One final note: in the past decade, a number of nonmedical commercial ultrasound centers have opened, offering three- and four-dimensional ‘keepsake’ ultrasound images and videos.
![triplets sonogram triplets sonogram](https://www.twin-pregnancy-and-beyond.com/images/5-weeks-momo-twins-ultrasound-scan-21269765.jpg)
This can help doctors decide if the baby is under stress, and may need to be delivered early. Ultrasounds may also be performed late in the pregnancy to gauge the health of the baby a biophysical profile (BPP) assesses the level of fluid around the baby, as well as the baby’s movements and muscle tone. These scans give doctors and midwives the information they need to plan a safe delivery. For example, breech babies often turn into the proper head-first position on their own. Third trimester ultrasounds are frequently ordered to follow-up abnormalities seen on previous scans. Structural abnormalities such as a cleft palate or heart malformation may require further, more detailed, ultrasounds, and may indicate that the baby could be more safely delivered and cared for in a specialized hospital setting.
![triplets sonogram triplets sonogram](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-e29e8/product_images/uploaded_images/phillips-10-14-triplets-12283.1425584596.1280.1280.jpg)
Any abnormalities that might make a vaginal delivery unsafe, such as a breech (feet-first) position or abnormal placement of the placenta, are noted. The overall size of the baby and its position in the uterus are also assessed. This is a detailed examination looking for abnormalities in the baby’s brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidneys and other structures. Most pregnant women in the US have an ultrasound at 20 weeks, also known as the ‘anatomy scan’. This test measures the amount of fluid accumulated behind the baby’s developing neck an increased amount of fluid can be associated with Down syndrome and other genetic disorders. Late in the first trimester or early in the second trimester (between 11 and 14 weeks), some women undergo a special ultrasound called a nuchal translucency screening or nuchal scan. Ultrasound can also assess for signs of an impending miscarriage, including an absent fetal heartbeat and an open cervix. Ultrasound can also detect an ectopic gestation, or a pregnancy outside of the uterus, a rare but serious cause of bleeding. Ultrasound can help to identify the cause of bleeding, which can include a small subchorionic hemorrhage, or collection of blood between the developing baby and wall of the uterus. First trimester bleeding is common, affecting 20-30% of all pregnancies. Women who experience first trimester bleeding or spotting are often evaluated by ultrasound. Because of the small size of the baby at this point, this ultrasound may be performed with a transvaginal transducer, or a small probe that enters the vagina to enable better pictures of the uterus. The scan can also note the presence of multiple babies (twins, triplets), and the presence of a heartbeat. In women who are unsure of their last menstrual period or have irregular periods, the dating scan can help to more accurately determine the age of the baby and the expected due date. Many women have a dating or viability scan in the first trimester. Along with providing your first baby picture, ultrasound provides important information about the health of your baby and any potential problems with the pregnancy.
![triplets sonogram triplets sonogram](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sDS6wqrXZoI/maxresdefault.jpg)
Ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the internal structures of the body, including the baby within the uterus.
![triplets sonogram triplets sonogram](https://media.sciencephoto.com/image/p6800641/800wm/P6800641-Triplets,_3-D_ultrasound_scan.jpg)
Anyone who’s had a baby is familiar with that proudly displayed little black and white square the ultrasound print that represents your first, fascinating glimpse of your growing baby.