Obstetrical Ultrasound And Biophysical Profile
Another tool available to evaluate the well being of the fetus is ultrasound. Ultrasonic waves are produced by a transducer that converts electrical impulses to sound, and reflected sound back into electrical displays. As the waves travel through body tissues, they are reflected back at any point where there is a change in tissue density, as, for instance, in the area between two different organs of the body. The reflected echoes are received by an electronic apparatus that determines the intensity of the echoes and the position of the tissue giving rise to the echoes. The images thus formed can be displayed in static form, or, through the use of rapid multiple sound scans, they can in effect provide a moving picture of the fetus and the inside of the uterus. Various aspects can be measured including fetal movement, heart rate, activity and the volume of amniotic fluid. By measuring these parameters in conjunction with the Non-Stress test can confirm fetal well being or identify the need to deliver the baby before damage occurs.
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