Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, uses high-frequency soundwaves to create images of your organs and other structures in your body. Since you’re not exposed to radiation, ultrasound is safe to use during pregnancy.

When you need an ultrasound, a device called a transducer sends the soundwaves into your body. The waves bounce off organs and tissues and return to the transducer. The transducer sends the information to a computer, where the echoes are converted into highly detailed images.

How is an ultrasound performed?

The highly-trained technicians at Glow Obstetrics & Gynecology perform two types of ultrasound:

Transabdominal ultrasound

This type of ultrasound can be performed on any woman, but it’s best known as the ultrasound women receive during pregnancy. Your sonographer first applies ultrasound gel to your abdomen. The gel helps soundwaves travel through your skin. Then the sonographer places the transducer against your skin and moves it around to obtain an image of your baby or other abdominal structures.

Transvaginal ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound uses a narrow transducer that’s placed inside your vagina. This type of ultrasound produces a clearer image of pelvic organs because the soundwaves don’t go through your skin.

How is ultrasound used in obstetrics?

Dr. Conyac may order an ultrasound at any time during your pregnancy to evaluate the health of your baby. However, ultrasound is most often done early in your pregnancy and during the second trimester.

You may need an ultrasound in the first trimester to confirm a multiple pregnancy, to determine the baby’s gestational age and due date, or to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. During the second trimester, around 18-20 weeks, you’ll have a standard ultrasound to evaluate your baby’s growth, anatomy, and the amount of amniotic fluid. The second trimester is also when you may learn the gender of your baby.

How is ultrasound used in gynecology?

Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool used to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Gynecologic problems and conditions often assessed using ultrasound include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Dr. Conyac may also perform an ultrasound to detect endometrial or ovarian cancer.

When you need an ultrasound, you can count on the team at Glow Obstetrics & Gynecology to produce high-quality imaging. To schedule an appointment, call or use the online booking feature today.