Babies are the most adorable being in the world. Every parent considers them the dearest. Parents expecting their first child do not have much prior experience, and they can get nervous about small matters.
Ultrasound is a convenient diagnostic test to check the baby’s growth inside the mother’s womb. High-frequency sound waves travel inside the uterus and come back as echoes. Subsequently, the monitor shows a black and white picture after processing it into electrical signals.
A few days ago, one of my relatives got paranoid after watching their unborn in a 3D ultrasound for the first time. They were asking one another why do babies’ lips look big in ultrasound. Are you also concerned if it is normal? You will know the unknown facts after reading this article.
The right time to have an ultrasound
It is normal to get an ultrasound of your unborn a few times during pregnancy to monitor its growth. You can see the whole body and movements during 14 to 18 weeks of pregnancy. But you cannot distinguish the facial structure at this time as they are not well developed.
The baby’s facial features are more visible when they are 19 to 26 weeks old. However, the babies cover their faces with their hands or stay folded in this stage. Therefore, it is challenging to get a good picture of the overall look.
The face of the baby gets more prominent during 40 weeks of pregnancy. Generally, the head of the baby is upside down during this period. However, this is the most convenient time to get close-up shots of the baby’s face.
Unexpected results in ultrasound
The baby’s face in the ultrasound might not turn out as you expected it to be. The facial features are not much apparent, and therefore, they live with the fear of a baby having a facial defect. As a result, many parents post ultrasound pictures online to show their concern.
3D ultrasound depends on the sound waves to get a picture of the facial features. Multiple 2D sound waves from different angles are combined to get that 3D image. The sound waves get interrupted by internal organs. Moreover, the reading is not always accurate on a few surfaces.
Autism does not influence a baby’s structure while still a fetus; instead, it becomes apparent after the pregnancy. Moreover, ultrasound is a way to identify any significant fetal structural defects. However, not every defect is visible or detectable, even with the best equipment and expertise.
Reason for having big lips
Despite the reason that ultrasound is not a reliable method of getting a clear picture, other explanations unfold why do babies’ lips look big in ultrasound. Babies inside the womb often suck their thumbs. Moreover, due to thumb sucking, their lips might look more extensive than usual for sucking blisters.
Blisters on the lips can also appear for active sucking on the breast or bottle. Their lips get callus because of this rigorous activity, and the baby’s attachment to the nipple gets easier. This inflation is not painful nor brings discomfort to the babies.
Babies develop instincts after being born. Initially, having big lips might be the will of nature to enhance the gripping capability for their breastfeeding. Moreover, the lips are soft and transform into a standard shape with time.
Ultrasound results you should not be worried about
In an ultrasound scan of a baby, lips, nose, head, or face might appear unusual. The baby doesn’t have much body fat during a specific time of pregnancy, and its bones are mostly uncovered. Subsequently, the picture may look odd if the baby’s facing the opposite to the belly while taking an ultrasound.
Similarly, if the baby covers its face with another limb can result in a strange picture. Meanwhile, the first anatomy scan reveals the baby’s soft spots as large dark spots or gaps between the skull. Parents should not be concerned over a strange visual until 20 weeks while the fetus transforms into a human baby.
Frequently asked Questions
1. How can I acquire a clean ultrasound image of the baby?
The amount of fluid consumed by the mother in the days or even weeks preceding the visit is the most critical factor influencing the clarity of the photograph. Therefore, stay hydrated to ensure enough fluid in the amniotic sac for a clear image.
2. Are ultrasounds harmful to the baby?
There is no such evidence that ultrasound wave harms a fetus as there is no radiation involved. However, the scientist has not confirmed the side effects of the long-term non-medical use of ultrasound. Nevertheless, appropriate, medically necessary ultrasounds will not harm your baby.
3. Do newborns’ lips get bigger as they grow older?
A sucking blister on a baby’s lips can make it look bigger. However, it transforms into its usual shape after some time.
4. Can ultrasound provide an accurate picture of the baby?
Yes, considering the duration of pregnancy, a 3D or 4D ultrasound can produce a good quality picture of the baby. After 38 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, the facial details are more accurate. However, there can be exceptions in certain circumstances.
5. Is having an ultrasound beneficial?
An ultrasound scan is an excellent method to check the baby’s growth. It can also help experts to detect any abnormalities in the fetus. Furthermore, it helps the doctors to take precautions if there are any chances of complexity during birth.
6. Does the baby look the same as in the ultrasound picture?
Many of the characteristics will change as your child grows. Few body parts may look odd as the baby stays inside the uterus for an extended period. Additionally, birth stress may impact the baby’s face.
Wrapping Up
When a woman gets pregnant, her baby becomes the center of her world. She notices almost everything and stays concerned about the well-being of the child.
I hope now you understand why do babies’ lips look big in ultrasound. A baby goes through gradual changes when it is inside the womb. On top of that, the ultrasound may not provide an accurate picture.
A newborn’s face may seem puffy due to fluid collection and the difficult passage through the delivery canal. However, the baby gets rid of the excess fluid and the stress of birth in a few days. Therefore, its appearance frequently changes back to normal.
More to Read:
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome