Understanding your Babies Ultrasound scan - part 4

Most parents look forward to their scan because it gives you the first glimpse of your baby. The person who carries out your scan (sonographer) will probably give you a printout of your baby as a keepsake. Abbreviated medical words such as BPD are often used to describe your babies growth and development. Here we provide you with an understanding of frequently used terms used on your ultrasound report.

Scanning difficulties

• "Wrong" lie
  Sometimes the baby will lie in such a way that it is not possible to get the views or measurements that are needed. This applies particularly for 4D type scans and/or if your baby is facing your back! To overcome this, if time permits, you may be asked to go for a walk and/or have a high calorie (sweet) snack to encourage the baby to move. In a busy ante-natal clinic this may not be practical and you may therefore be asked to make another appointment. A "wrong lie" doesn't mean there is anything wrong with baby, just that he/she is exercising their right to be difficult!
• Poor liquor volume
  In order to get good, clear pictures of baby, on any type of scan, but especially on 4D scans, there needs to be certain amount of fluid surrounding baby. The fluid volume naturally varies from person to person, but if there is less than average, it may not be possible to see very well. It is likely that even if you cannot make things out yourself, the experienced Sonographer will still be able to measure your baby - it will just take longer and not look so pretty!
• Maternal build
  It may seem unkind to say, but usually the slimmer you are the clearer the scan. When Ultrasound is applied to a body a certain amount of the sound is absorbed and the more there is of you, the less will get through to baby.