ULTRASOUND SERVICES Having ultrasound available at the time of examination is very beneficial to both patient and physician. In many cases our healthcare providers can immediately diagnose a patient’s condition and prescribe treatment without having the patient return for multiple visits. It’s also less stressful for the patient who doesn’t have to wait several days for a diagnosis. This saves time and is much more cost effective in the long run. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Ultrasound Schedule for Pregnant Patients Your first ultrasound is performed on your first OB appointment to confirm your official due date. We can see a sac as early as 5 weeks, a baby as early as 6 weeks and we can see a heart beat in the beginning of the 6th week. 15 weeks – we can usually tell the gender of the baby at this time if the baby cooperates. Arms and legs are developed and the facial features are easily seen in the profile view. 20 weeks – we perform an anatomy scan. This is when we measure the baby, look at the organs & extremities. This includes looking at the heart, brain, kidneys, stomach, bladder, spine, arms, legs and placenta. 28 weeks - we measure baby to determine weight and to see if there are any abnormalities. If so, we know to monitor baby more closely. 36 weeks – this is the last time we look at the baby. We measure to determine weight. If there are any abnormalities at this time it will help determine the birth plan. Robyn Saucier, our In-house Ultrasound Technician Reasons for Ultrasounds during Pregnancy Ultrasounds can be used to check a number of variables when you’re pregnant, including: • How your baby is developing and your baby’s age • Any problems in your uterus, ovaries, cervix, or the placenta • How many babies you are carrying • Any problems you and/or your baby may be having • Your baby’s heart rate • Your baby’s growth and position in your uterus • The level of your amniotic fluid Benefits of Ultrasound Ultrasounds offer many advantages: They are generally painless and do not require needles, injections, or incisions. Patients aren't exposed to ionizing radiation, making the procedure safer than diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and CT scans. In fact, there are no known harmful effects when used as directed by your healthcare provider. Ultrasound captures images of soft tissues that don't show up well on X-rays. Ultrasounds are widely accessible and less expensive than other methods. Different Types of Ultrasounds 2D – gives you outlines and flat looking images, but it can be used to see the internal organs of the baby. This is helpful in diagnosing heart defects, issues with kidneys, and other potential internal issues. 3D – images are used to show you three-dimensional external images that may be helpful in diagnosing issues such as a cleft lip. What 4D ultrasound brings to the table is that as the image is continuously updated, it becomes a moving image, like watching a movie. 4D - The main difference between a 3D and 4D ultrasound is the addition of the 4th dimension which is time. A 3D ultrasound produces a 3D image of the baby that gives a more detailed and realistic view of the baby without any motion. With 4D ultrasound instead of a 3D picture, you get a real-time image of the baby. Gynecologic Ultrasound Gynecologic ultrasound examination has multiple uses, including but not limited to: • Evaluation of the menstrual cycle (endometrial thickness, follicular development) • Monitoring natural or stimulated follicular development during infertility therapy • Localization of an intrauterine device • Evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding • Assessment of a pelvic mass (e.g., adenomyosis, fibroid, cancer, cysts) • Evaluation of congenital uterine anomalies • Screening for malignancy What is Transvaginal Ultrasound? A transvaginal ultrasound is a technique where an ultrasound probe is placed within the vagina with the tip of the probe up against the cervix. The purpose of this technique is to get clearer pictures of the uterus and ovaries than can be obtained through a standard surface pelvic ultrasound. BACK TO SERVICES FAQPRIVACYTERMS OF USE © Hancock Women’s Center, 2019 | Website by Bella Gonzalez