An ultrasound scan is the simplest way your doctor can get a close-up look at your unborn child. Through the scan, the doctor is able to see the baby's development, his/her movements, and overall wellbeing. In a healthy and unproblematic pregnancy, the expectant mom will get around 5 ultrasound scans. This number changes based on the mommy's health, the baby's growth, complications in the womb, etc.

Let's take a look at the most common reasons you may be asked to get more ultrasound scans.

Pre-existing Health Problems in Mommy

If you are suffering from hypertension, heart disease, or some other serious ailment, then the doctor will have to keep a close watch on your baby too. Certain medications can affect your baby's growth, and hence, it is necessary to see their progress and prevent any complication from arising.

Twin or Multiple Pregnancies

Carrying more than one baby means that your tots are growing in a limited space. The risks associated with pregnancy also multiplies with many babies. Also, the doctor will recommend more ultrasound scans to check if all the babies are growing equally.

If Mommy has Experienced Complications in Prior Pregnancies

Miscarriages or other complications in the past means you have a higher probability of having problems with your current pregnancy as well. Although it is not a set rule, the doctor would want to keep track of your baby's progress to avoid any problems.

If Mommy Develops Gestational Diabetes

Heightened blood sugar levels can pose problems for both you and your little one. Expectant moms with GD tend to have bigger babies and more amniotic fluid, which need to be monitored closely by the doctor.

Over 35 Years of Age During Pregnancy

If you are over 35 years and pregnant, your doctor would recommend additional scans to monitor your baby's development. This is because older mommies are at a slightly higher risk of having complications in their pregnancy. So, don't be worried if your doctor asks you to visit more often for follow-ups.

Vaginal Spotting or Bleeding

A little bit of spotting or bleeding is nothing to worry about. However, it can also be symptomatic of a more serious underlying condition like placental problems, ectopic pregnancy, or a miscarriage. This would require you to get additional ultrasound scans and tests.

Problems in Anomaly Scan

In case your doctor suspects any problems with your baby's anomaly scan, they would require additional tests to be run that are more specialized. 

Author Bio: Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. However, she passionately develops contents on pregnancy, childbirth, stem cell banking services and more.

A cord blood bank is a facility which stores umbilical cord blood for future use. Both private and public cord blood banks have developed in response to the potential for cord blood in treating diseases of the blood and immune systems.