Ultrasound

The Purpose of an Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are primarily known for prenatal imaging during various stages of pregnancy. However, ultrasounds have other uses — they provide a non-invasive look into the body with low-power sound waves. 

A typical ultrasound procedure starts by applying gel to the skin of the examined area. This gel prevents air pockets that block the sound waves from creating clear images. Ultrasound results are visible in real time as a trained technician — or sonographer — runs a hand-held device called a transducer against the skin. This device sends the sound waves into the body and collects the waves that bounce back to produce an image on the computer. Depending on your needs, this process may take 30 minutes to an hour.

Our Ultrasound Services

We will work with you to review your personal health history and goals to ensure we meet your needs while keeping you safe and comfortable during services like:

• Sonohysterogram: This ultrasound allows a health care provider to see inside your uterus. A sonographer can use the results to detect sources of problems like bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility.
• 3D/4D ultrasound: These ultrasounds are optional but desired by most parents. A 3D/4D ultrasound provides a three-dimensional image of your baby with a live effect, allowing you to see your baby yawn or smile.
• Amniotic fluid index (AFI): AFI is the score given to the amount of amniotic fluid present in pregnancy for the fetus's well-being. The average measurement is 5 cm to 25 cm. Anything less than 5 cm is considered oligohydramnios, and over 25 cm is polyhydramnios.
• Fetal Viability scan: Usually performed abdominally at 7 to 12 weeks, this first ultrasound will confirm if a pregnancy is developing normally, checking for the gestational age of the fetus and heartbeat, as well as any problems with the placenta or presence of an anomaly.
• Anatomy scan: This standard ultrasound is performed around 20 weeks. The doctor uses ultrasound technology to check for the development of your baby's body parts, organs, and any congenital conditions. Anatomy scans can also determine the sex of your baby.
• Diagnostic breast ultrasound: These ultrasounds are usually done following a mammogram or physical exam. They enable providers to look closely at abnormal results like potential cysts or tumors.
• Whole-breast ultrasound: A complete breast ultrasound looks inside the breast to detect problems. It also examines the blood flow to the rest of the breast.