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Pregnancy ultrasound
Alternate Names : Pregnancy sonogram, Obstetric ultrasonography, Obstetric sonogram, Ultrasound - pregnancy
Definition
A pregnancy ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to see how a fetus is developing in the womb. It is also used to check the female pelvic organs during pregnancy.
Why is the Test Performed?
Some doctors order an ultrasound when they think there may be a problem with the pregnancy. 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 problems, such as ectopic pregnancies or potential for miscarriage
- Assess the baby's heart rate
- See if there are multiple pregnancies
- Identify problems of the placenta, uterus, and pelvis
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 pelvis
Some centers are now performing a scan at around 13 - 14 weeks of pregnancy to look for risks of Down syndrome or other developmental abnormalities in the fetus. The total number of scans will depend on whether a previous scan or blood test has detected problems that require follow-up testing.
How is the Test Performed?
You will lie down for the procedure. The person performing the test places a clear, water-based gel on your belly and pelvis area and then moves a hand-held probe over the area. The gel helps the probe transmit sound waves. These waves bounce off the body structures, including the developing fetus, to create a picture on the ultrasound machine. In some cases, a pregnancy ultrasound may be done by placing the probe into the vagina. For information on this procedure, see transvaginal ultrasound.
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 will the Test 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.
Pictures & Images
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 Ultrasound in pregnancy
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - abdomen measurements
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - arm and legs
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 Ultrasound, normal placenta - Braxton Hicks
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - face
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - femur measurement
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - head measurements
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - heartbeat
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 Ultrasound, ventricular septal defect - heartbeat
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs
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 Ultrasound, normal relaxed placenta
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - profile view
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - spine and ribs
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 Ultrasound, color - normal umbilical cord
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 Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain
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 Ultrasound - series
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See all Pictures & Images
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Jump To Another Page
- Pregnancy ultrasound : Definition
- Pregnancy ultrasound : Why is the Test Performed?
- Pregnancy ultrasound : How is the Test Performed?
- Pregnancy ultrasound : How to Prepare for the Test?
- Pregnancy ultrasound : How will the Test Feel?
- Pregnancy ultrasound : Risks
- Pregnancy ultrasound : Normal Values
- Pregnancy ultrasound : What do Abnormal Results Mean?
- Pregnancy ultrasound : Pictures & Images
- 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, ventricular septal defect - 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
- Ultrasound - series
- Procedure, part 1
- Procedure, part 2
- Procedure, part 3
Review Date : 1/24/2008
Reviewed By : Benjamin Taragin, M.D., Adjunct Professor of Radiology, Columbia Presbyterian School of Medicine, New York, NY, and Attending Radiologist, St. Joseph's Hospital, Paterson, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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