Advanced ultrasound is a crucial step for women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. AU helps to properly manage and assess patients during Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART) like IVF treatment. Before beginning ART, a baseline ultrasound of the pelvis is conducted to check for any pelvic diseases that are known to have a harmful influence on fertility and early pregnancy.
Advanced ultrasound is quite different from normal abdominal ultrasound carried out throughout early pregnancy to late pregnancy. Advanced ultrasounds are conducted transvaginally where lubricated wand-like equipment wrapped in plastic or latex (condom) will be inserted via the vagina. Although it may seem frightening, the treatment is quick (approximately 15 minutes) and largely painless.
An advanced ultrasound test is a capable and safe congenital way of determining reproductive potential. Ultrasonographic imaging is mostly used to determine the reason for infertility and the appropriateness of IVF therapy. Furthermore, ultrasonography increases the quality of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) by aiding diagnosis and fast changes in reproductive physiology as needed during therapy. As a result, imaging with high transvaginal sonography provides a clear idea of what the step forward might look like.
The ultrasound test (USG test) may also be used to determine infertility indicators in the fallopian tube, which links the womb and the ovaries, such as egg obstruction and movement. If the USG test reveals any probable obstructions, the professionals may recommend laparoscopy.
The dangers of an ultrasound test are negligible as it does not involve radiation, making it the best procedure for investigating the causes of infertility or the growing fetus following IVF therapy. The cost of an ultrasound exam in Nepal varies depending on the patient's underlying conditions. As a result, personal consultation with a gynecologist is required to understand the ultrasound test criteria.
Where can I get the best Ultrasound test in Nepal?
Finding an ultrasound clinic in Kathmandu or throughout Nepal is not a tough job. However, finding the one that you can trust with your future does take effort. That’s where Nepal IVF comes in. Our professionals have received the most advanced training and skills in the use of cutting-edge, three-dimensional ultrasonography to obtain high-quality images of the body.
At Nepal IVF we offer a wide range of ultrasound services under one roof. Ultrasound services you receive at Nepal IVF are:
Pelvic Ultrasound Scan
A pelvic ultrasound is an ultrasound procedure that allows your doctor to examine the interior of your pelvis (the region between your hip bones that houses the huge triangle-shaped bone at the bottom of your spine (sacrum), your tailbone, bladder, sex organs, and rectum). The pelvic ultrasound test might also be ordered by your doctor to identify unexplained discomfort, swelling, or infections in the pelvis.
A pelvic ultrasound scan is regarded as the best procedure to evaluate growth in your pelvis as it helps your doctor in determining if the development is a fluid-filled cyst, solid tumor, or another type of lump.
A pelvic ultrasound scan helps to figure out the following:
Obstetric Ultrasonography
Obstetric ultrasonography, often known as prenatal ultrasound, is the use of medical ultrasonography during pregnancy to generate real-time visual pictures of the growing embryo or baby in the uterus using sound waves.
In many countries, the technique is a common aspect of prenatal care since it gives a range of information regarding the mother's health including the timing and progress of the pregnancy, and the health and development of the embryo or fetus.
At Nepal IVF, we recommend obstetric ultrasonography to determine:
Transvaginal Ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound, also referred to as endovaginal ultrasound is a type of ultrasound method mostly used to inspect a woman’s reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tube, ovaries, vagina, and cervix.
This method of ultrasound is carried out by a specialist where an ultrasound probe called transducer (around 2-3 inches) is inserted into the vaginal canal. The ultrasound probe transmits sound waves which records and calculates the reflection of the waves to create an image of internal body organs. The image created through transvaginal ultrasound helps in:
While transvaginal ultrasound is a must for assessing the aforementioned issues, doctors at Nepal IVF also recommend the test for:
While there are no risks involved in transvaginal ultrasound as it uses sound waves rather than x-rays or other radiative rays, finding a trusted clinic can be a tough job in Nepal. At Nepal IVF we provide quality ultrasound services at an affordable price. If you or your loved ones are looking for an IVF clinic near you, Nepal IVF is the place to be.
Doppler Fetal Monitoring
Doppler fetal monitoring is a prenatal treatment process performed to monitor the fetal heartbeat. The process is carried out by a portable device called the Doppler fetal monitor which provides an aural representation of the heartbeat via the Doppler effect.
Similar to a fetal stethoscope, doppler fetal monitors give information about the fetus. However, unlike the fetal stethoscope, this device provides electronic audio output making it possible for individuals other than the user to hear the heartbeat. The high-frequency sound waves released by the device help to determine the flow of blood in the womb. The Doppler fetal ultrasound is routinely performed during the third trimester of pregnancy if the mother has a family history of diabetes.
4D (Four-Dimensional) Ultrasound
Four-dimensional ultrasound (4D) is the latest development in infertility treatment programs. Unlike 3D ultrasound, 4D ultrasound provides real-time three-dimensional images. In 4D ultrasound imaging, 3D images of embryonic or fetal movements can be accessed.
Being a relatively new technology there are only a handful of IVF clinics in Nepal that provide 4D ultrasound.
How to Prepare for Your Advanced IVF Ultrasound?
Advanced ultrasound imaging is a crucial part of your fertility treatment process as it is a safe congenital way of determining reproductive potential and development. The ultrasound testing usually lasts between 30–40 minutes depending on the type of scan and what your doctor has ordered.
You are required to inform the doctor about any prescription medications or herbal supplements prior to the sonography examination. You can be advised to stop taking it before the exam or given specific instructions.
Normally, patients taking an ultrasound test are instructed to drink quite a lot of water before the exams. The purpose of drinking water is to keep your urinary bladder full as having a full bladder pushes the intestine, making it easier to see your internal organs. You can use the restroom when the abdominal ultrasound is done.
How Many Ultrasound Scans are Required During Pregnancy?
Ultrasound scans are a regular part of your IVF and prenatal period. Throughout IVF and after a prenatal period, patients are required to have frequent ultrasound scans. These scans depend on the type of scan your doctor ordered. So, the number of tests varies from woman to woman.
Pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks and is divided into three phases referred to as trimesters. Each trimester, lasting around 12-13 weeks, involves significant changes for both fetus and mother. During each trimester common signs of hormonal changes and a developing fetus may or may not affect the mother in some way.
Three trimesters of pregnancy are:
First Trimester (Conception to first 12 weeks)
Every pregnant woman doesn't need to undergo ultrasound scans during the first trimester of pregnancy. Nonetheless, some women are required to have one or more ultrasound scans depending on suspected complications or for determining viability.
Symptoms such as not having your period are the first sign of pregnancy. Apart from that, a pregnant woman may experience extreme fatigue, mood swings, aversions, and food cravings among many other changes.
Ultrasound carried out during the early phase (between six to eight weeks) of the first trimester is referred to as a sonogram or fetal ultrasound. This scan confirms:
Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is another scan conducted at the end of the first trimester. The NT ultrasound scan helps in measuring the clear (fluid-filled) at the back of the baby’s neck and checking for Down Syndrome. This scan also assists in determining the current health condition of the baby.
Second Trimester (Week 13 to 27)
The second trimester of the pregnancy starts during week 13 and lasts till week 27. This period is quite comforting to the mother compared to the first trimester as your body starts adapting to the hormonal changes and the worst of nausea would already be over. Once a pregnant woman enters the second trimester, she will start noticing changes such as growth in the baby bump and other physical features.
During this trimester, women who missed or didn’t perform the ultrasound in the first trimester can have their second-trimester sonography scan done. Another scan conducted during this period is the Anatomy scan.
The anatomy scan, also known as the level II ultrasound scan, is the most detailed scan done before the baby’s birth. This scan is usually carried out between the 18th week and 22nd week and is offered to every pregnant woman. The anatomy scan measures the amniotic fluid level, looks at the placenta, and counts the baby's fingers and toes. Additionally, this scan can tell your baby's sex from their genitalia, albeit it won't be easy.
Third Trimester ( from 28th week until birth)
The third trimester of the pregnancy is the last divided trimester which starts from week 28 until the delivery of the child. During the third trimester, all pregnant women don't need to have an ultrasound. However, some patients with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, low amniotic fluid, and preterm contractions should have an ultrasound test. Likewise women older than 35 and who have had miscarriages or abortions in the past are often required to have an ultrasound. This will help in mitigating any issues before it affects the delivery.
The most common test carried out during this trimester is an anatomy scan. This scan helps to figure out the health of the baby which is ultimately useful during pregnancy. Apart from the anatomy ultrasound scan, some women who didn’t undergo nuchal translucency (NT) can have a go.
If you are looking for an ultrasound scan center that you can trust with the future of your family, you don’t have to look far from Nepal IVF. Nepal IVF houses all state-of-the-art equipment and equally qualified health professionals to be your guide throughout your pregnancy. Ultrasound services at Nepal IVF are affordable and carried out with compassion. Visit or contact Nepal IVF to receive the best IVF and Ultrasound services in Nepal.
