Ob/Gyn Associates is proud to offer a range of ultrasound services in our office. We have three highly trained and skilled ultrasound technicians who perform most of our ultrasound evaluations. Your physician will always review the images and interpret the findings before discussing the results with you.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Obstetrical ultrasound can be performed anytime during a pregnancy. Typically, in the first trimester we will perform a “pregnancy confirmation” ultrasound. This ultrasound is performed transvaginally because the fetus is too small to see transabdominally. A second routine ultrasound is performed in the mid-second trimester. This is called an Anatomical Survey. This ultrasound is performed transabdominally. The purpose is to evaluate the development of various organs and structures in your baby. Sometimes we can even see the sex of the baby. Additional ultrasounds are only done for medical reasons during your pregnancy.
High-Tech 3-D ultrasound is the top of the line in ultrasound technology. The new 3-D ultrasound machine provides a completely different look compared to the standard 2-d black and white images typically produced. When appropriate, our machine can provide a 3-D rendering of the surface of the outside of the fetus in three dimensions. Of course, there are limitations as to what we see; the baby still calls the shots.
Gynecological (Pelvic) Ultrasound
A Pelvic ultrasound provides pictures of organs and structures in the pelvic region using sound waves. For women this includes the bladder, uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. For adolescent or virginal women, typically a Transabdominal ultrasound is done. For all other women, a transvaginal approach is preferred due to the superior quality of images obtained.
Transabdominal Ultrasound
The bladder must be full for the sound waves to pass to the uterus and other organs. For this reason, your ultrasound may need to be rescheduled if you arrive with an empty bladder. A special gel will be applied, and then small handheld device called a transducer is passed back and forth over the lower abdomen.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is typically the best method to evaluate the ovaries and uterus. For a woman with a very large uterus or mass, she may have both a transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound. A narrow transducer is shaped to fit into a woman’s vagina. A protective cover is placed on the transducer then typically only two to three inches are inserted into the vagina.