What is an Ultrasound?

Written By Guest User

You’re pregnant. How can an ultrasound help you decide what to do next?


WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND?
An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, involves the use of sound waves to visualize what’s inside the body. After a positive pregnancy test, the use of ultrasound is a non-invasive method to confirm that you are actually pregnant and provide valuable information about the pregnancy.

What a Limited Obstetrical (OB) Ultrasound can tell you:

  • Confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus.

    • This is important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which means a pregnancy that is outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are rare, but can be very dangerous.

  • Measure the baby to confirm dates.

    • The sonographer can take measurements to confirm the gestational age of the baby. Knowing how far along you are in the pregnancy will help you better understand your options.

  • Find a fetal heartbeat.

    • This confirms that the pregnancy is viable, in other words, that the baby is alive and growing. When the heartbeat is present, you can see the heart beating on the ultrasound monitor if you’d like. It is always your choice whether you want to see the images of the ultrasound or not.

WHY MIGHT I WANT TO GET AN ULTRASOUND?

  • An ultrasound exam can give you more complete information about exactly what is happening in your body and with the developing baby. This allows you to make a fully informed choice about your pregnancy.

  • An ultrasound can let you know if there is a problem that might need more immediate medical follow-up care.

  • Take home a photo of the baby.

    • If you would like photos of the baby, these can usually be provided at your request. Again, it is always your choice whether you want to see the images of the sonogram.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF ULTRASOUND?

  • The ultrasound appointment takes about an hour and you may bring an adult support person with you.

  • For this exam, you lie on your back on an exam table and gel is applied to your abdomen. A transducer is placed on the outside of your abdomen in order to see the structures inside your pelvis and the pregnancy. This is called a trans-abdominal ultrasound.

  • If it is very early in the pregnancy, you may be offered the option of having a trans- vaginal ultrasound which involves inserting a transducer into the vagina to allow a closer look at reproductive structures and the pregnancy. This is always up to you to choose if you would like this procedure, or to return at a later time when the baby is larger.

  • The sonographer will record images and take measurements that are reviewed by a medical doctor. It is always your choice whether you want to view these images and/or receive a photo of an image of the baby.

SO NOW WHAT?

  • At Bloom, we offer confidential ultrasounds at no cost to you.

  • If you are interested in discussing the option of having a limited OB ultrasound performed, click here to make an appointment.

This blog was written by:
Kelly Lash, RN, MSN, ANP-BC

Guest User
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