What Is OB-GYN Ultrasound?
An OB-GYN ultrasound test uses high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, that are transmitted through the abdomen via a device called a transducer to look at the inside of the abdomen. With OB-GYN ultrasound, the echoes are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of your baby.
The ultrasound can be used during pregnancy to show images of the baby, amniotic sac, placenta, and ovaries. Major anatomical abnormalities or birth defects are visible on an ultrasound.
Most OB-GYN ultrasound procedures are performed topically, or on the surface of the skin, using a gel as a conductive medium to aid in the image quality. However, a transvaginal ultrasound is an alternative procedure in which a tubular probe is inserted into the vaginal canal. This method of ultrasound produces an image quality that is greatly enhanced, but it is not a common prenatal procedure. However, it may be used early in pregnancy to get a clearer view of the uterus or ovaries if a problem is suspected. It may also be used early in pregnancy to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy (gestational age). Prenatal Ultrasounds can be performed using Two Dimensional (2D), Three Dimensional (3D) or Four Dimensional (4D) techniques.
Is OB-GYN Ultrasound Safe?
Studies have shown ultrasound is not hazardous. There are no harmful side effects to you or your baby. In addition, ultrasound does not use radiation, as X-ray tests do.
When Is an Ultrasound Performed During Pregnancy?
An ultrasound is generally performed for all pregnant women around 20 weeks into her pregnancy. During this ultrasound, the doctor will confirm that the placenta is healthy and that your baby is growing properly in the uterus. The baby’s heartbeat and movement of its body, arms and legs can also be seen on the ultrasound.
If you wish to know the gender of your baby, it can usually be determined by 20 weeks. Be sure to tell the health care provider performing the ultrasound whether or not you want to know the gender of your baby. Please note that ultrasound is not a foolproof method to determine your baby’s gender; there is a chance that the ultrasound images can be misinterpreted.
An ultrasound may be performed earlier in your pregnancy to determine:
- Presence of more than one fetus
- Your due date or gestational age (the age of the fetus)
Later in pregnancy, ultrasound may be used to determine the:
- Health of the baby
- Placenta location
- Amount of amniotic fluid around the baby
- Position of the baby
- Baby’s expected weight
What Types of OB-GYN Ultrasound Does Quality Mobile Ultrasound Offer?
Having a baby can be fun, exciting and a little scary all at once. Are you going to have a baby soon? If you’re expecting parents and would like to have a chance to see your new baby up close and create that special moment which can be helpful in drawing the whole family closer together, then keep reading and see why our OB-GYN Ultrasound Program may be for you…
Discovering what your baby looks like can be a very fun and rewarding experience. If you are at all curious what your baby looks like. Then an ultrasound is probably right for you.
In recent studies it has been shown that viewing an ultrasound can cause marked improvement in maternal health habits and family dynamics.
Images created by traditional two-dimensional ultrasound technology do not easily compare as a first portrait. Traditional 2D ultrasound produce black-and-white swirls and streaks for images, making it is very difficult in some settings, to identify the different parts of baby’s anatomy. Although during the time of the examination and with guidance from the Sonographer, the images can appear clear, and the experience is also rewarding.
Images can vary depending on the position of the baby, amount of fluid present, baby’s gestational age, position, and mother’s condition.
Two Dimensional (2D)
A traditional 2D Ultrasound Image
Learn More about 3D Ultrasounds