How is an ultrasound scan performed?
Although the specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, ultrasounds follow this process. Two types of ultrasounds can be performed during pregnancy: • abdominal ultrasound In an abdominal ultrasound, gel is applied to the abdomen and the ultrasound transducer glides over the gel on the abdomen to create the image. A woman may need to have a full bladder for abdominal ultrasounds in early pregnancy. This helps move the uterus into better view. • transvaginal ultrasound In a transvaginal ultrasound, a smaller ultrasound transducer is inserted into the vagina and rests against the back of the vagina to create an image. A transvaginal ultrasound produces a sharper image and is often used in early pregnancy. Ultrasound images may be captured in still photographs or on video to document findings.
The way the ultrasound scan is performed depends on the purpose of the examination. The scanner can be used externally on the skin, or through the natural openings of the body, such as the vagina. For example, if the kidneys or liver are being examined the patient will be told to lie on their back or side on an examination table. Some special gel is spread over the skin, enabling the scan to define the organs as clearly as possible. However, if a woman’s pelvic organs are under examination, a transvaginal scan would provide a better picture. A small probe is gently inserted into the vagina up to the cervix to get the best image. It should not cause more than a slight discomfort. Does an ultrasound scan hurt? An ultrasound scan does not hurt but the gel used for the examination can feel a bit cold. Where are ultrasound scans performed? The examination has traditionally taken place in hospital, with patients being referred by their GP or midwife. However, ultrasound is available in a sma
If the scan is being performed during early pregnancy, you will need to drink several glasses of water beforehand. This is to ensure that the bladder is full enough to push the uterus out of the pelvis. This allows the sonographer to get a good picture of the baby. The sonographer will put some gel onto your tummy and will move a small transducer over your skin to get views of the baby. If your baby is too deep in your pelvis or if you are too overweight, the images might not be very clear, so a vaginal scan might be necessary. Vaginal scans are done in the same way as an abdominal scan except the transducer is shaped to fit comfortably within the vagina. Vaginal scans give a much clearer picture of your baby especially at a very early stage of pregnancy. Does an ultrasound scan hurt? An abdominal ultrasound scan is a painless procedure except for some discomfort may be caused by the transducer pressing down on your tummy if you have a very full bladder.
Although the specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, ultrasounds follow this process. Two types of ultrasounds can be performed during pregnancy: • abdominal ultrasound In an abdominal ultrasound, gel is applied to the abdomen and the ultrasound transducer glides over the gel on the abdomen to create the image. • transvaginal ultrasound In a transvaginal ultrasound, a smaller ultrasound transducer is inserted into the vagina and rests against the back of the vagina to create an image. A transvaginal ultrasound produces a sharper image and is often used in early pregnancy. There are several types of ultrasound imaging techniques. The most common is two dimensional, or 2D. This gives a flat picture of one aspect of the image. If more information is needed, a 3D ultrasound examination can be performed. This technique, which provides a three-dimensional picture, requires a special machine and special training.
