Ultrasound.

All my friends have had ultrasounds during pregnancy. Will I have one?
Many doctors routinely perform ultrasounds, but not all do them with every woman. Some perform them only when there is a problem or a definite reason for doing one.

I'm confused about ultrasound and sonograms. What's the difference?
Ultrasound, sonogram and sonography refer to the same test. Ultrasound is a valuable medical tool, especially in pregnancy.

REASONS FOR ULTRASOUND
You may have an ultrasound for any number of reasons:

to help confirm or determine the due date by measuring the fetal head, abdomen or thighbone
to determine whether there is more than one baby
if you've had problems during pregnancy, such as bleeding
if you've had previous problem pregnancies
to identify an early pregnancy
to examine the size and growth of the embryo or fetus
to identify some fetuses with Down syndrome
to identify some fetal abnormalities, such as hydrocephalus
to measure the amount of amniotic fluid
to identify the location, size and maturity of the placenta
to identify abnormalities of the placenta
to detect an IUD (intrauterine device)
to differentiate among a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy and a normal pregnancy
to find a safe location to perform an amniocentesis

Most doctors like to do at least one ultrasound during a pregnancy, but not all agree on this. Your insurance coverage also plays a role in whether and how often you have an ultrasound. If your pregnancy is high risk, you may have several ultrasounds.

What exactly is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a test that gives a 2- or 3-dimensional picture of the developing embryo or fetus. It involves the use of high-frequency sound waves made by applying an alternating current to a transducer. This transducer is placed on the abdomen or in the vagina. Sound waves projected from the transducer travel through the abdomen or vagina, bounce off tissues and bounce back to the transducer. Reflected sound waves are translated into a picture

What is a 3-dimensional ultrasound?
This ultrasound test is available in some areas. It provides clear, detailed pictures of the fetus in the womb. They're so clear, the image almost looks like a photograph. For the pregnant woman, the test is almost the same as a regular ultrasound. The difference is that computer software translates the picture into a 3-D image. At this time this advanced ultrasound is used when there is suspicion of abnormalities and the doctor wants to take a closer look.

Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. The possibility of ultrasound having adverse effects has been studied many times without evidence that the test causes any problems.

How early in pregnancy can I have an ultrasound?
That depends on your doctor. If you're having problems, you may have an ultrasound early in your pregnancy.

Can an ultrasound help determine when I'm due?
Yes. Your doctor can take measurements of the baby with an
ultrasound, then compare these measurements with charts that have
averages to help approximate your due date

I've heard that sometimes the ultrasound instrument is put in the vagina. Is that dangerous? Could it make me bleed or miscarry?
This type of ultrasound is called vaginal ultrasound. It can be very helpful in evaluating problems early in pregnancy, such as possible miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. The instrument is put just inside the opening of the vagina, so it does not touch the cervix and will not cause bleeding or miscarriage. This type of ultrasound sometimes gives better information earlier in pregnancy than an abdominal ultrasound.

I'm supposed to have an ultrasound next week, and they told me to drink 32 ounces of water before I come and not to empty my bladder. Why?
Your bladder is in front of your uterus. When your bladder is full, your uterus rises out of the pelvis and becomes easier to see. When your bladder is empty, your uterus is farther down in your pelvis, and it's harder to see it. The full bladder acts as a window from the outside of your abdomen into your uterus. With a vaginal ultrasound, your bladder doesn't have to be full.

Where are most ultrasounds done?
Some doctors have ultrasound training and an ultrasound machine in their office. Some prefer to have you go to the hospital to have the ultrasound done and read by a radiologist. In certain high-risk situations, your doctor may send you to an ultrasound specialist to perform your ultrasound. Ask where your ultrasound will be done.

My friend has a videotape of her ultrasound. Can I get one of mine?
Ask about it when you schedule your ultrasound. Not all ultrasound machines are capable of making a video recording. Ask ahead of time if you need to bring a blank videotape.

Can I get pictures from my ultrasound?
Most ultrasounds include black-and-white photos. Baby pictures before you have the baby!

How much does an ultrasound cost?
It varies depending on where the test is done and where you live. An average cost is about $150, but it can range from $100 to $300. With many insurance plans, ultrasound is an extra and not part of the normal fee for prenatal care. Ask about cost and coverage before having an ultrasound. Some insurance plans require preapproval before an ultrasound is done.

I'm having an ultrasound next week. Can my partner come with me?
Yes. This is something your partner will probably enjoy, so arrange to have the ultrasound when he can come. You may want to have others, such as your mother or older children, come when possible. Ask about this when you schedule your ultrasound.