Understanding Your OB Ultrasound
Fetal ultrasound images can help your provider evaluate your baby's growth and development.
A dating ultrasound will be done around 10 weeks gestation to verify your due date. There is no preparation for this exam.
In early pregnancy (6-10 weeks), if there is a suspected problem, a transvaginal ultrasound may be performed. A vaginal transducer is placed in your vagina allowing the baby and pelvic anatomy to be seen more clearly. There is no preparation for the exam.
A routine fetal anatomy ultrasound is performed around 20 weeks gestation of pregnancy. This will provide information about:
- Age and size of the baby
- Placenta
- Baby's development and anatomy
- All anatomy may not be visualized and it may be necessary to. have a follow-up exam in 4 weeks.
- Rule out abnormalities
- If you have a family history of an abnormality or a possible abnormality is suspected on the routine ultrasound, your provider may refer you for a more detailed or Level II ultrasound.
It is necessary to drink 32 ounces of water in preparation for the exam. Please begin to drink water one hour prior to the exam. This helps to define the placental position and to check the length of the cervix. Please eat something about 30 minutes prior to the exam as this encourages the baby to move.
This is an exciting and happy time for you and you deserve the best quality medical sonogram. You can assist us in creating an environment that allows the sonographer to focus on you and your baby by helping in the following ways:
- Please limit the number of visitors in the room, including children. We may need to limit the amount of visitors in the exam room.
- Children attending the ultrasound must be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
- Visitors need to be on time and keep voices down during the exam to ensure the sonographer can give you their undivided attention.
- No cell phone use or any personal videotaping or still photography is allowed during the ultrasound.
- You will be given the results of the ultrasound by your provider.
- You will receive pictures with any ultrasound that is performed.
- If you arrive late, your appointment may be rescheduled.
Thanks for assisting us in making this a great experience for you.
