How is an ultrasound scan performed?
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 vagina. In a standard prenatal examination the patient will be asked to lie on their back or side on an examination table. Some special gel is spread over the exposed skin to ensure good contact with the skin. This will help give a better picture. If all is well the examination itself should take around fifteen minutes. If the baby is in an awkward position, you may be asked to get up and take a little walk or a drink to allow the baby to move around. Sometimes the baby just doesn’t co-operate, and it is easier to just reschedule the appointment. If a woman’s pelvic organs are under examination, a transvaginal scan would provide a better image. This is a slightly more invasive procedure, but produces much more detail in the scan. It is especially useful during early pregnancy. A different type of transducer is used in this procedure, which i
