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 indispensable tool in the role of obstetrical care.

Obstetrical Ultrasound

Some of the most common types of obstetrical ultrasounds we perform include:

1st Trimester Ultrasound

This scan is commonly performed within the first 14 weeks, post-conception. It may be utilized as a screening exam to confirm fetal heart rate, intrauterine pregnancy, and early measurements for dating purposes. A first-trimester scan can also be a diagnostic tool if the patient is experiencing symptoms such as bleeding or cramping. If you are greater than 10 weeks pregnant, please come with a full bladder for optimal images. This exam is usually done vaginally.

2nd Trimester Anatomy Scan

A very important part of routine obstetrical care, an anatomy ultrasound is a complete head-to-toe anatomical survey of your developing baby and is typically performed between the 20th and 22nd week of pregnancy. A full bladder is required for optimal images. This scan is done abdominally.

3rd Trimester Ultrasound

3rd Trimester scans are important to evaluate the baby’s position, growth, and overall well-being. Your doctor may order several 3rd-trimester scans if you have specific conditions that justify additional monitoring. This scan is done abdominally. Please come with a full bladder for optimal images.

Biophysical Profile

An assessment of fetal well-being involves four discrete biophysical variables: amniotic fluid index, breathing, movement, and muscle tone of the baby. 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? Ultrasounds during pregnancy can be a very exciting experience for patients and their families. Many patients look forward to seeing the baby. However, just as with any other diagnostic test, it is important to remember that an ultrasound is a diagnostic study and the sonographer is attempting to gain vital information that will assess the overall health and proper development of your baby. It requires the full attention of the sonographer. To limit distractions, only one adult visitor is allowed to attend the appointment with each patient. Please do not bring children to this appointment.

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 of the baby at the time of the scan.