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OBSTETRICAL
ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound
is the use of high-frequency sound waves together with computer imaging
to painlessly view the fetus. The sound waves, transmitted at high frequency,
bounce off the internal structures to generate a computer image. The sonographer
(technician) checks that the pregnancy and the fetus are progressing normally.
Targeted ultrasound in used to examine the fetus' head, chest, stomach,
bones, heart, blood flow, and more.
When
advanced ultrasound is recommended, it is used to estimate due dates, diagnose
the existence of twins, and screen for placental and fetal abnormalities
like congenital heart disease, spina bifida, limb or kidney disorders,
and brain and bowel anomalies.
Ultrasound
is also used for guidance in prenatal diagnostic procedures like chorionic
villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis.
PROCEDURE
Prior
to an ultrasound, women less than 14 weeks pregnant will be asked to drink
several glasses of water. The patient will change into a hospital gown
and lie down on the examination table. The sonographer will apply gel to
the area to be scanned and will move the transducer across the abdomen
to generate computer images of the fetus.
The
procedure is painless -- although a full bladder may be uncomfortable.
Research has not identified any side effects or dangers to the mother or
fetus.
GYNECOLOGICAL
ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound
is the use of high-frequency sound waves together with computer imaging
to painlessly view internal organs and structures. The sound waves, transmitted
at high frequency, bounce off the internal structures to generate a computer
image.
For
gynecology patients, ultrasound is used to view internal organs including
the uterus, ovaries, kidneys, and bladder and to scan for cysts and tumors.
It is also used for guidance during biopsies.
PROCEDURE
Prior
to an ultrasound, non-pregnant women may be asked to drink several glasses
of water. The patient will change into a hospital gown and lie down on
the examination table. The sonographer will apply gel to the area to be
scanned and will move the transducer across the abdomen to generate computer
images of internal organs.
The
procedure is painless -- although a full bladder may be uncomfortable.
Research has not identified any side effects or dangers. |
