Ultrasound Examinations

What is ultrasound imaging (sonography)?

Diagnostic ultrasounds (also called sonograms) are amazing non-invasive diagnostic tools. But what is an ultrasound, exactly?

An ultrasound is a machine that uses completely safe, high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. The sound waves bounce off your internal organs, soft tissue, and even your baby to create images – like sonar.

Unlike X-rays, sound waves emitted by the ultrasound probe (AKA transducer) contain no radiation.

Ultrasound scans are a painless procedure that’s used to look at many different parts of your body, from your heart to your baby in utero.

There are different types of ultrasound scans which we will discuss next. These are meant to see or diagnose certain parts of a patient or baby’s anatomy at different times of the pregnancy.

What types of ultrasounds are there?

You’re probably familiar with a traditional obstetric ultrasound if you’ve ever watched a movie or TV show with a pregnant character. But, there are a couple different ultrasound techniques depending on what part of the body your doctor needs to check:

Abdominal ultrasound

A very common imaging test, a sonographer will apply the ultrasound wand to your abdomen to check the liver, pancreas, kidneys, gall bladder, abdominal aorta, or spleen. This type of ultrasound is not part of normal pregnancy care, but we may call for scans if the patient has another medical condition that could complicate the pregnancy.

Pelvic ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasounds are very common during pregnancy to evaluate the health and development of the fetus, as well as the condition of the cervix, uterus, and placenta. There are three diagnostic ultrasound techniques depending on what exactly we’re checking for.

Transabdominal ultrasound

The kind you see on TV, the gel and ultrasound wand are applied to the lower abdomen to create an image of your growing baby.

Transvaginal ultrasound

A bit more invasive than a traditional ultrasound, the wand is inserted into the patient’s vagina to better evaluate the ovaries, uterus, and cervix. Often used to detect and analyze tumors and ovarian cysts as well as to confirm pregnancy.

Transrectal ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is most often used to evaluate the prostate gland. However, if a transvaginal ultrasound is contraindicated, the ultrasound wand can instead be inserted into the rectum to obtain similar quality images.

Chest ultrasound

A radiologist or sonographer applies the gel and transducer to the chest to evaluate the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, and lymph nodes.

What is an advanced ultrasound exam?

An advanced ultrasound examination is a specialized type of ultrasound that uses more powerful equipment and allows us to see more detail in the images. Your doctor may recommend this type of ultrasound if they need to get a closer look at a particular area or if you have a complex medical condition.

Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online

What is a placenta evaluation?

The placenta is an amazing organ that develops with the fetus during pregnancy. The placenta delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products. But the placenta can also provide important information about your baby’s health and, sometimes, can give information we need to save your baby’s life.

A placenta evaluation is a test done to check the placenta’s health. It can be performed at any time during pregnancy, but usually between weeks 18 and 20. We use this test to assess the health of the placenta and make sure that the placenta is functioning well and not causing problems for the baby.

The placenta ultrasound evaluation includes a check for:

The amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus
Blood flow to and from the uterus
The position of the placenta in relation to other organs in your abdomen
Any abnormalities found during a vaginal exam

What is a Doppler ultrasound scan?

A Doppler ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create an image of the blood flow in the body. Doppler ultrasounds are often used to detect blockages or plaque buildup in the blood vessels and diagnose cardiovascular diseases.

The ultrasound sound waves are sent through the body and then reflected back. Then the ultrasound machine detects these echoes and converts them into images on a screen, which doctors can use to identify problems with blood flow, such as clots or narrowing of arteries.

Doppler ultrasound is also used for prenatal diagnosis, as it can reveal information about pregnancy and fetal development.

What is early fetal echocardiography?

An echocardiogram is done to see if there are any problems with the baby’s heart. The scan uses an ultrasound (echo) to evaluate the heart (cardio) and provide an image (gram). The test can be done as early as 10 weeks but is usually done between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The test detects structural anomalies and checks for any possible heart defects. With the invention of more advanced ultrasounds, we can now generate 3D images of the baby’s heart to check for anomalies. In addition, doctors can now access 4D ultrasounds, which create moving 3D images, allowing you to see the baby’s heart beating in real-time.

What is advanced fetal neurosonography?

Advanced fetal neurosonography is a special type of ultrasound that provides detailed images of the fetus’s brain. This ultrasound test is usually performed in the second or third trimester.

Besides producing pictures of the brain, it is also used to see the spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck. It is often accompanied by a 3D ultrasound to get the full picture of the baby’s developing nervous system. Advanced fetal neurosonography is used to diagnose problems with the central nervous system and monitor the brain’s development.

This procedure aims to identify abnormalities in the brain that may be causing seizures or other neurological symptoms. It can also show signs of an abnormality on one side or another, which could indicate a problem with blood flow or oxygen supply to certain areas of the brain.

What is a cervical length assessment?

A cervical length assessment (as the name implies) is a way to measure the length of the cervix. It is typically used to determine if a pregnant woman has an increased risk for preterm labor and delivery.

The cervix can be measured via transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. It can change in length during pregnancy, so we may recommend you have an assessment at each prenatal visit if your scan shows a cervical length of less than 25 millimeters. The cervical length assessment may also be done after childbirth, before leaving the hospital, or after any vaginal bleeding or discharge occurs.

The measurement is then plotted on a graph, with time on one axis and cervical length on another. This way, we can watch for trends to make sure your cervix is progressing normally.

The cervix is typically around 2-3 cm long when someone is not pregnant, and it gradually shortens as pregnancy progresses. If a person’s cervix becomes less than 25mm long, they may be at risk for preterm labor and delivery.

What is a nuchal translucency (NT scan)?

Done in the first trimester between 11 and 13 weeks gestation, nuchal translucency scans screen for certain birth defects, such as Down syndrome. During an NT scan, the technician will use an ultrasound to measure the thickness of the fluid at the back of your baby’s neck.

The nuchal translucency test is done along with a blood test. If the test indicates your baby may have a health condition, you can then decide with your doctor whether to have a diagnostic test to find out for certain.

Learn more about a Nuchal Translucency Scan (NT Scan) (blog to be written)

What is a nasal bone evaluation?

This evaluation typically involves taking a picture of the nasal bones using an ultrasound or other imaging technology. Evaluation of the nasal bones can help assess the baby’s risk for Down syndrome.

More about Dr. Rad

Dr. Rad and his team provide world-class care for high-risk pregnancies and infertility. They understand your needs and are there to help you through every step of the process. If you’re looking for compassionate, expert care, look no further than Los Angeles Fetal and Maternal Care.

Dr. Rad has undergone rigorous training with high honors at prestigious, renowned institutions such as the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USC, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center, as well as centers internationally in London, Austria, Israel, and Africa.

Call us at (844) 473-6100 or schedule your consultation online. We are currently accepting new patients.

We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, and Downtown Los Angeles. We also offer in-home prenatal care and a fly-in program for out-of-town and international patients. Dr. Rad even travels to patients who need him throughout the U.S. and around the world.

If you can’t make it to Dr. Rad, he also offers virtual consultations worldwide.

Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online

Stories from Our Blog for You:

What is an Advanced Fetal Ultrasound? Do I Need One?

Can Dads Have Postpartum Depression? You Might Be Surprised!

Dr. Rad Voted One of Pasadena’s Top Doctors!

Get a Second Opinion on Your High-Risk Pregnancy

Rainbow Clinic Offers Support and Hope After Pregnancy Loss or Neonatal Death

Why Don’t Americans Have Adequate Access to Fertility Treatment Options?

What Are High-Risk Pregnancies, and Why Are They Increasing?

Welcome to the New Website of Dr. Rad and the Maternal Fetal Care Center

Affiliations, Organizations & Training Include:

Our journey with Dr.Rad and his amazing team started when my wife was at her 12 week and we were looking for the best doctor in California to perform the Amniocentesis. Google didn't disappoint us and we were lucky to come across Dr. Rad. The exam has its risks and we thought a lot about doing it but after a warm and friendly call with Dr. Rad we gained a lot of confidence in his skills and experience.

Living in San Francisco, my wife would visit her own OBGYN clinic through the early stages of her pregnancy, and often would meet different doctors each visit. Despite being a 10 minutes call from the other side of California, Dr. Rad had let us feel that we're in good hands before we even met.

A few weeks later, we drove down to LA for the Amniocentesis and from that moment on we decided that we want him to be my wife's doctor. Believe it or not, but having someone like him in LA was one of the decision factors leaving San Francisco.

Dr. Rad was always there for us, regardless of what time it was or what his schedule looked like. He's on a different level of devotion and dedication to his patients and it is clear to see that he loves what he's doing. The clinic itself is beautiful, and feels more like a SPA than a clinic. Everything is decorated with flowers, candles and essential oils with classical music playing in the background. No matter how scary a first pregnancy can be, when we were there, we felt confident.

The most important thing for us throughout the pregnancy was the sense of having someone there, ready to answer any question we had. With any concern we had during the pregnancy, Dr. Rad would have us come over and get my wife checked immediately. This might sound obvious if this is the first time choosing a doctor but in the SF clinic (which is considered one of the best), we were sent to E.R since they didn't have the time to check her.

Dr. Rad's team was absolutely amazing. Every time we came over it felt like visiting friends... Every single one of them is a real professional! Whether it's Brittany with her ultrasound skills that seems as if she's been doing it for 50 years or Alyssa that was there for every single question and helped us a lot throughout the process. We will surely miss you guys and see you in the next round 🙂

We did a lot of preparation for the delivery and participated in a few workshops, but Dr. Rad made sure that Beth, a long time midwife at Cedars Sinai, will come over and walk us through the process. We wouldn't exaggerate if we said that after speaking to her, we felt like it was our second time around.

Our first baby boy was delivered by Dr. Rad smoothly without any issues and surprises. The entire team was very supportive and respectful to my wife's requests. We couldn't be happier to have chosen Dr. Steve Rad, his stellar team and the amazing staff at Cedars Sinai.

...

Avner Yaacov

I was an intern at Dr. Rad's office. This internship gave me a valuable opportunity to learn so much!
Dr. Rad is very detailed and thorough with his exams, and he really takes his time with all his patients to give them the best care possible. They have an excellent sonographer, Brittany, who is also very meticulous, and she is great at what she does. The entire team is genuinely kind and caring. This is a calm, safe place to receive medical care, and everyone is attentive and knowledgeable. I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Dr. Rad's office!
They go above and beyond for every patient; they truly love what they do!

Giselle Lopera

Dr Rad and his staff are wonderful. They were such a positive part of our parenthood journey. Being first-time parents, we had lots of questions and Dr Rad and his staff always thoroughly explained everything to us. While the wait is sometimes long, we found it was always because Dr Rad was managing an emergency situation or delivering difficult news to a patient, which understandably, was his first priority. The staff also always communicated proactively with us about wait-time so we knew what was going on. I joked on our last visit that I’m going to have to have another baby just so we can all hang out more 🙂

Sara Williams

I am not normally someone to write reviews, however it is important for women to know that Dr Rad and this type of medical care exists. If you have been searching for an OB who is smart, compassionate, kind, respectful to you and your partner, spends time and makes you feel SAFE then Dr Rad is the doctor for you. It does not matter if your pregnancy journey is high or low risk. Physically, I had a low risk, mostly uncomplicated pregnancy with my second baby but mentally, I was carrying a lot of medical and hospital trauma from my first birth and wanted specialized care this time around. Dr Rad listened to me and my husband, created a plan with us that included hybrid midwifery care/minimal interventions and he gave us access to him as if I was always his top priority for my entire pregnancy and postpartum period. When things changed at the end of my pregnancy and I required a hospital birth instead of the unmediated VBAC I was pursuing Dr Rad still honored my wishes and was by my side or one text/call away every step of the way. His delivery of our beautiful baby girl at Providence St John’s gave us a night and day experience compared to the birth of my first child with a different OB at Cedars Sinai. His accessibility and referrals during postpartum assured me that my life and well-being truly matter to him. As a black woman, it is rare to feel cared for in this way by any medical provider. While the out of pocket costs for Dr Rad’s services are initially difficult to stomach, they are well worth it and I don’t regret anything when it comes to choosing Dr Rad.

Cal Dee Renfroe

I feel so happy to have been able to visit Dr. Rad, after being told by another high risk pregnancy doctor that my baby had NO kidneys or bladder and would not survive, Dr. Rad found bladder and both kidneys! My baby I knew always had a chance and I did not believe the 1st specialist at all which is why I went for a second opinion with Dr. Rad. 10/10 he was welcoming, supportive, friendly and gave me all my options going forward. God sent!

leslie serna

I cannot find words to express my gratitude to the best Doctor and the kindest person Steve Rad. My baby girl is alive because of him. The story is that during my pregnancy I was seeing another doctor in UCLA. At the 20th week of my pregnancy I went for the ultrasound and after the procedure without doing any other examination the doctor said that the baby has some developmental issues. There is some liquid in the brain, the chest is growing wrong, etc. I was terrified with the news and asked is there a chance that he is wrong, maybe we need to do other examinations, maybe he hasn’t seen everything right. To all that questions “doctor” answered that we can do MRI and other exams, but he is more than sure that the baby is growing wrong and he suggests to do an abortion. He said that the results will come in a month or two but the latest abortion date is 23 weeks, so we need to hurry with out decision. Before making decision we decided to find the best specialist in high risk pregnancy for the second opinion. After some research we found Dr. Rad and that changed our lives. After the first ultrasound Dr. Rad said that he doesn’t see anything wrong, that he is more than sure that baby is okay, and the MRI will proof his words. He told do not even think about abortion, because the baby is 100% fine. Like he said the MRI results proved his words.
The second thing I would like to mention is the exceptional service that he provides to all his patients. When I found out that he has many famous patients I was worried weather he is providing the same service to his regular patients or not. The answer surprised me. He treats all his patients like they are his one and only patient. Usually appointments with Dr. Rad last approximately two hours. He needs to be sure that he has seen everything, answered to all your questions. He is one of the few professionals who is worried about quality of his work not quantity of the patients. Also, he is available on phone whenever you need him. He replied to my text messages within maximum 5 minutes during my whole pregnancy. Also I.would like to say thank you to his amazing team. You are absolutely The Best!

Lilit Ginosyan

I came to Dr. Rad with a history of blood clots which made my pregnancy high risk. Since day one, Dr. Rad and his team were so welcoming and really nice- Always answering our questions, explaining everything on each ultrasound and check-up.
They consistently checked up on us each week to see how we were doing and when we needed guidance or had a concern, Dr. Rad always called right away.
I’m so happy we decided to put my pregnancy care in the hands of Dr. Rad and his team.

Ana De Flon

I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Rad and his office team. From my very first visit, I felt welcomed and cared for like family. Dr. Rad was incredibly kind, detailed, and attentive to every detail of my prenatal care. He always went the extra mile to make sure that no prenatal screenings were missed, even making time for appointments on weekends. That level of dedication and commitment is truly remarkable.

What truly sets Dr. Rad apart is his unwavering focus and dedication to his patients. His appointments easily went upto 2 hours sometimes given how detailed and thorough he is. He always took the time to answer all of my questions with patience and understanding, and addressed any concerns that I had. With him, I was always confident that my baby was in the best possible hands. His team is just as dedicated and caring, and they were always there for me whenever I needed them. Special shout out to Laurice too for always being there, even after hours and weekends.

In short, I couldn't be more grateful for the care I received from this doctor and his team. They made my pregnancy journey a joy, and I'm going to miss my visits now that my baby is here. If you're looking for a doctor who is incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated, look no further. You want Dr. Rad and his team by your side.

Priya Tomar

Thank you Dr. Rad and team for helping me through my pregnancy after loss. Our son was stillborn May 2021 at 37 weeks due to a knot in his umbilical cord. We were referred to Dr. Rad through PUSH for Empowered Pregnanxy. We met with him a couple of months after our loss to discuss the plan for PAL to make sure it would be the right fit. Once we found out we were pregnant, I called him immediately and he saw me that week. The journey was long and the team was there every step of the way. PAL is full of anxiety and never knowing if your baby is going to make it. I came in weekly and no one ever made me feel bad for wanting to check on my baby. In our third trimester, we found out our baby had an ovarian cyst and Dr. rad knew this would cause us some anxiety even though most likely benign and suggested us to get an MRI for peace of mind. As we approached induction date, I noticed a dip in fetal movement. I was admitted to the hospital with the support of Dr. rad for five days before induction to monitor the baby. She came out perfect and we couldn’t believe it. Thank you Dr rad and team for all your work. You work nonstop for your patients!

Rachel Gould