The purpose of performing an obstetric ultrasound is to provide a safe, non-invasive, and accurate method to clinically evaluate the pregnant uterus and fetus, right from the confirmation of a viable (alive) pregnancy to throughout the woman’s pregnancy.
Ultrasound imaging is a type of radiological assessment, also called an ultrasound scan or ultrasound sonography (USG) or sonography. It consists of a small probe called a transducer that is placed directly over the skin. A gel is applied over the skin before placing the transducer. High-frequency sound waves generated in the device travel from the transducer through the gel into the body. Sound is absorbed by the tissues and reflected to the transducer. The sound waves are converted to electrical impulses that are interpreted as black and white images.
Why is an obstetrics ultrasound done?
Obstetric ultrasound is usually performed every three to four weeks to monitor the fetus and pregnant uterus throughout pregnancy.
First-trimester obstetric ultrasound:
An ultrasound is first performed to confirm a viable pregnancy. It may be performed either trans-abdominal (the transducer is placed over the abdomen) or trans-vaginally (the transducer is narrow and placed in the vagina). Sometimes, both may be done simultaneously. It is ideally performed before 13-14 weeks of pregnancy. A first-trimester ultrasound examination can help diagnose a miscarriage early and the presence of multifetal gestations (multiple fetuses such as twins or triplets). A first-trimester ultrasound also helps to evaluate the mother’s reproductive system to detect anatomical abnormalities and pathologies.
Second- and third-trimester obstetric ultrasound:
Second- and third-trimester ultrasounds help to assess fetal growth and anatomy. An obstetric ultrasound examination may also include evaluation of the fetal position, amniotic fluid volume around the fetus in the uterus, location of the placenta, fetus’s cardiac activity, the fetal spine, and fetal anomalies.
If fetal anomalies are detected between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, termination of pregnancy may still be an option. Motioning the fetus with the help of ultrasound helps to monitor fetal health, determine the mode of delivery, and calculate the estimated fetal weight and amniotic fluid. Fetal growth evaluations are typically performed every three to four weeks.
How do you prepare for an obstetric ultrasound?
The preparation required for a trans-abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound is minimal. Some doctors advise their patients to arrive with a full bladder for an ultrasound, especially when an obstetric ultrasound is performed after 18 weeks of pregnancy. If a transvaginal ultrasound is to be performed, the patient is asked to void (empty the bladder by urination) just before the ultrasound. This reduces discomfort and collapses the bladder for better visualization of the pelvic organs. Ultrasound transducers are not disposable; hence, it is advisable for patients to visit a center that follows proper hygiene protocols because the transducers require proper cleaning before and after each patient’s use to avoid infection. Trans-abdominal ultrasound transducers are typically cleaned with disposable antiseptic wipes, and the clean transducer may be applied directly to the patient’s skin. Trans-vaginal transducers are usually covered with a disposal cover during the ultrasound. After the ultrasound, the patient can go home right after and return to their usual activities.
SLIDESHOW
Pelvic Pain: What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain? See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.aium.org/resources/guidelines/obstetric.pdf
Top Purpose of Performing an Obstetric Ultrasound Related Articles
16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant?
What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Can you know before your missed period? Read about nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more. Explore first trimester symptoms of pregnancy and learn what week pregnancy symptoms start.
Am I Pregnant Quiz
What are early pregnancy symptoms? In some women, symptoms range from a missed period to feeling lightheaded. Others may experience typical "morning sickness" and food cravings. Could you be pregnant? Take the quiz!
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) uses ultrasound and endoscopy to take pictures of the digestive tract and the surrounding tissues and organs. EUS may be useful in making several medical determinations, including:- staging of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas and rectum,
- staging of lung cancer,
- evaluating chronic pancreatitis,
- studying gallstones and tumors in the bile duct, gallbladder, and liver,
- evaluating reasons for fecal incontinence,
- and studying submucosal lesions.
- drug reactions,
- perforation,
- and a lump in the skin where the IV was placed.
How Do You Do an Obstetric Ultrasound?
Cervical cryotherapy is a medical procedure that involves freezing and destroying the abnormal tissue in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). The procedure may cause some discomfort. Women report some cramping or pressure and a sensation of cold in the vaginal area. Some women do not feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure. It is generally a relatively painless procedure with little or no scarring in the area treated.
What Are Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!
Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Am I Pregnant?
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. When women do experience pregnancy symptoms they may include symptoms including missed menstrual period, mood changes, headaches, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and heartburn. Signs and symptoms in late pregnancy include leg swelling and shortness of breath. Options for relief of pregnancy symptoms include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes.
Pregnancy Diet (Menu Plans)
When a woman is pregnant, she needs more vitamins, minerals, and other foods in her diet to stay healthy and deliver a healthy baby. A healthy pregnancy diet menu plan should consist of lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats (unless you are vegan or vegetarian), and dairy. Examples of healthy pregnancy diet meal plans include holistic pregnancy diet, vegan or vegetarian diet, and low-carb diets. Begin your healthy eating plan around three months before you begin trying to conceive, and follow the same eating plan until after you have stopped breastfeeding. If you are overweight or obese, being pregnant is not the right time to try to lose weight. Discuss your options with your health care professional.
Prenatal Ultrasound
A prenatal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of a pregnant woman's fetus, placenta and amniotic sac. It can be used to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and assess whether your baby is growing normally.
Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound (and ultrasonography) is imaging of the body used in the medical diagnosis and screening of diseases and conditions such as:- TIAs,
- stroke,
- aneurysm's,
- heart valve irregularities,
- carotid artery disease,
- heart disease,
- gallstones,
- kidney stones,
- liver disease,
- diseases of the female reproductive, and
- diseases of the male reproductive organs.
What Is a Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound?
An obstetric ultrasound or sonography is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of a baby inside the mother’s womb. It also shows pictures of the mother's uterus and ovaries. An obstetric ultrasound is an important part of ante-natal (before the delivery of the baby) care.
What Is the Principle of Ultrasonography?
Ultrasound devices send ultrasonic soundwaves through tissue. The device measures how long the waves take to “echo” or return to the device, much like SONAR used by submarines. The programming in the device uses that data to assemble an image nearly in real time; different densities of tissue show up as different concentrations of lighted pixels on the screen, allowing doctors to map the internal structure of the organ or tissue.
When Should I Have My First Pregnancy Ultrasound?
The first pregnancy ultrasound is usually done within the first trimester, in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.