What is the primary purpose of prenatal ultrasounds?

The primary purpose of prenatal ultrasounds is to monitor fetal development and identify potential abnormalities. Ultrasounds provide crucial real-time images of the developing fetus, allowing healthcare providers to assess growth metrics such as size, anatomical structures, and placental location. They are instrumental in detecting congenital anomalies, evaluating fetal well-being, and monitoring pregnancy progress. Regular ultrasounds can reveal issues such as developmental delays or physical abnormalities early in the pregnancy, which is vital for planning further diagnostic testing or interventions if necessary.

While determining the gender of the baby, assessing maternal weight gain, and measuring amniotic fluid levels can be aspects of ultrasound evaluations, they are not the primary objectives. The main focus remains on comprehensive fetal assessment and ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both mother and child.