Between weeks fifteen and twenty-two of
pregnancy your doctor will likely order an
"ultrasound exam."
While many tests during pregnancy are
greeted with fear of the unknown, most women
eagerly anticipate the ultrasound because it
gives them the very first glimpse of their new
baby. Here, we've answered some of your
most common questions about ultrasound and
sonogram.
What is the difference between an ultrasound
and a sonogram?
The procedure where sound waves are bounced
off an object is referred to as ultrasound. The
picture resulting from the translated sound
waves is called a sonogram. Many women use
the terms interchangeably and technically
they're correct. They mean the same thing
because you use the ultrasound to create the
sonogram.
How does ultrasound work?
The principle is simple. Sound waves, much
like those used by sonar on a ship, are sent
into the body from a wand called a
"transducer, " where they bounce off structures
and "echo" back to the transducer. The
information is then translated into a real-time
image on a TV monitor.
What is ultrasound used for?
Doctors and midwives use ultrasound
technology to:
- Confirm a normal uterine pregnancy
- Assess fetal age
- Assess fetal heart activity
- Assess fetal movement
- Determine the presence of multiple
pregnancies
- Identify abnormalities of the placenta,
uterus, and other pelvic structures
- Verify the position of the fetus and of
the placenta
- Identify the presence of some genetic
abnormalities
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Is it safe?
Ultrasound is a completely safe, noninvasive exam
that does not require any preparation. Sound Waves
are used and there is no danger associated with this
test. Many women receive multiple ultrasound
sessions over the course of a pregnancy with
complete safety.
Are there different types of
ultrasound exams?
I have seen sonograms where you can almost
recognize the baby, while others offer only a
sketchy outline. Are there different types of
ultrasound exams?
The stand sonogram with its "sketchy " image is
called a 2D sonogram (at right, top) and until
recently was the industry standard. After the
mid-1970's, when ultrasound became widely
accepted as a valuable diagnostic exam, additional
advances in technology lead to better image
quality. The current standard are 3D and 4D
ultrasound )at right, bottom). A 3D ultrasound
system is capable of determining the volume of an
object and displaying it back as a
three-dimensional image in great detail. Under the
right circumstances with 3D sonogram images, you
can almost recognize the baby. A 4D ultrasound is
a 3D image that also shows movement. Through
the ultrasound exam. Your sonogram image will be
your baby's first portrait for your baby book.
Source:
"Todays Pregnancy" Health Issue
By Debbie Davis
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