Please wear a loose-fitting, two-piece outfit for the examination. If you are having a transabdominal ultrasound, your bladder will need to be full so please avoid using the bathroom 1-2 hours before the exam and drink plenty of fluids. If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound, you will need to have an empty bladder.

Ultrasound scanners consist of a computer console, a video display screen, and a transducer, a small hand-held device resembling a microphone that sends out inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body and then listens for the returning echoes. A small amount of gel in place on the examination area helps to conduct the transfer of sound waves between the skin and transducer.

Ultrasound imaging is based on sonar and the principle that a sound wave bounces back or echoes when it strikes an object. By measuring echo waves, it is possible to determine an object's distance, size, shape, and density, and whether the object is solid or filled with fluid. In medical settings, ultrasound is able to detect the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels, and abnormal masses, such as cysts and tumors. During an ultrasound, a transducer is pressed against the skin and sends tiny pulses of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the sound waves bounce off internal organs, tissues, and fluids, the transducer records tiny changes in the echoes’ pitch and direction, which in turn creates a real-time image on the monitor that may be captured as still images or short video loops. Doppler, a special application of ultrasound, which processes and makes audible echoes produced by blood flow, can be used to measure and graphically display the direction and speed of blood flow through the fetal heart, blood vessels, and umbilical cord.

The most common type of ultrasound scanning is two-dimensional (2D), in which the sonographic image is comprised of thin slices viewed one slice at a time. Although trained ultrasound specialists can learn a great deal of information from 2D images, 3D and 4D Ultrasound can provide more exact, more lifelike, and, many times, more informative results. 3D ultrasound records and stores a series of echoes, and then through shading and other digital techniques produce life-like, three-dimensional images of the fetus. 4D ultrasound utilizes the images produced by 3D technology and adds a dynamic dimension of movement to the output, resulting in life-like moving images of the fetal activity that are not possible with 2D. Using 4D Ultrasound a fetus can be viewed breathing, smiling, swallowing, yawning, crying, blinking, and moving its fingers and other extremities. Your MFM specialist is able to carefully observe the fetus in real-time and detect a range of structural issues, such as cleft lip and palate, skeletal problems, or limb abnormalities. 3D/4D Ultrasound has the added benefit of enhancing maternal bonding as the expectant mother is able to view lifelike images of their baby in real-time, and in many cases, as a permanent keepsake. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology do not advocate the use of obstetric ultrasonography without a medical indication.

Typically, you will lie face-up on an adjustable exam table and may be turned to either side to improve the quality of ultrasound images. A trained physician or sonographer will apply a water-based gel to the area of the body under examination (in order to improve the conduction of sound waves between your skin and the transducer). The transducer is placed on the body and moved back and forth over the examination area until the desired images are captured. ​ Transvaginal ultrasounds are usually performed with you lying on your back, possibly with your feet in stirrups similar to a gynecologic exam. A protective cover is placed over the transducer (whose tip is smaller than a typical speculum) and is lubricated with a small amount of gel. The transducer is then inserted approximately two to three inches into the vagina and orientated in order to achieve the best views of the uterus and ovaries. ​ Once your ultrasound scan is complete, the clear, water-soluble gel will be wiped off your skin.

Most ultrasound exams are painless, fast, and easily tolerated. Sometimes during an obstetrical ultrasound, the sonographer may have to press firmly to get closer to the embryo or fetus to better visualize the structures. Any discomfort is usually minimal and temporary. During a transvaginal ultrasound, you may experience minor discomfort as the transducer is inserted into the vagina. During a Doppler ultrasound, you may hear pulse-like sounds as the blood flow is monitored and measured. Ultrasound examinations are usually completed within 30 minutes. Upon completion of your ultrasound, you will be asked to dress and wait for the ultrasound results to be reviewed. You should be able to immediately resume normal activities after your ultrasound examination.

Women’s Health Consultants performs comprehensive ultrasound tests right at our facility so you can get fast, accurate, and insightful results. We’ll ensure you fully understand your results and can make the most informed decision for your health with the help of your obstetrician/gynecologist. To schedule an appointment and learn more, contact us by calling us, completing our Request An Appointment Form, or initiate a referral through your obstetrician/gynecologist.