Question
What are the primary reasons Hilary Erickson recommends ultrasounds at 32 weeks during pregnancy?
Answer
There are several reasons why I might recommend an ultrasound at 32 weeks of pregnancy. One of the most common reasons is to perform a growth scan. This is typically done if your belly is measuring small, you've had low weight gain, or if you have diabetes or preeclampsia, which can affect your baby's growth.
Another reason could be to check on issues identified in previous scans. We also might want to monitor your amniotic fluid levels, especially if there are concerns they might be low.
Sometimes, an ultrasound might be ordered for medical reasons unrelated to the baby, such as checking on your liver or kidneys. In such cases, they might also take a peek at the baby.
Lastly, if something wasn't clearly visible in your first ultrasound due to the baby's positioning, a 32-week ultrasound might be scheduled to get a better look.
Remember, a 32-week ultrasound isn't routine and is usually done for a specific reason.