Ultrasounds

What are pregnancy ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are used for a wide variety of reasons during pregnancy. The first ultrasound is often done to verify pregnancy and the baby's size. This helps your doctor narrow down the expected due date.

A pregnancy ultrasound is a scan that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your baby as it develops. It also serves as a safeguard for the mother’s health as it checks reproductive organs.

Why are pregnancy ultrasounds necessary?

During the first trimester, your doctor uses ultrasounds to:

• Monitor the baby’s heartbeat
• Estimate the current age of your baby
• Check for twins or multiple pregnancies
• Screen for ectopic pregnancy
• Check the health of the mother’s cervix, ovaries, uterus, and placenta

During the second trimester, your doctor uses ultrasounds to:

• Check the gender of your baby (16 weeks)
• Monitor multiple pregnancies
• Screen for birth or congenital abnormalities
• Check baby for blood flow issues or structural abnormalities
• Ensure baby is getting enough oxygen
• Check the health of the placenta and amniotic fluid levels
• Measure the mother’s cervix length
• Preform guided tests, like amniocentesis
• Confirm miscarriages

There is no set number of ultrasounds for each pregnancy, as every situation differs.

When do I need ultrasounds?

Your doctor at South Valley Women’s Health Care may order ultrasounds for:

GYN ultrasound imaging

A gynecological (GYN) ultrasound is a painless, noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of internal reproductive structures, including ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Providers use these ultrasounds to diagnose gynecologic problems.

Pregnancy

The South Valley Women's Health Care team performs ultrasounds typically at the beginning of a pregnancy to confirm the expected due date. In-office pregnancy tests and early ultrasound assessment of pregnancy are also available.

High risk pregnancies will often have more than the average number of ultrasounds.

Gender checks (16 weeks)

The popular nonmedical reason for an ultrasound is determining the gender of your baby. You can get a 16 week ultrasound to check the gender.

Comprehensive second trimester ultrasound (18 weeks)

South Valley Women's Health Care offers comprehensive ultrasounds between 18 and 20 weeks. This check closely examines your baby to screen for birth abnormalities, growth, and anatomy.

It is also an excellent tool if your doctor has detected some issues from a blood test or an earlier ultrasound.

Call the office to schedule your ultrasounds or request an appointment online today.