What areas of the body can be imaged by ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be used to examine many parts of the body, most commonly soft tissue. It is used extensively in the female pelvis (both obstetrical and gynecological), the abdomen (kidneys, liver and gallbladder), and for cardiac diagnosis. Another type of ultrasound, Doppler, is used in vascular diagnosis to assess blood flow. Other areas, such as the brain, eyes, thyroid, breast, prostate, and testicles, can be imaged by ultrasound as well. (It’s also frequently used during your prenatal appointments to hear your baby’s heartbeat.) 5) Why is ultrasound used in pregnancy? Ultrasound is widely known for its use in first-, second-, and third-trimester pregnancy. The most common reason for having an ultrasound examination during pregnancy is to help the doctor determine when your baby is due, or to make sure the baby is growing as it should. A doctor may also request an ultrasound examination to determine the baby’s position, to see if you a
