Ultrasound imaging is used in many areas of medicine, but most people know it best from pregnancy care. When this exam is used to look at a developing baby, it is called a fetal ultrasound.
Book OnlineThe Basics About Fetal Ultrasounds
Fetal ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of the uterus and the developing fetus. The sound waves travel through the body, bounce back to the transducer, and are turned into live images that help your care team check fetal growth and development.
Many patients tell us they feel more reassured after seeing those images for the first time. It can be a simple visit, but it often brings a lot of peace of mind.
Transabdominal Ultrasound
The routine ultrasound used during prenatal visits at Mesbah OB/GYN is usually a transabdominal fetal ultrasound. In this exam, the provider places gel on the abdomen and moves a transducer across the skin to capture images.
You may notice the room is calm and quiet while the images appear on the screen. And because the procedure is noninvasive, many patients find it comfortable and easy to tolerate.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
In the early weeks of pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended. This exam uses a slender probe placed gently in the vagina to provide clearer, more detailed images when a closer view is needed.
But even if the procedure sounds unfamiliar, it is commonly used in prenatal care and can help your provider get important information sooner.
3D and 4D Fetal Ultrasounds
Most fetal ultrasounds create two-dimensional images. However, newer technology can also produce 3D and 4D images that show more detail about the baby’s features and movement.
A 3D ultrasound can help your provider view height, width, and depth more clearly. A 4D ultrasound adds motion, creating a live video-like image of the fetus.
Other Fetal Examinations
There are also specialized tests that may be used to evaluate specific parts of fetal health, such as blood flow, heart function, facial structure, and other details. These exams are not needed for every pregnancy. They are typically recommended only when Mesbah OB/GYN needs a closer look at a possible concern.
These additional fetal imaging studies may include:
- Doppler ultrasound
- Fetal echocardiography
- Specialized sonographic evaluation
The Purpose of a Fetal Ultrasound
In many pregnancies, the first routine ultrasound is performed around the 18th week. This exam helps assess how the fetus is growing and whether development is moving along as expected.
More specifically, fetal ultrasounds are used to:
- Confirm a pregnancy
- Check how many babies are present
- Monitor amniotic fluid levels
- Evaluate the placenta
- Determine the baby’s sex
- See the fetus’s position in the uterus
- Look for possible birth defects
- Measure fetal growth
- Check for pregnancy-related complications
Not every detail can be seen early in pregnancy. That is why patients often return to Mesbah OB/GYN every few weeks for follow-up ultrasounds and ongoing monitoring as the pregnancy progresses.
Schedule an Appointment for 3D and 4D Ultrasounds in Garden City Today!
To schedule your first ultrasound, or to ask about a more detailed exam for concerning symptoms, call Mesbah OB/GYN in Garden City, NY at (516) 794-1500. You can also https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/mesbah-ob-gyn-43751?lock=true%26isNewPatient=false%26referrerType=widget through our online form to connect with one of our caring obstetricians.