Why is this procedure done?
An ultrasound is done to help see the baby inside of the mothers womb. Ultrasound uses sound waves to make images or pictures. The doctor may want to see how the pregnancy is progressing. Sometimes, you have an ultrasound to see the age and sex of the baby inside of the womb. The doctor can look at the baby's organs. An ultrasound may show the need for more testing. ‚
What will the results be?
Your doctor will look at the ultrasound. The results will help your doctor understand if there is a problem with your babys development. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
You may need to have a full bladder. If so, you will be asked to drink a few glasses of water. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lie down on a bed. The technician will place a small amount of gel on your belly. The gel will help transmit sound waves inside your body.
- The technician will move a probe around your belly. The probe puts out sound waves. The sound waves bounce off of your baby and your babys organs. A computer picks up the sound waves. The computer changes sound waves into pictures.
- You can see the pictures in a monitor beside the bed. The probe may move over your skin and change positions. Changing positions will help to get more clear and complete images. The technician may take still pictures or a videotape of moving images.
- Sometimes, the technician may press the probe more firmly to get a clearer view of the baby. You may feel some discomfort.
- The procedure may take less than 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
The technician will wipe off the gel. Your doctor will look at the printed images or videotape. You can go home right after your procedure. Talk to your doctor about when the results will be available. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You may go back to your normal activities after the procedure. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. The results will help your doctor understand the development of your baby. ‚
What problems could happen?
Ultrasound tests do not cause any problems to your health. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American College of Radiology ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=obstetricus ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚