the basics of
OB/GYN ULTRASOUND
An ultrasound is a modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the internal organs. In a pregnant or non-pregnant woman it is used to evaluate the woman’s bladder, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries.
The purpose of an OB-GYN ultrasound is:
1. Confirm and monitor pregnancy
2. Evaluate conditions such as ovarian cysts, abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids and more.
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Types of Ultrasounds: Non-Gravid
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Pelvic Ultrasound
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Transvaginal Ultrasound
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These ultrasounds are usually performed if there is concern for any gynecological anomalies, such as: ovarian torsions, uterine fibroids, endometrial carcinoma, etc.
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Types of Ultrasounds: Gravid
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1st Trimester Ultrasound
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Nuchal Translucency (NT): performed between week 11 and week 13 of pregnancy
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2nd Trimester Ultrasound
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3rd Trimester Ultrasound
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Biophysical Profile: usually done after week 32 of pregnancy.
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Fetal Echocardiography: this may be performed if there is concern for congenital heart defects.
These can be a Pelvic Ultrasound and/or Transvaginal Ultrasounds, per the ordering physician's and sonographer's discretion.
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These may also be 2-D, 3-D, and/or 4-D Ultrasounds.
ULTRASOUND IS CONSIDERED THE GOLD STANDARD DIAGNOSTIC EXAM FOR MONITORING PREGNANCY.
What can ultrasound detect in gravid and non-gravid patients?
A L O T
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Congenital anomalies such as:
cleft lip, congenital heart disease, spina bifida, etc.
Fetal Demise
Miscarriages
Ovarian Torsions
Uterine Fibroids
and MANY more
OB/GYN BLOGS
FROM A SONOGRAPHER'S PERSPECTIVE
