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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 10 2006, 4:45 PM EDT | annika | |
| Apr 19 2006, 1:18 PM EDT | annika | 2 words deleted, 1 photo added |
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An ultrasound uses sound waves to examine internal structures, including the developing fetus. Ultrasound is a non-invasive exam that is generally considered safe for the mother and fetus. However, some women and healthcare providers believe otherwise.
There has not been any study that proves the technology safe for your fetus. Likewise, it has not been shown that it is unsafe, so the decision is entirely yours. Depending on which trimester you are in, ultrasound may be used to assess different things.
Early in the pregnancy, your healthcare provider may use a transvaginal ultrasound. During this procedure, a slender probe is inserted into your vagina and images of the uterus and ovaries are generated on a computer screen and evaluated by a trained technician.
Later in the pregnancy, your healthcare provider will do a transabdominal ultrasound. During this procedure, your abdomen is coated with a gel and a technician passes a wand-like tool called a transducer across your abdomen.
Images of the fetus are generated on a computer screen and evaluated/measured by a trained professional. When this procedure is conducted during the first trimester, a full bladder is required.
If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you may have an advanced ultrasound. This procedure is similar to the transabdominal ultrasound, but targets specific problems using more sophisticated equipment.
You may also have a 3-D ultrasound (sometimes called 4-D), which uses specially designed probes to create a 3-D image of the fetus. Additionally, you may have a Doppler ultrasound, which can detect moving blood cells and measure their direction and speed.
There has not been any study that proves the technology safe for your fetus. Likewise, it has not been shown that it is unsafe, so the decision is entirely yours. Depending on which trimester you are in, ultrasound may be used to assess different things.
First trimester:
- Confirm a pregnancy
- Estimate gestational age
- Identify location of pregnancy (in uterus or in fallopian tubes)
- Check for a neural tube defect
Second trimester:
- Identify possible fetal abnormalities -- during weeks 11 to 14: characteristics of potential Down syndrome
- During weeks 18 to 20: possible congenital malformations
- Check for multiple pregnancies
- Confirm gestation age and fetal growth
- Check level of amniotic fluid
- Determine the baby’s sex
Third trimester:
- Determine the location and development of the placenta
- Check fetal well being and movement
- Identify any uterine or pelvic abnormalities of the mother
- Assess levels of amniotic fluid
Early in the pregnancy, your healthcare provider may use a transvaginal ultrasound. During this procedure, a slender probe is inserted into your vagina and images of the uterus and ovaries are generated on a computer screen and evaluated by a trained technician.
Later in the pregnancy, your healthcare provider will do a transabdominal ultrasound. During this procedure, your abdomen is coated with a gel and a technician passes a wand-like tool called a transducer across your abdomen.
Images of the fetus are generated on a computer screen and evaluated/measured by a trained professional. When this procedure is conducted during the first trimester, a full bladder is required.
If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you may have an advanced ultrasound. This procedure is similar to the transabdominal ultrasound, but targets specific problems using more sophisticated equipment.
You may also have a 3-D ultrasound (sometimes called 4-D), which uses specially designed probes to create a 3-D image of the fetus. Additionally, you may have a Doppler ultrasound, which can detect moving blood cells and measure their direction and speed.
