fetus through ultrasound. 

    In my personal experience as a sonographer, I have interviewed numerous women, and it's common for many to inquire about the baby's gender as early as seven weeks into the pregnancy. Some women focus solely on the baby's sex, overlooking other essential indicators. If I am unable to know about sex of baby those women always become angry that deliberately I am hiding with the statement that we just came for scan to know about gender of baby and our money are wasted.

    Few sonographer are only famous especially in Hyderabad as they according to them can detect sex very early up to 15 to 16 weeks even they claim more earlier therefore they have lot of pregnant women standing at their clinics just to know about sex of baby.

     Even if I myself do not reveal if sometimes baby is transverse or breech lie and it became difficult to know about sex same women visit those few famous sonographers for knowing sex of baby. 

    While we lack specific data on the rates of induced abortions due to gender knowledge, it is a matter that should be investigated further.

     Furthermore, I've observed that some women experience severe depression upon learning they are expecting another girl, which can lead to complications during and after delivery.

     In conclusion, it is imperative to restrict the disclosure of a baby's gender through ultrasound except for medical reasons. Raising awareness about the manifold benefits of ultrasound, such as assessing placental localization, abruption of the placenta, cervical length, amniotic fluid levels, Growth of Baby and more, should be emphasized. 

    This change in behavior should be complemented with strict legislation to ensure its effective implementation. It is crucial to raise awareness among community that ultrasound during pregnancy is to determine well being of baby with proper growth and for healthy outcome of mother and baby.

Comments

Post a Comment

Nice

Popular posts from this blog

UNSUNG HEROIC WORK DONE BY HOUSEWIVES IN PAKISTAN

Image
                                  INTRODUCTION       "Did you know that housewives work an average of 16 hours a day without any breaks or pay? In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the immense contributions of these unsung heroes."                         DAILY ROUTINE OF A MIDDLE CLASS HOUSEWIFE   The day of house wife Yasmeen starts early in  morning when every one is sleeping she after offering Sala starts making Breakfast, along with calling children to wake at the same time she helps them in preparation for school ,helping to take break fast with attention given to elders with providing them early morning Tea ,helping husband for going to work. At one time she is doing multiple tasks.     After all sh...
Read more

MENSTRURAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY 28th MAY

Image
  Every year on May 28 is observed as Menstrual hygiene Management day through out world .      The Theme for 2024 is # Period friendly world      the aim is to spread awareness among communities regarding self hygiene & Manage periods according to standard protocols as use of material which can collect & absorb menstrual blood with the availability of Water & Soap and place where the women can change pad in Privacy when ever necessary and can dispose the used pads.                            Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters Menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health and dignity of women and girls. Yet, in many countries, including Pakistan, discussing menstruation is still considered taboo due to social norms, cultural issues, and gender inequity. This silence leads to misinformation and poor hygiene practices.            ...
Read more

THE BEHAVIOUR OF DOMESTIC WORKERS /HOUSE HELP IN PAKISTAN

Image
            In Pakistan, numerous acts and bills have been passed to protect domestic workers. Notable among these are the Punjab Domestic Workers Act 2019 and the pending Domestic Worker Bill 2021 in the National Assembly. These laws aim to regulate employment, working hours, wages, leaves, and other benefits for domestic workers.      According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), there are about 8.5 million domestic workers in Pakistan, with the majority being women and young girls. However, due to the unregistered nature of this work and the lack of written contracts, the actual number may be higher.                The Unseen Backbone of Households Domestic workers, predominantly women, play a crucial role in many households by performing tasks such as cleaning, washing clothes, dishes, and looking after children or the elderly. Despite their importance, this is often the...
Read more