Doppler is based on the Doppler effect—the change in the frequency of ultrasound waves when they are reflected by moving objects, in this case red blood cells circulating in the vessels. By analyzing these changes, we can measure the velocity and flow characteristics of the blood in any vessel we wish to examine. In obstetrics, Doppler is mainly us...
MOREDuring pregnancy, small fragments of fetal DNA circulate freely in the mother’s bloodstream. From the 10th week of pregnancy, their concentration is high enough for us to analyze them. By analyzing this fetal DNA from a simple blood sample taken from the mother, we can screen with very high reliability for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, wi...
MOREAmniocentesis is an invasive diagnostic test in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus using a fine needle, under continuous ultrasound guidance. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells, from which the fetus’s genetic material can be extracted and analyzed. Unlike NIPT, which is a highly accurate screening test, amniocentes...
MOREDuring pregnancy, the hormones produced by the placenta can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, meaning they can cause insulin resistance. In most women, the pancreas compensates for this change by producing more insulin. When this does not happen adequately, blood sugar levels rise and gestational diabetes develops. Gestational diabetes ofte...
MOREA growth ultrasound is a systematic ultrasound assessment that evaluates fetal growth and condition in the third trimester. Unlike the second-trimester anatomy scan, which focuses on anatomy, here the goal is the fetus’s growth, weight, and well-being. During the examination, we assess: Fetal biometric measurements We measure the fetus’s key dimens...
MORENuchal translucency (NT) is a thin layer of fluid that normally accumulates at the back of the neck of every fetus during the first trimester. With ultrasound, we accurately measure the thickness of this layer. Why is this important? Because increased nuchal translucency thickness has been associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalit...
MOREThe second-trimester anatomy scan is an extensive anatomical assessment of the fetus performed in the second trimester. Its purpose is to systematically evaluate fetal anatomy and identify any structural abnormalities that were not visible earlier. During the scan, we examine in detail: Head & Brain We assess the structure of the brain—ventricl...
MOREThe ideal time for a viability ultrasound is between the 5th and 8th week of pregnancy, which is approximately 1–4 weeks after the first missed period. From the 6th week onward, it is usually possible to detect cardiac activity, one of the most important signs of viability. At 5 weeks, the yolk sac is usually visible, but the fetal pole and cardiac...
MOREβ-hCG (beta human chorionic gonadotropin) is the pregnancy hormone—the same one detected by a home pregnancy test. It is produced by the trophoblast (the tissue that forms the placenta) immediately after the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Its levels rise rapidly during the first weeks of pregnancy, doubling every 48–72 hours and reaching th...
MORE