Ultra Sound
Ultrasound is a safe and affordable imaging technique that allows your doctor to capture real-time images or videos of the soft tissues and internal organs from within your body. The images are generated using high-frequency sound waves and do not involve radiation as in the case of X-rays, making it the preferred method to view the developing fetus during pregnancy. The procedure is mostly non-invasive, painless, quick and carries minimal risk.
Your ob-gyn may ask you to undergo an ultrasound to monitor your unborn baby (prenatal ultrasound) or diagnose a condition (diagnostic ultrasound). It is also used by the surgeon during certain procedures. An ultrasound is always performed by a doctor or a healthcare provider (ultrasound technician or sonographer) in a medical facility.
Depending on the type of ultrasound you are having you will be advised on how to prepare for it. For e.g., in the case of a pregnancy ultrasound, you may need to fill up your bladder by drinking water before the test and in the case of abdominal ultrasounds, you may need to fast several hours before the procedure. It is generally painless but it can feel uncomfortable to have a full bladder for the procedure.
Acquainting yourself with the process and expectations can make the procedure less daunting and a wonderful opportunity to connect with your unborn child, especially if you are going in for a prenatal ultrasound. Typically an ultrasound lasts between half an hour to one hour. You may be asked to remove certain pieces of clothing or change into a hospital gown. Once you are lying down comfortably on a table, the technician will apply a small amount of water-soluble gel on your skin over the area to be examined and on the probe (transducer). The technician will move the handheld probe around to get images from within your body. You may have to hold your breath or stay still for a few seconds to get clearer images. Once the imaging is done, they will wipe off the gel and you are good to go. You can wipe off any excess gel and change. This gel doesn’t harm your skin or stain your clothes.
