Obstetric Ultrasound

An Obstetric Ultrasound is a medical procedure that is ordered by your physician to be used either as a diagnostic tool or as a fetal gender identification process. Ultrasound examinations are not self-referral procedures and do require a signed physician's order before they can be performed.

Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Ultrasound is a key tool in checking the baby's health and development. When your doctor orders and Obstetric Ultrasound, it will fall into one of two categories:

• Diagnostic
  A diagnostic obstetric ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside the body. During a diagnostic ultrasound, the sonographer will use ultrasound to study the health and well-being of an unborn baby.
• Gender
  A gender ultrasound is not a diagnostic exam. It is a test that will be used to determine fetal gender to the best professional opinion of the sonographer.

Diagnostic OB Ultrasound

A diagnostic ultrasound can provide the following information about the baby:

• Size and growth rate of the baby. It can help determine the due date and check the baby's overall growth and development.
• Position of the baby and placenta to determine if there could be any problems during delivery.
• Provide a "biophysical profile" that includes the baby's movement, breathing and heartbeat-important signs of the baby's health and well-being.
• Amniotic Fluid-the fluid that surrounds and protects the baby. Ultrasound helps check the baby's health by measuring the amount of fluid. It also helps with amniocentesis (using a needle to remove fluid for further study).
• Ultrasound can also help detect multiple babies, certain birth defects and other conditions that could lead to problems during pregnancy or delivery.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound is another type of diagnostic ultrasound that may be used during the first trimester of a pregnancy, before an abdominal ultrasound can clearly show the baby. It may also be used for better evaluation of the mother's reproductive organs.