What is ultrasound imaging (sonography)?
Ultrasounds are commonly used in gynecology and prenatal care. Recently, elective ultrasounds, or non-medically necessary scans, have become popular with expecting mothers. Private centers often perform them; moms usually choose them because they desire a unique bonding experience with their unborn baby.
If you’ve ever marveled at the clarity of an ultrasound image, you know just how amazing these non-invasive tools are. Unlike X-rays, which rely on radiation, ultrasounds use 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! The best part? The sound waves emitted by the ultrasound probe (often called a transducer) contain no radiation, making them exceptionally safe for prenatal care.
Medically speaking, ultrasounds are critical tools for monitoring a mother and her baby. They’re often used as diagnostic tools, but they can also be beneficial in guiding medical procedures. The primary purpose of an ultrasound is to examine what is happening inside the body better without using invasive techniques. Sonography can help doctors assess and diagnose a variety of conditions.
Dr. Rad agrees that ultrasounds are essential tools that allow him to get a closer look at you and your developing little one. Whether checking your heart or getting a glimpse of your baby’s face while still in the womb, Dr. Rad or a member of his expert ultrasound team often use various types of these scans to diagnose and monitor different parts of your (or your baby’s) anatomy. They are offered at every prenatal visit as part of Dr. Rad’s concierge-type approach to patient care. The majority of the prenatal visit is the ultrasound.
What types of ultrasounds are there?
You’ve likely seen an expecting mother on TV experiencing a traditional obstetric ultrasound of the stomach where a sonographer moves a wand over her belly. This is the most common form, known as 2D ultrasound.
But did you know there are several other types of ultrasounds, each suited for different medical needs? Dr. Steven Rad often recommends a specific type during an OB/GYN visit based on what needs to be checked.
Potential ultrasounds used in an OB/GYN appointment with Dr. Rad include:
Transabdominal ultrasound
This is the classic kind you see on TV—a gel is applied, and the ultrasound wand is moved over your lower abdomen to create images of your growing baby.
Pelvic ultrasound
These are very common during pregnancy. Dr. Rad will use these to evaluate the health and development of your fetus and the condition of your cervix, uterus, and placenta.
Transvaginal ultrasound
A bit more invasive than a traditional ultrasound, the wand is inserted into your vagina to get a better look at your ovaries, uterus, and cervix. It is often used to detect and analyze tumors and ovarian cysts as well as to confirm early 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 be inserted into the rectum to obtain similar-quality images.
But it doesn’t stop there! Dr. Rad often uses other types of ultrasounds to diagnose and manage different health conditions.
Other common types of ultrasound services include:
Abdominal ultrasound
For this type, a sonographer will apply the ultrasound wand to your abdomen to check your liver, pancreas, kidneys, gallbladder, abdominal aorta, or spleen.
This type is not part of routine pregnancy care, but Dr. Rad may call for scans if you have another medical condition that could complicate the pregnancy.
Chest ultrasound
A radiologist or sonographer will apply gel and transducer to the chest to evaluate your heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, and lymph nodes.
Advanced ultrasound
An advanced ultrasound examination is a specialized type that uses more powerful equipment and allows us to see more detail in the images. Dr. Rad may recommend this type of ultrasound if they need to look closely at a particular area or if you have a complex medical condition.
Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online
What can ultrasounds be used for?
The primary reason for an ultrasound is to better look at what is happening inside the body without using invasive techniques. Sonography can help Dr. Rad assess and diagnose a variety of conditions.
Anatomy scans
Many pregnant women are most excited about anatomy scans (level 2 ultrasounds), which are commonly used to reveal a baby’s gender. But these more detailed ultrasounds are useful beyond gender determination; they also provide valuable insight into how the fetus is developing in the womb.
They’re often done around week 20 of pregnancy using a transabdominal ultrasound wand.
Placenta evaluation
The placenta, which develops alongside the fetus during pregnancy, is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste. It can also offer critical insights into the baby’s health.
A placenta evaluation, typically performed between weeks 18 and 20, assesses the placenta’s health and functionality. Dr. Rad can use this ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid, monitor blood flow to and from the uterus, evaluate the placenta’s position relative to other organs, and identify any abnormalities found during a vaginal exam.
Doppler ultrasound scan
This scan uses sound waves to image blood flow in the body. By reflecting sound waves off blood vessels and converting them into images, it helps detect blockages, plaque buildup, and cardiovascular issues. This technique also assesses pregnancy and fetal development in prenatal care.
Early fetal echocardiography
An echocardiogram assesses your baby’s heart using ultrasound to detect structural anomalies and heart defects. It is typically performed between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, though it can be performed as early as 10 weeks. It provides detailed images of the heart.
Advanced 3D and 4D ultrasounds offer static and moving images, allowing real-time observation of the baby’s heartbeat.
Advanced fetal neurosonography
This specialized ultrasound provides detailed images of your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and nerve roots. It is typically performed in the second or third trimester and often includes 3D ultrasound imaging to assess the developing nervous system.
This test helps diagnose central nervous system issues, monitor brain development, and identify abnormalities that could cause seizures or indicate problems with blood flow or oxygen supply.
Cervical length assessment
Monitoring cervical length can indicate the risk of preterm labor. It is conducted via transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound and monitors changes in cervical length. Dr. Rad might recommend it to ensure your pregnancy progresses normally.
This assessment may be repeated at each prenatal visit, after childbirth, or following vaginal bleeding.
The measurements are tracked over time to ensure normal progression and check for cervical insufficiency. A typical cervix is 2-3 cm long when not pregnant and shortens as pregnancy advances; a length under 25 mm may indicate a higher risk for preterm labor.
Nuchal translucency (NT scan)
Nuchal translucency (NT) scans, performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, screen for birth defects like Down syndrome. They measure the fluid thickness at the back of the baby’s neck and, combined with a blood test, provide early insights. If results suggest a condition, you can discuss diagnostic options with Dr. Rad.
Other diagnostic tests that can help assess the baby’s risk for Down syndrome include a nasal bone evaluation. This evaluation typically involves taking a picture of the nasal bones using an ultrasound or other imaging technology.
Consider Dr. Rad for your prenatal and reproductive care
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 ultrasound in Los Angeles, you can find compassionate, expert care 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 worldwide.
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
Ultrasound Examinations FAQs
Why do you need a full bladder for a pregnancy ultrasound?
A full bladder helps create a clearer ultrasound image by acting as a natural acoustic window. It improves image quality, especially in early pregnancy, by lifting the uterus and allowing ultrasound waves to reach it more effectively.
When do you get ultrasounds in pregnancy?
Common times for a mother or baby ultrasound appointment during pregnancy include the first trimester (6-12 weeks) to measure gestational age, the second trimester (between 18 and 22 weeks) for an anatomy scan, and the third trimester (between weeks 28 and 40) to check the babies positioning.
How early can you see pregnancy in ultrasound?
At around 5-6 weeks gestation, an early ultrasound may be able to detect a gestational sac within the uterus, which is the first sign of an intrauterine pregnancy.
Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy?
Yes, ultrasound is considered safe during pregnancy. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the developing fetus and the mother’s reproductive organs without the use of ionizing radiation, making it a non-invasive and generally low-risk imaging modality.
Can ultrasounds be wrong in early pregnancy?
While ultrasound is a highly accurate tool for assessing pregnancy, there is a small margin of error in early pregnancy, especially before 6-7 weeks gestation.
If I want a 3d ultrasound near me, do I need to see an OB/GYN?
If you’re looking for a 3d or 4d ultrasound near me, you may be able to see your provider or schedule a 3d or 4D Ultrasound session at a private center as most of these ultrasound types aren’t medically necessary but instead used to produce keepsake images.
Sources
Ultrasound During Pregnancy. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/ultrasound-during-pregnancy
Pregnancy Ultrasound Evaluation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557572/
Obstetric Ultrasound. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470450/
