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About Prenatal Ultrasound
An Overview of the Prenatal Ultrasound Process
In first trimester pregnancy ultrasound can be used to provide very accurate dating of the pregnancy, sometimes even more accurate than menstrual history dating, particularly when menstrual history is unsure or irregular.
In addition, multiple gestations(embryo's) can be diagnosed early, abnormalities of the uterus and ovaries may be seen, and some abnormalities of the embryo can be detected.
See Fetal Sonographs
A scan at about 12 weeks will give us the opportunity to determine the nuchal translucency (explained in another section). With modern ultrasound machines, and well-trained sonographers, we can see a great deal of detail in the 12 week fetus.
In the second trimester between 16-20 weeks, this is an excellent time to examine the fetus. We can assess the major organs such as the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and bowel as well as the arms and legs. We make various measurements of the fetus to determine its gestational age and growth. If there has been a previous ultrasound, we can check to see if the fetus has grown appropriately.
You will be able to bring a couple of guests with you to your exam if you wish. The ultrasound exam may take about 30 minutes to one hour for a complete diagnostic exam
For our records we document the examination electronically on computer workstations.
We have the capability to perform 3D imaging of your baby. We can make a video or CD with 3D imaging for you.
At the end of the examination we prepare a report for your obstetrician. The report is printed out and kept in our computer, and can be faxed directly to your ob provider.
If you have more than one examination during a pregnancy, we evaluate the growth of the baby, and can print graphs of the various measurements that we take. Graphing the measurements of two or more examinations is a very good way of showing that the growth of the fetus is normal.
Excerpt from the Medical Ultrasound Fact Sheet from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
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