What Is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound (sonogram) is a technique of imaging that utilizes sound waves to help obtain a better view of your body structures.
Ultrasound is widely used in the medical field as it provides thorough imaging of the body’s soft tissues. It can help with many diagnoses, but it’s more commonly known for its use in the field of obstetrics.
There are two main techniques of ultrasound testing:
Trans-Abdominal Ultrasound, a form of ultrasound testing that uses a probe-like object called a transducer, which is moved on your abdomen, emitting sound waves and receiving the reflections, and producing images. There are various types of trans-abdominal ultrasound, including:
- Specific ultrasound evaluation – needed in special situations such as suspected fetal anomaly
- Doppler – can be used to assess the baby’s blood flow
- 3D ultrasound imaging – used to attain a multi-dimensional data of the baby, which helps detect facial anomalies
- Fetal echocardiography (ECG) – provides detailed data about the baby’s heart
Trans-vaginal Ultrasound, a technique using a wand-like transducer that is introduced into your vagina. Trans-vaginal ultrasound is used when the trans-abdominal approach doesn’t provide enough information.
Why Is Ultrasound Done?
Ultrasound imaging can provide lots of useful information along the course of pregnancy, including:
- Confirmation of pregnancy
- Detection of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus)
- Confirming the gestational age of your baby (how long have you been pregnant)
- Confirming the number of babies
- Assessing your baby’s growth
- Assessing the placental development
- Assessing the amniotic fluid (the fluid inside the baby’s sac)
- Detecting birth anomalies
- Investigation of concerning signs (e.g., bleeding)
- Performing needed tests to determine your baby’s condition
- Detecting your baby’s position inside the uterus before delivery
What Happens During Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound imaging done in an ultrasound center is usually conducted by a sonographer or an ultrasound technician. Usually, the procedure lasts around 25 minutes.
Before the Beginning the Imaging
You could be asked to reveal your abdomen or change into a hospital gown depending on the technique of ultrasound you are using (trans-abdominal or trans-vaginal).
During the Imaging
Your sonographer will begin by applying a lubricant gel on your abdomen before using a probe-like device called a transducer, or in a case of trans-vaginal ultrasound, a transducer is gently introduced into your vagina. These transducers painlessly send out sound waves and pick up the reflections, which produces the image. While guiding the transducer, the sonographer may use a computer device to capture pictures of your uterus and ovaries.
After capturing the needed images, the procedure is over, and the gel is removed, and you will be good to go. Then the results are sent to your doctor to determine the best course of action, and you will receive a copy of the pictures or a link to view them.
Ultrasound Imaging in Jacksonville, Florida
If you are looking for an ultrasound center near you, visit us at Innovative Open MRI & Imaging. With the use of top tier technologies combined with the efforts of our board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists, reliable imaging results have never been closer!
You can contact our staff at (904) 268-1080. They are looking forward to making your experience as comfortable and worthwhile as possible. You can also fill out our online form to request an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
