What Types Of Pregnancy Ultrasound Are There?
There are basically seven different pregnancy ultrasound exams, but the basic process is the same.
The different types of procedures include:
Transvaginal Scans – Specially designed probe transducers are used inside the vagina to generate sonogram images. Most often used during the early stages of pregnancy.
Standard Ultrasound – Traditional ultrasound exam which uses a transducer over the abdomen to generate 2-D images of the developing fetus.
Advanced Ultrasound – This exam is similar to the standard ultrasound, but the exam targets a suspected problem and uses more sophisticated equipment.
Doppler Ultrasound – This imaging procedure measures slight changes in the frequency of the ultrasound waves as they bounce off moving objects, such as blood cells.
3-D Ultrasound – Uses specially designed probes and software to generate 3-D images of the developing fetus.
4-D Dynamic Ultrasound – Uses specially designed scanners to look at the face and movements of the baby prior to delivery.
Fetal Echocardiography – Uses ultrasound waves to assess the baby’s heart function. This is used to help assess suspected congenital heart defects.
How Is An Pregnancy Ultrasound Performed?
The traditional ultrasound procedure placing the gel on as a conductor for the sound waves. A transducer to produce sound waves into the uterus.
The sound waves bounce off bones and tissue returning back to the transducer to generate black and white images of the fetus.
When Are Pregnancy Ultrasounds Performed?
Ultrasounds may be performed at any point during pregnancy, and the results are seen immediately on a monitor during the procedure. Transvaginal scans may be used early in pregnancy to diagnose a potential ectopic.
There is not a recommended number of ultrasounds that should be performed during routine prenatal care.
Because ultrasound should only be used when medically indicated, many healthy pregnancies will not require an ultrasound. The average number of ultrasounds varies with each healthcare provider.
What Does The Pregnancy Ultrasound Look For?
Ultrasounds are diagnostic procedures that detect or aid in the detection of abnormalities and conditions related to pregnancy. Ultrasounds are usually combined with other tests, such as triple tests, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling, to validate a diagnosis.
What Are The Risks And Side Effects To The Mother Or Baby?
The ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure which, when used properly, has not demonstrated fetal harm.
The long-term effects of repeated ultrasound exposures on the fetus are not fully known. It is recommended that ultrasound only is used if medically indicated.
