An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structures. This non-invasive diagnostic tool is used in neonatology to visualize soft tissues, organs, and blood flow in newborns. The procedure is painless and does not involve any ionizing radiation, making it a safe choice for infants. Ultrasound provides medical professionals with immediate visual information to assess health and development.
Why Ultrasounds Are Used in Newborn Care
Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method for infants primarily because of its exceptional safety profile, which is paramount in pediatric care. Unlike X-rays or Computed Tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound does not expose the baby to radiation, which is a significant advantage for developing tissues and organs. The technology is also portable, allowing scans to be performed conveniently at the bedside in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), reducing the risk associated with transporting a fragile patient.
The physics of the infant body also makes ultrasound highly effective in this age group. A newborn’s body contains more cartilage and less hardened bone compared to an older child or adult, which allows sound waves to pass through more easily for clearer soft tissue images. Furthermore, the open fontanelles, or soft spots on a baby’s head, serve as natural acoustic windows. This enables detailed imaging of the brain that would otherwise require more complex and invasive methods. This capability allows for the real-time assessment of organ function and blood flow, aiding in timely diagnosis and monitoring.
Specific Body Areas Examined
One of the most common applications is the cranial ultrasound, often performed on premature infants or those with signs of neurological distress. Using the anterior fontanelle as an access point, the scan detects conditions like intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which is bleeding within the fluid-filled ventricles of the brain. Clinicians also look for fluid buildup known as hydrocephalus and white matter injury called periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), both of which are serious complications of prematurity.
Ultrasound is also the primary tool for screening Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), a condition where the ball-and-socket hip joint does not form correctly. The scan is often recommended for babies with risk factors, such as those born in the breech position or with a family history of hip problems. By providing images of the soft, cartilaginous structures of the hip, the ultrasound helps confirm proper alignment of the femoral head within the acetabulum, guiding early intervention when necessary.
Renal and abdominal ultrasounds are performed to check the structure of the kidneys and urinary tract, frequently following up on findings from prenatal scans. The most common finding is hydronephrosis, which is the dilation or swelling of the kidney’s urine-collecting system, often caused by a blockage or the backflow of urine. Since a newborn’s reduced urine production immediately after birth can mask these issues, the postnatal renal ultrasound is typically scheduled after the first 48 to 72 hours of life.
What Happens During the Scan
The practical experience of a newborn ultrasound is designed to keep the baby as calm and comfortable as possible throughout the relatively short procedure. The scan is typically performed by a specially trained sonographer and usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined. Parents are usually encouraged to be present to help soothe the baby and provide comfort during the examination.
The room is often dimly lit to create a relaxing environment, and the baby is positioned comfortably on a soft table, sometimes in a special cradle for hip scans. The sonographer applies a small amount of clear, warm gel to the skin over the area to be scanned, which is essential for transmitting the sound waves. A small handheld device called a transducer is then gently pressed against the gel-covered skin and moved across the area to capture the internal images.
For head scans, the transducer is placed directly over the fontanelle, while for abdominal or renal scans, the baby may need to be briefly moved into different positions. Feeding the baby or offering a pacifier during the scan is a common technique used to keep the infant still and content.