Ultrasound
An ultrasound, a sonogram, uses sound waves to produce images of soft tissues inside the body. Sound waves move through the body, and based on the frequency, the signals are translated into images on a computer.
Our team provides high-quality imaging at a convenient suburban location. Our highly trained radiologists and imaging technologists use the most advanced technology and equipment to tailor each exam to your specific needs and diagnosis.
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 on the mother’s abdomen (transabdominal) or 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 blood movement 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.
Why do you need a fetal ultrasound?
Fetal ultrasound is a routine part of prenatal care. This is because it’s a low-risk procedure that gives essential information. A typical 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 the following:
- If a woman is pregnant with multiple babies
- The gestational age of a baby
- Where to place the needle during the removal of amniotic fluid (amniocentesis)
- Tracking the fetus’s growth during the pregnancy.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound is a particular type of ultrasound that is used to look at blood flow.
A Doppler ultrasound machine has a hand-held scanner connected to a computer. It uses sound waves to make pictures of the blood flow in your major arteries and veins.
Benefits of a Doppler ultrasound
- Non-invasive
- Painless
- It can show if you have any blocked arteries
- It can show if you have any blood clots in the veins in your legs.
- It can show the amount and speed of blood flow in your veins and arteries.
- Can be used instead of some more invasive procedures.
