Fetal inspection is done to check the normal growth of the fetus including its internal parts, the absence of any growth anomalies due to hereditary or genetic factors, absence of any disease in any organ of the fetus.
This is done by ultrasound which is a machine uses ultrasound waves to draw the internal organs of the mother and fetus on a display screen. There is two dimensional black and white ultrasonography, 3D ultrasonography which gives a more detailed 3 dimensional picture of the fetus, 4D ultrasonography which gives 3D picture in motion.
Ultrasound is used to
- Confirms presence of pregnancy and its location and accurate dating of pregnancy.
- Placental location and status.
- Cervical canal length measurement.
- Detailed scan at about 20 weeks to check any abnormalities in the baby’s structural development and growth.
- Doppler scanning for fetal growth retardation and repeated abortions.
- Amniotic fluid details.
- Baby presentation.
- Fetal sex.
- Biophysical profile by checking the baby respiration, muscle movement and tone.
- Expected date of delivery.
- Baby’s weight.