Baby Ultrasound

What is a Baby Sonogram or a Baby Ultrasound?

An obstetrics ultrasound, or a pregnancy ultrasound is an exam that visualizes the growth, anatomy and over appearance of the fetus within the female pelvis. Without being exposed to radiation, an ultrasound is the safest procedure for both mother and baby throughout the course of a pregnancy.

A female pregnancy consists of a 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester. In which during these trimesters ultrasounds are highly recommended to evaluate the baby fetus and to help assure good health to both the mother and baby. First pregnancy ultrasounds are usually scheduled between the sixth weeks and tenth weeks of pregnancy.

How is the baby ultrasound performed?

Like many ultrasounds, this type of procedure is performed by a trained sonographer  who is able to operate the ultrasound machine and obtain images and measurements needed to evaluate the fetus. Patients are examined in a comfortable upright position, which helps alleviate pressure on the lower back.

Water base soluble ultrasound gel is applied over the patient’s abdomen, this helps transmits waveforms from the transducer (camera) and aides in obtaining detail images on the ultrasound monitor.

Does a pregnancy ultrasound hurt?

An abdominal ultrasound to check the health of the baby is usually painless. You may feel a slight pressure from the transducer site but otherwise this procedure is painless. Prenatal ultrasounds are a crucial part of your pregnancy and thus should be performed on a timely manner.

Are there different kinds of ultrasounds used during pregnancy?

The most common forms of ultrasounds used during pregnancy are transabdominal ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, 3-D ultrasound, and 4-D ultrasound.

There are many reasons why an ultrasound may be performed, for example:

1st Trimester Ultrasound

An ultrasound during the 1st trimester can provide an image of the fetus in its infancy and determine implantation of the embryo.

Tests that can confirm pregnancy:

These tests check the hormone levels that are commonly elevated when a women is pregnant.

An ultrasound not only confirms pregnancy, but screens for normal and abnormal variants that exist. During the 1st trimester of pregnancy information obtained through sonography is used to measure proper embryo and gestational sac development and location.

Normal variant findings:

2nd & 3rd Trimester

Over the duration of the pregnancy, the size and growth of the fetus will change. Facial features, limbs and anatomy can be seen developing. During this time we are able to use ultrasound to determine the gender of the baby. The purpose for screening during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is to evaluate proper growth and position of the baby.

Measurements to evaluate growth of fetus:

Risk Factors during Pregnancy

A mother’s health is highly important during the duration of the pregnancy. Medical conditions such as heart conditions or blood pressure issues that could lead to toxemia would be considered a “high risk” pregnancy for the patient and baby.

Although pregnancy can be exciting and a great experience, chances of medical conditions that may affect the fetus can occur. Using ultrasound to screen for these types of conditions is highly useful and recommended.

Abnormal conditions found during obstetric ultrasound: