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In this Article

• Introduction to prenatal ultrasound
• Is prenatal ultrasound safe?
• When is an ultrasound performed during pregnancy?
• What Is a 3-D and 4-D ultrasound?
• How should I prepare for a prenatal ultrasound?
• What happens during an ultrasound?
• What happens after a prenatal ultrasound?
• Will insurance pay for the ultrasound?
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Prenatal Ultrasound Index

How Should I Prepare for an Ultrasound?

There is no special preparation for the ultrasound test. Some doctors require you to drink 4 to 6 glasses of water before the test, so your bladder is full. This will help the doctor view the baby better on the ultrasound. You will be asked to refrain from urinating until after the test.

Some doctors allow you to videotape the ultrasound so that you can take it home. Ask your doctor if this is an option. If it is, you will need to bring a blank videotape or DVD to your appointment.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

You will lie on a padded examining table during the test and a small amount of water-soluble gel is applied to the skin over your abdomen. The gel does not harm your skin or stain your clothes.

A small device, called a transducer, is gently applied against the skin on your abdomen. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the body, which reflect off internal structures, including your baby. The sound waves or echoes that reflect back are received by the transducer and transformed into a picture on a screen. These pictures can be printed out or sometimes recorded on a videotape.

There is virtually no discomfort during the test. If a full bladder is required for the test, you may feel some discomfort when the probe is applied over the bladder.

You may be asked to hold your breath briefly several times.

The ultrasound test takes about 30 minutes to complete.

What Happens After an Ultrasound?

The gel will be wiped off your skin and your health care provider will discuss the test results with you.

Will Insurance Pay For the Ultrasound?

Insurance will pay for the ultrasound if it is deemed medically necessary. If you have an ultrasound that is not medically necessary (for example, to simply see the baby or find out the baby's sex), your insurance company may not pay for the ultrasound.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCE:

The March of Dimes.

Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD on December 20, 2009

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