Many people think that ultrasound scan in Singapore is the definitive method that will reveal all you need to know about your baby from his gender to any markers of birth defects.
However, it’s important to know that accuracy of ultrasound scanning is both an art and a science. It also involves an element of luck because your baby ideally should be in specific positions for the clearest shots.
Ultrasound scan in Singapore can be wrong about: Multiples
Something you might not know is that ultrasound scanning can often get it wrong about how many babies you’re having! Many technicians miss seeing twins at early ultrasounds as one foetus is blocking the other one from view. As for triplets, there’ve been cases where doctors were unable to detect the third baby until delivery!
Ultrasound scans can be wrong about: Your baby’s gender
Ultrasound scan in Singapore: Can ultrasound scans predict your baby’s gender accurately?
An ultrasound is generally a lot more reliable than all the old wives’ tales about predicting gender, but even then it is not foolproof. Your baby can make it difficult by crossing its legs or turning away from view.
You could end up with a bouncy boy even if your doctor says you’re having a girl! Doctors often make more mistakes when it comes to predicting girls as sometimes they cannot clearly see the reproductive organs. Fewer mistakes are made with boy predictions because the presence of a penis can’t be easily mistaken.
Ultrasound scans can be wrong about: Down syndrome markers
Although soft markers that show possible signs of Down Symdrome may be detected in the ultrasound, do try not to panic.
If your doctor tells you there are soft markers detected in the ultrasound, try not to panic. Soft markers refer to possible signs of Down syndrome. Some of these markers include a spot in the heart, short femur length or having only one umbilical artery. If you have two or more of these markers, your doctor may ask you to go for further testing like an amniocentesis.
However, it is important to know that most babies with one or two markers are actually born perfectly healthy with no defects or chromosomal problems. Conversely, there have been babies who showed no problems during ultrasound scanning but were diagnosed with Down syndrome after birth.
Ultrasound scans can be wrong about: Cleft lip or palate
One thing notoriously difficult to detect during an ultrasound is a cleft palate or lip. This is one of the most common birth defects that scans are often unable to detected. Babies can be born with both cleft lip and palate, or just one.
If you have a family history of clefts, you should ask the ultrasound technician to especially watch out for it. A 3D ultrasound, if available, can give you a better confirmation. The good news is that surgery can be done very early on to correct the problem so that your baby will not need to suffer long from the condition.
Ultrasound scans can be wrong about: Your baby’s size
Worried that your baby is measuring too small (or too big) for his/her gestational age?
Towards the end of your pregnancy, your doctor will estimate your baby’s size and weight. This is on the basis of the measurements in the ultrasound. However, the ultrasound is notoriously inaccurate at such predictions. That’s because you have to remember that it is often measuring at an angle.
The doctor could suggest you’re having a small 6 pound baby but you go on to deliver a big 10 pound baby.
Since such measurements are so inaccurate, spend less time worrying about the size of your baby. Instead, spend more time getting ready for a smooth labour with breathing exercises and other useful techniques.
Also read: 10 secret thoughts going through hubby’s head during the first ultrasound scan
