Also referred to as sonography or ultrasound scanning, ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to look inside the body and take images. The technology has several applications, including services for pregnant women. If you are pregnant and scheduled your first ultrasound with your local OB-GYN center, learn what you need to know about the procedure and how to prepare by using the guide below.

What Should I Know About Fetal Ultrasounds?

Their Purpose

The imaging technology provides pregnant women with first looks at their growing babies. Ultrasounds determine whether the fetus is developing normally by checking for issues such as spina bifida and Down syndrome, and records the breathing rate and heartbeat.

The painless procedure also checks for ectopic pregnancies, or those outside of the uterus, as well as the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus. Amniotic fluid provides shock absorption to protect the fetus from external pressures while also keeping the baby warm.

Ultrasounds additionally determine the fetus’s gestational age to predict their due date, examine the health of the cervix and ovaries, check for multiple fetuses, and look for other abnormalities such as cleft palates, kidney issues, and heart problems.

What Happens During the Procedure

A pregnant woman will change into a hospital gown before lying on the table, often in a dark room to increase computer image visibility. The technique uses either a transducer over the abdomen or in the vagina to capture live images. Vaginal ultrasounds are usually utilized at the beginning of pregnancies because they provide clearer images of the ovaries and uterus. For abdominal ultrasounds, the OB-GYN technician spreads a clear gel over the abdomen to improve sound wave transmission.

The technician moves the wand over the abdomen as the transducer produces high-frequency sound waves. The computer attached to the transducer measures the sound waves as they rebound off the body, which allows the machine to capture black and white images of the fetus and surrounding tissue.

Prepare for your ultrasound by drinking two or three eight-ounce glasses of water if your OB-GYN practitioner asks you to. Do not urinate until after the procedure, as a full bladder offers a clear image of the uterus and fetus. Wear a two-piece clothing ensemble so you can easily expose your abdomen or undress for a vaginal ultrasound. 

Make ultrasound appointments at Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology as part of your prenatal plan. The OB-GYN center in Rochester, NY, follows the highest standards of women’s care and offers 24/7 access to health records through their online portal. Call (585) 232-3210 today to schedule an appointment or learn more about women’s health services on the website. Like the Facebook page for additional reproductive health tips.