Ultrasound Exam
The ultrasound exam is a non-invasive procedure in which high-frequency sound waves are directed into your uterus and are reflected back to the receiver. It is commonly used to:
- confirm pregnancy
- detect ectopic pregnancy
- determine the number of babies you are carrying
- locate the placenta
- determine age of the baby (within a 10 day window)
- detect any gross deformities or structural malformations
- assess your baby’s growth and health
- evaluate risks such as placental implantation
- determine sex of baby (about 75% accurate)
- determine the presentation and position of baby
- assess fluid volume
The technician will place a gel (it may be warmed or cold) on your abdomen, and then use a transducer to send the sound waves and collect information as they return. As this happens, an image of your baby and uterine contents can be seen on the ultrasound screen. Depending on the magnification, position of your baby and placement of the transducer the image may be recognizable as body parts or be an unrecognizable blur. A standard ultrasound exam will last about 20 minutes. An advanced ultrasound will last around one hour. In many parts of the United States, ultrasound has become a routine part of prenatal care.
There is some debate about routine ultrasound (routine means every woman has the test during pregnancy regardless of medical need). Although many care givers feel the test is safe, there are a significant number who feel the technology is not thoroughly tested and should not be used when there is no benefit. They site research that shows no improvement in outcomes for mother’s or babies from routine ultrasound. The concern is a technology that may pose risks should only be used when necessary, especially when there is no improvement of outcomes. The debate continues, and until research concludes one way or the other families would do well to avoid any unnecessary (not medically indicated) use of ultrasound.
You May Also Be Interested In:Learn about epidurals so you can make an informed decision. Explore the list of Recommended Childbirth Books and other products. Find out about childbirth in other cultures and explore how culture changes your perceptions of pregnancy and childbirth. Find out ways to keep a pregnancy journal. Assess your pregnancy weight gain to see if it is healthy. |
|
© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally
Home | Site Index | Disclaimer | Contact
|
|