What does internal ultrasound reveal about fetal readiness for birth?

Veterinarians use abdominal ultrasounds during the late stages of pregnancy to evaluate changes in fetal organ development and confirm if puppies are ready to be born, which is especially important when considering a C-section.

An ultrasound can reveal several specific indicators of fetal readiness and health:

• Organ Development: Within the final 48 hours of pregnancy, fetal organs complete their development. An ultrasound can confirm this readiness by showing that the internal structure of the puppies’ kidneys has become visible and that their intestinal tracts have started normal peristaltic movements.

• Fetal Head Diameter: By measuring the diameter of the fetal head after 40 days of gestation, veterinarians can more accurately predict the expected whelping date.

• Heart Rates: Ultrasounds are used to measure the puppies’ heart rates to assess birth readiness and monitor for signs of fetal distress. A healthy unborn puppy should have a heart rate that is twice as fast as the mother’s. If the heart rate drops below 150 beats per minute, it indicates fetal distress, and a rate below 100 beats per minute indicates severe distress.