Ultrasound Services
Ultrasound has been a safe and reliable medical technology and a preferred imaging modality in obstetric and gynecological care for decades. Ultrasound utilizes sound waves to create precise, multi-dimensional, real-time images of internal organs and other soft tissue. At Women's Health Consultants, our board-certified Perinatologists with specializations in fetal ultrasonography in collaboration with registered diagnostic medical sonographers with certifications in obstetrics/gynecology perform a wide range of obstetrical and gynecological ultrasounds that utilize the latest clinical approaches and state-of-the-art technology, including 3D/4D ultrasound equipment. As a result, our patients benefit from early and accurate diagnoses and cutting-edge clinical treatment of complex prenatal complications as well as routine gynecologic and obstetric care.
Obstetric Ultrasounds
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Obstetric ultrasounds use sound waves to produce pictures of a baby (embryo or fetus) within a pregnant woman, as well as the mother's uterus and ovaries. Obstetrical ultrasounds are commonly used to:
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estimate the age of the pregnancy
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evaluate the position of the fetus
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evaluate the position of the placenta
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determine if there are multiple pregnancies
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determine the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby
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check for opening or shortening of the cervix
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assess fetal growth and overall well-being
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3-D ultrasound may be used to further evaluate the fetus and determine if it is developing normally
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Doppler ultrasound may be performed in order to evaluate blood flow in the umbilical cord, fetus or placenta
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diagnose congenital abnormalities of the fetus
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Obstetric procedures that utilize ultrasound include:
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Sonohysterograms (SIS)
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Level II Ultrasound with 3D and 4D Capability
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Multiple Gestation Imaging
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Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction
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Percutaneous Umbilical Artery sampling (PUBS) ​
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Gynecologic Ultrasounds
Gynecologic ultrasounds are used to image the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and bladder in the diagnosis of various medical conditions, and to help determine the proper location and viability of an early-stage pregnancy. A gynecological, or pelvic, ultrasound can be used to:
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Check the location of an IUD
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Look for causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding
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Other menstrual problems
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Evaluate pelvic or abdominal pain
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Evaluate couples with infertility
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Diagnose ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy the is located outside the uterus)
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Look for the growth of uterine fibroids, ovarian or paraovarian cysts, or tumors in the pelvic organs, ovarian or uterine cancers
A pelvic ultrasound may be transabdominal or transvaginal, depending on your specific situation or needs. 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. You may feel some discomfort during a transvaginal scan when the transducer is inserted, but for most patients, the procedure is easily tolerated. Generally, transabdominal ultrasounds should be pain-free.
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A Doppler ultrasound exam, which may be part of a pelvic ultrasound examination, is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood flow through arteries and veins and the movement of other materials in the body. Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
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blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
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narrowing of vessels
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tumors and congenital vascular malformations
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reduced or absent blood flow to various organs, such as the ovaries
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increased blood flow, which may be a sign of infection
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A transvaginal ultrasound is usually performed to view the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and the ovaries. Transvaginal ultrasound also evaluates the myometrium (muscular walls of the uterus). Sonohysterography allows for a more in-depth investigation of the uterine cavity. Three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound permits evaluation of the uterus and ovaries in planes that cannot be imaged directly. These exams are typically performed to detect:
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uterine anomalies
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uterine scars
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endometrial polyps
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fibroids
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cancer, especially in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding
Some physicians also use 3-D ultrasound or sonohysterography to evaluate the outer contour of the uterus or uterine irregularities in patients with infertility.
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