Compassionate Care for Women

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

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.

The standard sonogram with its "sketchy " image is called a 2D sonogram 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. 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