Pregnancy ultrasound

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Ultrasound in pregnancy

Ultrasound, normal fetus - abdomen measurements

Ultrasound, normal fetus - arm and legs

Ultrasound, normal placenta - Braxton Hicks

Ultrasound, normal fetus - face

Ultrasound, normal fetus - femur measurement

Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot

Ultrasound, normal fetus - head measurements

Ultrasound, normal fetus - heartbeat

Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs

Ultrasound, normal relaxed placenta

Ultrasound, normal fetus - profile view

Ultrasound, normal fetus - spine and ribs

Ultrasound, color - normal umbilical cord

Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain

Overview

Risks

Results

Pregnancy ultrasound

Definition:

A pregnancy ultrasound is a method of seeing the fetus and female pelvic organs during pregnancy. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves. These waves bounce off body structures to create a picture.

Alternative Names:

Pregnancy sonogram; Obstetric ultrasonography; Obstetric sonogram; Ultrasound - pregnancy

How the test is performed:

You will lie down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel will be applied to your skin over your abdomen and pelvis. The gel helps transmit sound waves. A hand-held probe is then moved over the area.

Another method is performed with the probe placed in the vagina of the patient (transvaginal ultrasound scanning). This technique often complements conventional ultrasound techniques by providing better detail. Consult your health care provider to determine which technique is most appropriate for you.

How to prepare for the test:

A full bladder is necessary to get a good picture. Therefore, you may be asked to drink 2 to 3 glasses of liquid an hour before the test. You should not urinate before the procedure.

How the test will feel:

There may be some discomfort from pressure on the full bladder. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet. You will not feel the ultrasound waves.

Why the test is performed:

Some physicians order an ultrasound when an abnormality is suspected, while others advocate screening ultrasounds. You should consult your health care provider to determine the most appropriate scanning schedule for you.

Scans may be performed in the first trimester to:

Confirm a normal pregnancy
Assess the baby's age
Rule out abnormalities, such as ectopic pregnancies or potential for miscarriage
Assess the baby's heart
See if there are multiple pregnancies
Identify abnormalities of the placenta, uterus, and other pelvic structures

Scans may also be obtained in the second and third trimesters to:

Assess the baby's age, growth, position, and sometimes gender
Identify any developmental problems
Rule out multiple pregnancies
Evaluate the placenta, amniotic fluid, and remaining structures of the pelvis

Some centers are now performing a scan at around 13-14 weeks of pregnancy to look for risks for Down Syndrome (which causes mental retardation) or other developmental abnormalities in the fetus.

The total number of scans will vary depending on whether a previous scan or blood tests have detected abnormalities that require follow-up assessment.

Review Date: 5/3/2006
Reviewed By: Neil Grossman, MD, MetroWest Radiology Associates, Framingham, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.