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Pregnancy ultrasound

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Ultrasound in pregnancy
Ultrasound in pregnancy
Ultrasound, normal fetus - abdomen measurements
Ultrasound, normal fetus - abdomen measurements
Ultrasound, normal fetus - arm and legs
Ultrasound, normal fetus - arm and legs
Ultrasound, normal placenta - Braxton Hicks
Ultrasound, normal placenta - Braxton Hicks
Ultrasound, normal fetus - face
Ultrasound, normal fetus - face
Ultrasound, normal fetus - femur measurement
Ultrasound, normal fetus - femur measurement
Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot
Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot
Ultrasound, normal fetus - head measurements
Ultrasound, normal fetus - head measurements
Ultrasound, normal fetus - heartbeat
Ultrasound, normal fetus - heartbeat
Ultrasound, normal fetus - heartbeat
Ultrasound, normal fetus - heartbeat
Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs
Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs
Ultrasound, normal relaxed placenta
Ultrasound, normal relaxed placenta
Ultrasound, normal fetus - profile view
Ultrasound, normal fetus - profile view
Ultrasound, normal fetus - spine and ribs
Ultrasound, normal fetus - spine and ribs
Ultrasound, color - normal umbilical cord
Ultrasound, color - normal umbilical cord
Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain
Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain
Ultrasound - series
Ultrasound - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pregnancy sonogram; Obstetric ultrasonography; Obstetric sonogram; Ultrasound - pregnancy

Definition    Return to top

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.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

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    Return to top

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 the Test Will Feel    Return to top

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.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

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:

Scans may also be obtained in the second and third trimesters to:

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.

Normal Results    Return to top

The fetus and associated pelvic structures are normal in appearance and appropriate for the gestational age.

Note: Normal results may vary slightly. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Abnormal ultrasound results may be due to some of the following conditions:

Risks    Return to top

There is no documented effect regarding current ultrasound techniques and the risk to women and their developing babies. No ionizing radiation is involved.

Update Date: 1/24/2008

Updated 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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