Fetal Ultrasound!

Fetal Ultrasound

What is fetal ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy. It creates an image of the baby in the mother's womb (uterus). It’s a safe way to check the health of an unborn baby. During a fetal ultrasound, the baby’s heart, head, and spine are evaluated, along with other parts of the baby. The test may be done either on the mother’s abdomen (transabdominal) or in the vagina (transvaginal).

There are several types of fetal ultrasound:

• Standard ultrasound. The test uses sound waves to create two-dimensional images on a computer screen.
• Doppler ultrasound. This test shows the movement of blood through the umbilical cord, in the baby’s heart, or between the baby and the placenta.
• 3-D ultrasound. This test shows a lifelike image of an unborn baby.

Ultrasound uses an electronic wand called a transducer to send and receive sound waves. No radiation is used during the procedure. The transducer is moved over the abdomen, and sound waves move through the skin, muscle, bone, and fluids at different speeds. The sound waves bounce off the baby like an echo and return to the transducer. The transducer converts the sound waves into an electronic image on a computer screen.

Why might I need fetal ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound is a routine part of prenatal care in the U.S. This is because it’s a low risk procedure that gives important information. A routine prenatal ultrasound can check for defects or other problems in the fetus. The following can be examined:

• Abdomen and stomach
• Arms, legs, and other body parts
• Back of the neck
• Head and brain
• Heart chambers and valves
• Kidneys
• Placenta placement
• Spine
• Umbilical cord
• Urinary bladder

A fetal ultrasound can also show:

• If a woman is pregnant with multiple babies
• The gestational age of a baby
• Where to place the needle during removal of amniotic fluid (amniocentesis)
• Whether a feus is growing properly

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to request a fetal ultrasound.

What are the risks of fetal ultrasound?

All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure include:

• Mild discomfort from the transducer on the abdomen or in the vagina
• Reaction to a latex covering for the transducer, if you have a latex allergy

In some cases, an ultrasound may appear to show a problem that is not there called false-positive. The test can also miss a problem that is there called false-negative. In some cases, additional testing may be needed after a fetal ultrasound.

Fetal ultrasound is sometimes offered in nonmedical settings. This is done as a way to give keepsake images or videos for parents. In these cases, it’s possible for untrained staff to misread the images and give parents incorrect information. Make sure to have fetal ultrasound done by trained medical staff. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Your risks may vary depending on your general health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you. Discuss any concerns you may have.