Ultrasound Specialist

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a vital kind of technology for monitoring pregnancy and diagnosing gynecological disorders. It uses echoing sound waves to create images of your fetus and internal organs.

The sound waves travel painlessly through your skin, then bounce back to the ultrasound machine, which converts them into images that it displays on a monitor.

Obstetric ultrasound has no adverse effects on you or your baby, so it's safe to use during pregnancy.

When would I need a gynecological ultrasound?

Your OB/GYN at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, might recommend you have an ultrasound to investigate certain gynecological symptoms or assess health issues relating to your reproductive or urinary systems. Examples include:

• Examining a cyst or fibroid
• Diagnosing pelvic pain
• Checking for causes of infertility
• Locating a contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD)
• Monitoring infertility treatment
• Detecting ectopic pregnancy
• Evaluating pelvic floor disorders
  
  

In some circumstances, you might need to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. This is a similar procedure to a standard abdominal ultrasound, but the transducer that emits the sound waves is wand-shaped and fits into your vagina.

How is ultrasound used during pregnancy?

The Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, team uses ultrasound for routine monitoring of your baby. They can detect things like:

• How many babies there are
• Your baby's sex
• Any abnormalities
• Your baby's growth rate, size, and weight
• Position of the fetus
• Location of the placenta
• Quantity of amniotic fluid in your uterus
  
  

You have an ultrasound at your first visit that confirms your due date and identifies multiple pregnancies. If everything progresses as it should, you have another ultrasound at 20 weeks.

At that time, Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC's certified ultrasound technician performs a detailed 3D/4D ultrasound to scan for congenital disabilities and other abnormalities. This is when you can find out your baby's sex if you'd like.

What are the advantages of 4D ultrasound?

Traditional 2D ultrasound produces flat-looking images. It's most useful for diagnosing problems with the baby's internal organs, such as heart and kidney defects. 3D ultrasound creates three-dimensional images and is helpful for diagnosing conditions like cleft lip.

4D ultrasound also creates three-dimensional images, but the advantage is that it continually updates, creating a moving image like a video. Your ultrasound technician also records a DVD clip of your baby that you can show family and friends and keep forever.

To find out more or schedule your routine obstetric ultrasound, call Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, today or book an appointment online.