OBSTETRICAL ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to "see" inside the body.  These waves, which you cannot hear, pass through the skin, bounce off the tissues and return to the machine which makes a "picture" shown on a screen.  The picture is really the shadows produced by the sound waves.

Ultrasound has been used on obstetrics for about 15 years and has never been shown to be harmful to any mother or unborn baby.  Its use has dramatically improved the care of pregnant women and their babies.  Most doctors feel that the benefits of an ultrasound done for a proper reason far outweigh and proposed risk.

Two types or levels of obstetrical ultrasound are currently being done: "basic" and "targeted."  A basic exam looks at the following things:

    .   number of babies and their positions,

    .   heartbeat and movement of the baby's arms and legs showing that the baby is alive,

    .   location of the placenta (afterbirth)

    .   amount of fluid in the womb,

    .   approximate age of the baby (to estimate the due date better)

    .   any unusual lumps or masses in the mother's pelvis (if done early in pregnancy),

    .   a very basic look for any major physical problems (if done after the midpoint)

Finding out the baby's sex is NOT a part of a basic exam and will usually NOT be done.  Targeted ultrasound examinations are done, when for some reason, your doctor is concerned that your baby may have a problem.  Specialists do these exams.  Your ultrasound here will be a basic exam done by a nurse or doctor.  We will attempt to look for evidence of major, obvious birth defects.  However, this is not the main reason for doing an ultrasound during your pregnancy.  If your doctor decides that you need a more through examination, you will be sent to a specialist for a targeted ultrasound exam.  The reason for doing your ultrasound will be discussed with you by your doctor when he orders the test.  If you do not understand or have any question, PLEASE ASK.