Safety first: Wondering if the first-trimester ultrasound is really necessary?

Are you pregnant and wondering if the first-trimester ultrasound is really necessary?The answer is simple: yes, absolutely. This small exam, performed around the 12th week, is not just a formality — it can have a decisive impact on the safety of your baby and you.

Confirm that everything is going well

At 12 weeks, the ultrasound allows your doctor to check:

• The baby’s vitality and heart rate

• Proper progression of the pregnancy

• Accurate dating for precise follow-up

This simple step ensures that everything is developing normally and helps avoid surprises later.

Detect potential complications for the baby

Even without considering termination, the first-trimester scan can identify:

• Major anomalies visible early

• Malformations associated with trisomies 21, 13, and 18 (screening only)

Why it matters: It helps plan specialized care, organize the birth under the best conditions, and anticipate any complications.

Protect the mother: pre-eclampsia screening

The 12-week scan is not just for the baby — it also evaluates the risk of maternal complications such as pre-eclampsia.

• Blood pressure measurement and Doppler of the uterine arteries

• Early identification of women at risk

With this information, your doctor can implement preventive measures, such as low-dose aspirin, which significantly reduces risks for both mother and baby.

Detect pregnancies at risk

The scan also helps detect:

• Multiple pregnancies

• Placental anomalies

• Factors that may require closer follow-up

In short, it’s a prevention and anticipation tool, not just a picture of the baby.

Practical tips for your 12-week scan

• Eat lightly before the exam for comfort

• Prepare questions about your pregnancy and follow-up

• Note your medical and family history

Following these tips maximizes the value of this scan for your safety and your baby’s.

Why this check is essential for all expectant mothers

Even in a pregnancy that appears completely normal, complications can arise at any time. This is why the 12-week scan is crucial: it allows early detection of risks for both mother and baby before anything becomes serious.

Prevention is always better than cure.This check gives you peace of mind and allows your doctor to anticipate any possible complication, even in a healthy pregnancy.

Conclusion: Safety first

Do not underestimate the 12-week scan. It not only can save the baby’s life but may also protect your own.Having this check means making the right decisions from the start and ensuring your pregnancy progresses under the best conditions.

Take care of yourself — and your baby.

Kind regards,Dr. Sandra Yene Amougui