How does ultrasonography work?
An ultrasound probe connected to an ultrasound machine is placed on the area being examined. The probe emits sound waves which travel through your body and bounce back. The returning sound waves (or echoes) are read by the machine and translated into a picture on the screen. The waves show the size of the object, how far away it is and how dense it is (Is it fluid, such as blood, or is it solid, such as bones). The images are capture in real time which allows doctors to see the movement of the fetus and the blood flow.
Is it safe?
Yes. There are no known risks to ultrasound. Sound waves can generate heat as they cause small vibrations in your body. This heat is minimal and disappears quickly but can build up if the scan is performed over a long period of time. For this reason, scans should be performed only by trained healthcare practitioners.
How is sonography done?
You will likely first be asked several questions to confirm your personal details and the reason for your scan. The exact questions you will be asked will vary but should confirm who you are and whether you have any allergies.
An ultrasound scan is performed by placing a small probe on your abdomen (an external or ‘transabdominal’ scan) or into the vagina (an internal or ‘transvaginal’ scan). In some cases, both approaches are used but most early pregnancy examinations up to the first trimester involve an ‘internal’ scan as this provides more detailed information.
Can you describe the exact procedure?
• An external scan (Transabdominal scan)
For a ‘transabdominal scan’ a small amount of ultrasound jelly is applied over your abdomen. The jelly ensures contact between you and the probe and improves the quality of the images. You do not have to remove your clothes, but we will need access to your abdomen, so it is advisable to wear loose clothing and to cover your clothes to avoid getting jelly on them. You should let us know if you become uncomfortable during the scan.
• An internal scan (transvaginal scan)
A ‘transvaginal scan’ is an internal scan. You will need to remove your underwear and any sanitary wear, and because of this some women find it easier to wear a dress or skirt. In contrast to the transabdominal scan, your bladder needs to be empty. You will likely be asked to empty your bladder before this portion of the scan starts. The ‘transvaginal scan’ involves the insertion of a relatively thin probe into the vagina. The probe is covered by a clean cover (like a condom). Ultrasound jelly is squirted into the cover and also applied to the end of the probe to improve the contact and images are obtained as with the transabdominal scanning. The probe is relatively long but only the very end is inserted; the length of the probe is simply to allow the person performing the scan to move it during the examination. Your scan will be conducted in a private room. Here again, you should let us know if you become uncomfortable during the scan.
Will it be painful/uncomfortable?
Most women do not find ultrasound scans uncomfortable. The transabdominal scan involves some pressure on your abdomen and can cause some discomfort. An internal scan may be uncomfortable for some women who have problems with generalized or specific areas of tenderness. Tenderness and discomfort does not necessarily mean there is a problem. If you do find the scan uncomfortable, do tell us. We may be able to change how the scan is performed to make it more comfortable. If the scan is very uncomfortable you can ask to stop the examination for a short while or altogether.
Will I be able to see my baby?
We have a second screen installed on which you will be able to see the live ultrasound exam. Depending on the position of your baby, we may also be able show you recognizable features of your baby – face and limbs. For proper documentation, we store a large number of images from each ultrasound study. The most essential images important for your referring gynecologist doctor will be printed out attached to your report.
Will the report be available immediately?
In most of the cases, yes. However, in scenarios where the position of the baby is not correct so as to be able to perform a complete scan, we might request a review scan the next day or after two days. Only when the scan is completed, we will be able to give a report.
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