When you hear the term “ultrasound” you usually imagine a pregnant woman trying to get a sneak peek of the baby growing inside the womb, or even trying to find out to paint the nursery pink or blue! Ultrasounds provide invaluable information about your gynecological health and a growing baby. It is one of the essential aspects of your prenatal care. Specialists for ultrasound Memorial City provide in-office ultrasound diagnosis and evaluation to provide a convenient and hassle-free experience.
What is an Ultrasound?
Diagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography, is a popular imaging method that uses sound waves to produce images of the structures within your body. The images can provide detailed information for diagnosing diseases and conditions for treatment purposes. It is a safe, simple, and painless procedure.
What is The Purpose of an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is used for many reasons, especially to view the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy and monitor the developing baby’s health.
However, it is also useful for women who are not pregnant, when they suffer symptoms that require an ultrasound to diagnose the cause. The symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual flow
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Suspected ovarian or uterine cancer
- Abnormal bloating and distension in the pelvic area
- Painful intercourse
Currently, 4D ultrasounds are gaining popularity which gives a superior image of your baby. You can make out the features of your baby inside the womb.
What Happens During an Ultrasound?
You would be recommended to come in for the scan with a full bladder if you are in your first trimester of pregnancy. It is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that is performed by a qualified sonologist or a radiologist.
During the scan, an ultrasound device with a probe is slowly glided over the abdomen across your pelvic region. A slight pressure would be applied to better image certain organs.
The probe emits sound waves that bounce off internal tissues, your fetus, and organs and is transferred to a computer to create an image that is interpreted by the gynecologist.
What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound And When is it Needed?
A transvaginal or internal ultrasound is a type of scan where the probe (sterile) is inserted vaginally. This gives a clear picture of your uterus and the uterine lining.
This can also effectively detect the presence of any fibroid, or scar tissue adhesions.
Takeaway
Ultrasounds are safe, common, and effective imaging tests. But make sure you get it from a well-trained radiologist or a sonologist who understands how to use the technology efficiently.
