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Pregnancy Ultrasound
Alternate Names : Obstetric Sonogram, Obstetric Ultrasonography, Pregnancy Sonogram, Ultrasound - Pregnancy
DefinitionPregnancy ultrasound is a method of imaging the fetus and the female pelvic organs during pregnancy. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves which bounce off body structures to create a picture.
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, Normal Fetus - 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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See all Pictures & Images
Why is the Test Performed?
There is no definitive rule as to the number of scans a woman should have during her pregnancy. Some physicians will order an ultrasound when an abnormality is suspected on clinical grounds, while 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 intra-uterine pregnancy
- Assess fetal age
- Exclude abnormalities such as ectopic pregnancies or potential for miscarriage
- Assess fetal heart activity
- Determine the presence of multiple pregnancies
- Identify abnormalities of the placenta, uterus, and other pelvic structures
Scans may also be obtained in the second and third trimesters to:
- Assess fetal age, growth, position and sometimes gender
- Identify congenital malformations
- Exclude multiple pregnancies
- Evaluate the placenta, amniotic fluid, and remaining structures of the pelvis
Some centers are now performing a scan at around 13-14 weeks of pregnancy to screen for findings that may represent a risk for Down Syndrome (a type of chromosomal defect which causes mental retardation) or other developmental abnormalities, in the fetus.
The total number of scans will vary depending on whether a previous scan or blood tests have detected abnormalities that require follow-up assessment.
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Definition Why is the Test Performed? How is the Test Performed? How to Prepare for the Test? How will the Test Feel? Normal Values What do Abnormal Results Mean? Special Considerations Risks
Pictures & Images
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Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Review Date : 5/17/2002
Reviewed By : Evan Mair, M.D., Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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