Obstetrical Ultrasound
Ultrasound during pregnancy is arguably the most well-known use of ultrasound. It is a safe, noninvasive, and accurate form of investigation of a fetus, and has become an indispensible tool in the role of obstetrical care.
Some of the most common types of obstetrical ultrasounds we perform include:
Baseline
A very important part of routine obstetrical care, a baseline ultrasound is a complete head-to-toe anatomical survey of your developing fetus and is typically performed between the 20th and 22nd week of pregnancy.
Biophysical Profile
An assessment of fetal well-being involving four discrete biophysical variables: heart rate, breathing, movement, and muscle tone of the fetus. The presence or absence of these variables can help determine fetal health and well-being. It is usually performed during the second half of pregnancy, in conjunction with an abnormal Non-Stress Test.
What to Expect During an Obstetrical Ultrasound
When your provider orders an ultrasound, you will receive a detailed handout that includes preparation information (for example, arriving with a full bladder) as well as answers to some commonly asked questions, such as:
May I bring my family?
Yes, of course! Ultrasounds during pregnancy can be a very exciting experience for patients and their families. Many patients look forward to seeing the fetus move. However, just as with any other diagnostic test, it is important to remember that an ultrasound is a diagnostic study that is done to make sure that the fetus is developing properly and requires the full attention of the sonographer. Please allow approximately 20 minutes at the beginning of the exam for you, one adult guest, and the sonographer only. After the diagnostic portion of the exam has been completed, additional guests will be invited into the room.
If you are bringing children to the appointment, please bring another adult who is capable of caring for them. If children become a distraction during the exam, they and the accompanying adult will be asked to wait in the lobby.
May I take pictures or videos?
Memory take-home pictures are printed for you whenever possible. Taking pictures or videos on your personal devices is strictly prohibited for liability reasons. We do not have DVD capability.
When will I receive my ultrasound results?
As with any test that is performed, your physician will discuss the results with you at your next appointment, or sooner if necessary. The sonographer does not interpret or report results.
Can gender be determined at my ultrasound?
If you desire to know fetal gender, the sonographer will make every attempt to determine this for you. This is not always possible due to several factors, including patient weight, fetal size/ how far along the pregnancy is, and the position the fetus is in at the time of the scan.