An obstetrical ultrasound is performed on almost all pregnant women. This test is painless, safe, and does not use radiation.
High frequency sound waves are used to produce the pictures of the moving fetus. During early pregnancy, (the first 12 weeks) you may have a vaginal ultrasound. Later on in pregnancy, the scan will be performed on your abdomen. Warm gel is applied to the skin, which helps the transducer–a device that converts energy into sound waves– glide over the body. A sonographer gently presses a transducer to the skin and moves it back and forth to obtain the necessary images.
The reasons for an OB ultrasound may be to:
- Confirm an early pregnancy
- Estimate fetal age
- Assess fetal size (weight)
- Evaluate position of fetus
- Look for placenta’s position
- Document multiple pregnancies
- Diagnose fetal birth abnormalities
- Check for shortening or opening of the cervix
At the conclusion of the ultrasound examination, the images will be reviewed by a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doctor. The MFM physician will discuss the results of the test with the patient, answer any questions and send a dictated letter to the referring physician. If a problem is found with your baby, it is likely that regular ultrasounds with a high risk obstetrician (like Ohio State) will be recommended about every month.