Throughout your pregnancy, you may be concerned about the health of your unborn child. A prenatal sonogram can help reassure you that your baby is fine. Here are six things that a sonogram can reveal about your unborn baby:

Age

Although you may be fairly certain of the conception date of your child, a sonogram provides an accurate assessment of the exact fetal age by measuring the crown-to-rump length. The age is particularly important for setting your due date so that you can prepare properly for child's pending arrival. In addition, certain developmental milestones, such as the first heart beats and the migration of the digestive organs into proper position, can be confirmed by a fetal ultrasound.

Gender

Most prospective parents are excited to learn the sex of their new baby. An ultrasound can verify the gender of the baby as early as 12 weeks of gestation. However, it is over 95 percent accurate at gender recognition by week 20.

Malformations

The basic foundation of all of your baby's organs have presented by the time your second trimester begins. Thus, most fetal malformations are displayed on an ultrasound during weeks 13 through 20. Certain conditions, such as Down syndrome, can be revealed as early as week 11 of gestation.

Multiple Gestations

If you are having twins or triplets, a sonogram can confirm it. Before the use of ultrasound, multiple births were detected by the presence of multiple heart beats. However, the presence of more than one embryo can be seen on an ultrasound before the heart begins to beat.

Surrounding Amniotic Fluid Levels

Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds your growing baby in the womb. The sterile, cushioning liquid keeps the unborn child warm, lubricated and safe. The lubrication is important, as it prevents the developing fetal appendages from growing together. Insufficient amniotic fluid levels can cause webbing of the fingers and toes. The amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus can be measured by ultrasound.

Facial Features

Does your baby look like you? A 3D sonogram can reveal details of your unborn child's physical characteristics. In fact, many 3D ultrasound pictures resemble photographs. If a 3D sonogram is performed during the third trimester, you may have a glimpse of what your little one will look like when he or she is delivered.

Sonograms can help alleviate many of your pregnancy concerns by revealing the health of your unborn child.  If you have not had your first sonogram, contact your obstetrician. He or she can advise whether or not an ultrasound is suitable for this stage of your pregnancy.

For more information, contact All Women's Clinic or a similar location.