Introduction
A prenatal ultrasound exam, also called a sonogram, is an imaging test that allows your health care provider to see your baby and placenta in the uterus. This is a safe and painless test that does not expose you or your baby to any X-rays, needles, or medicines. Prenatal ultrasounds may be used to check your baby's growth and development, evaluate possible problems, or check your baby's position before or during labor.
Prenatal ultrasounds are done using a handheld plastic device (transducer) that sends out sound waves (ultrasound). The sound waves reflect off of your baby's bones and other tissues to create moving images on a computer screen. The sound waves can create images of structures, movement, and blood flow. There are two types of prenatal ultrasound: Transabdominal ultrasound. During this test, a transducer is placed on your belly and moved around. A routine transabdominal ultrasound is usually done between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy (standard ultrasound). It may also be done between weeks 13 and 14. A transabdominal ultrasound can let your health care provider know: The position of your baby. The approximate size and weight of your baby. The amount of fluid surrounding your baby (amniotic fluid). The location of the organ that supplies your baby with nourishment and oxygen (placenta). If you are carrying more than one baby. The sex of your baby (if your baby is in a position that allows the exam to see the sex organs). If there are any possible problems that require more testing. Transvaginal ultrasound. During this test, a transducer that is shaped like a wand is placed inside your vagina. This type of ultrasound is usually done during early pregnancy. A transvaginal ultrasound can let your health care provider know: How far along your pregnancy is (gestational age). If you are carrying more than one baby. Your baby's heart rate. If your pregnancy is forming outside your uterus (ectopic pregnancy). If your baby may have any genetic problems. You may have other ultrasounds as needed at any point during your pregnancy. If your health care provider suspects a problem, you may also have a …show more content…
This makes it easier to see the structures around and underneath your bladder.
Before a transvaginal ultrasound, you may be asked to empty your bladder before the exam.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing so it is easy to undress or expose your lower belly for the exam.
What happens during the test?
If you are having a transabdominal ultrasound:
You will lie on an exam table.
Your belly will be exposed.
Gel will be rubbed over your belly.
The transducer will be pressed on your belly and moved back and forth, through the gel. You may feel slight pressure, but there should not be any pain.
You may be asked to change your position.
You may hear sounds of blood flow and your baby's heartbeat. You may be able to see images of your baby on the computer screen.
After the exam, the gel will be cleaned off and you can replace your clothing.
If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound:
You change into a hospital gown or undress from the waist down and cover yourself with a paper sheet.
You will lie down on an exam table with your feet in footrests (stirrups).
The transducer will be covered with a condom and
A prenatal ultrasound exam, also called a sonogram, is an imaging test that allows your health care provider to see your baby and placenta in the uterus. This is a safe and painless test that does not expose you or your baby to any X-rays, needles, or medicines. Prenatal ultrasounds may be used to check your baby's growth and development, evaluate possible problems, or check your baby's position before or during labor.
Prenatal ultrasounds are done using a handheld plastic device (transducer) that sends out sound waves (ultrasound). The sound waves reflect off of your baby's bones and other tissues to create moving images on a computer screen. The sound waves can create images of structures, movement, and blood flow. There are two types of prenatal ultrasound: Transabdominal ultrasound. During this test, a transducer is placed on your belly and moved around. A routine transabdominal ultrasound is usually done between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy (standard ultrasound). It may also be done between weeks 13 and 14. A transabdominal ultrasound can let your health care provider know: The position of your baby. The approximate size and weight of your baby. The amount of fluid surrounding your baby (amniotic fluid). The location of the organ that supplies your baby with nourishment and oxygen (placenta). If you are carrying more than one baby. The sex of your baby (if your baby is in a position that allows the exam to see the sex organs). If there are any possible problems that require more testing. Transvaginal ultrasound. During this test, a transducer that is shaped like a wand is placed inside your vagina. This type of ultrasound is usually done during early pregnancy. A transvaginal ultrasound can let your health care provider know: How far along your pregnancy is (gestational age). If you are carrying more than one baby. Your baby's heart rate. If your pregnancy is forming outside your uterus (ectopic pregnancy). If your baby may have any genetic problems. You may have other ultrasounds as needed at any point during your pregnancy. If your health care provider suspects a problem, you may also have a …show more content…
This makes it easier to see the structures around and underneath your bladder.
Before a transvaginal ultrasound, you may be asked to empty your bladder before the exam.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing so it is easy to undress or expose your lower belly for the exam.
What happens during the test?
If you are having a transabdominal ultrasound:
You will lie on an exam table.
Your belly will be exposed.
Gel will be rubbed over your belly.
The transducer will be pressed on your belly and moved back and forth, through the gel. You may feel slight pressure, but there should not be any pain.
You may be asked to change your position.
You may hear sounds of blood flow and your baby's heartbeat. You may be able to see images of your baby on the computer screen.
After the exam, the gel will be cleaned off and you can replace your clothing.
If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound:
You change into a hospital gown or undress from the waist down and cover yourself with a paper sheet.
You will lie down on an exam table with your feet in footrests (stirrups).
The transducer will be covered with a condom and