What does a fetal system ultrasound examination include?

Generally, fetal system ultrasound examinations include fetal anatomical ultrasound examinations, screening for fetal congenital heart disease, and fetal biophysical profile assessments. If experiencing physical discomfort, timely medical consultation and treatment under the guidance of qualified physicians are recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Fetal Anatomical Ultrasound Examination

The fetal anatomical ultrasound examination forms the foundational part of the fetal system ultrasound evaluation, primarily focusing on whether the fetal anatomical structures are normal. Physicians will use ultrasound equipment to conduct detailed observations of various fetal body parts, including the skull, nasal bones, femur, heart, spine, abdominal cavity, and amniotic fluid.

2. Screening for Fetal Congenital Heart Disease

Screening for fetal congenital heart disease is a critical component of the fetal system ultrasound examination. Congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth defects during the fetal period. If not detected and treated promptly, it may seriously affect the growth, development, and life safety of the fetus.

3. Fetal Biophysical Profile Assessment

The fetal biophysical profile typically combines electronic fetal heart monitoring and ultrasound examination, aiming to comprehensively assess the health status of the fetus in utero. By observing indicators such as fetal respiratory movements, gross body movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume, physicians can determine whether the fetus has acute or chronic hypoxia or other intrauterine abnormalities.

4. Screening for Major Structural Fetal Anomalies

This examination checks whether the skull is intact and whether structures such as the cavum septi pellucidi, falx cerebri, thalamus, bilateral ventricles, cerebellum, and cisterna magna are normal. It also evaluates the morphology and size of the thorax and lungs, fetal cardiac activity, the position of the four-chamber heart view, the presence of abnormalities in the outflow tracts of the aorta and pulmonary artery, and whether there is a diaphragmatic hernia.

5. Evaluation of Fetal附属 Organs

This includes examination of the placental attachment site, thickness, maturity, presence of space-occupying lesions, and accessory placenta. The number of umbilical cord vessels, insertion point, and presence of nuchal cord or limb entanglement are also assessed. The maximum depth of amniotic fluid is measured to evaluate its volume and clarity.

In daily life, pregnant women are advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and undergo regular prenatal check-ups, which are beneficial for both fetal and maternal health.