What is an Ultrasound Exam?

Ultrasound exams use sound wave energy to create two, three, or even four-dimensional images of the inner body. Ultrasound exams are highly useful in obstetrics and gynecology because they give the doctor so much information about the otherwise hidden parts of the body. There are two basic types of ultrasound exams, transabdominal ultrasounds, and transvaginal ultrasounds. In a transabdominal ultrasound, the ultrasound test is done on the lower abdomen. In the transvaginal ultrasound, the test is done via a wand-shaped transducer that is inserted into the vagina.

How Does Ultrasound Produce Images?

A transducer projects sound waves into the patient's body. As these waves reach the bones and tissues in the body, the are bounced backward. The waves that are bounced back are then transformed into images of the interior organs. During pregnancy, the baby can be seen as well.

What is Ultrasound Testing Used For?

Ultrasound testing is used as a diagnostic tool for many different women's health issues. Ultrasounds are used to investigate the reasons behind infertility, uterine growths, lumps in the breasts, abnormal uterine bleeding, and many other health problems. During pregnancy, ultrasound tests can be one of the most useful and important tools used to monitor the baby's growth.

How Many Ultrasounds Does a Woman Need While Pregnant?

It depends on the situation, but most women have at least one ultrasound while pregnant, typically at the 16 to 20-week mark. Some people call this the gender ultrasound since the baby's sex is typically visible at that point. Some women have an earlier ultrasound exam, as well. Ultrasounds are not typically done during late pregnancy unless there is a specific reason for them. For example, women who have unexplained bleeding or unusual pain in their last trimester may need to have another ultrasound before delivery to determine the issue.