Obstetrical (Pregnancy) Ultrasound

Obstetrical Ultrasound Preparation - click for PDFObstetrical Ultrasound Thumbnail Image

For patient safety, patients exceeding the posted weight restrictions will not be done at London X-Ray Associates. The weight limit for all Ultrasound exams is 350 lbs.

Overview

Ultrasound uses sound, not x-rays, to produce images. A probe placed on the surface of the body sends a thin, high-frequency sound beam (above the range that humans can hear) into the body. The sound bounces off of structures within the body and back to the probe. A computer is able to construct images based on the time required for these echoes to return. An obstetrical ultrasound examines both the mother and baby to ensure that the baby is developing normally and there are no complications. The time to perform an obstetrical ultrasound varies with the stage of pregnancy as well as the baby's position and amount of movement. Exam time could be 10 to 60 minutes.

Common reasons for an Obstetrical (Pregnancy) Ultrasound

Some of the more common reasons why your doctor would order an obstetrical ultrasound would include:

      • Confirming pregnancy
      • Confirming that pregnancy is viable
      • Making sure the pregnancy is normally located within the uterus
      • Determining the number of babies
      • Confirming the age of the baby and its due date
      • Assessing the baby - checking for abnormalities
      • Monitoring growth and estimated weight
      • Investigating abnormal bleeding or fluid loss
      • Assessing placenta location and fetal position
      • Enhanced FTS (First Trimester Screening)

Who should not have an Ultrasound of Pregnancy?

Ultrasound is an extremely safe procedure and there are very few conditions that would prevent it from being performed. Since a probe must be placed in contact with the skin, ultrasound may not be possible in those with open sores or large open wounds over the area of interest.

How do I prepare for the test?

Obstetrical ultrasound uses the full bladder as a "window" to see into the pelvis. You must finish 4 glasses of water (32 ounces/~ 1 litre) at least one hour prior to the procedure. Your bladder must be full. Do not empty your bladder prior to the examination.

For patient safety, patients exceeding the posted weight restrictions will not be done at London X-Ray Associates. The weight limit for all Ultrasound exams is 350 lbs.

Who performs the examination?

An ultrasound technologist or sonographer (a person trained to take ultrasound images) performs the examination. At LXA, all of our technologists have met and maintain registration standards with their governing body, College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

What happens during the examination?

After registering with a receptionist, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove your top and pants or skirt. Initially only the patient will be taken into the examination room. This allows the technologist to focus on the exam and the required pictures with minimal distraction. One adult family member or designated support person are welcome to be present during the obstetrical scan. This is a diagnostic exam. Only one additional person will be allowed to enter the exam room with the patient. If a family member or designated support person is disruptive during the exam they will be asked to leave the exam room.

You will be taken to the examination room which contains an ultrasound machine and an examination table. You will be asked to lie on the table on your back. Your lower abdomen will need to be exposed. The technologist will apply a gel to your skin to improve contact with the probe. The technologist will move the probe to various positions over your lower abdomen, taking several ultrasound images. The number of images and length of exam varies with the stage of pregnancy. The technologist may ask you to change position and empty your bladder during the examination.

At the end of the examination the technologist will print some images on paper - "baby pictures" which you may take home with you.

What can I expect after the examination?

Ultrasound of pregnancy has no after-effects, and you should be able to return to activities of daily living.

What are the risks of the procedure?

Ultrasound is an safe procedure that does not expose the body to x-rays. Ultrasound transmits very small quantities of sound energy into the body, but this produces no known harmful effects when standard techniques are used.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

The images are interpreted by one of our perinatologists and/or radiologists (a doctor who is trained to interpret obstetrical medical images) and the results are sent to the clinician who ordered the ultrasound by courier, fax or digital report (HRM). Arrangements to discuss the results of the ultrasound can be made with the clinician who ordered the test.

Is it a boy or girl?

Sometimes, but not always, it is possible to get a good enough look to determine the gender of the baby. If well seen, the reporting radiologist or perinatologists will include the sex in the report going to the ordering clinician. You may ask your clinician if gender is included in the report. The technologist is not able to give this information directly to the patient.

Are childcare (babysitting) services available while I have my exam?

No childcare services are available in our clinics.


PLEASE PRE-ARRANGE THE FOLLOWING:
Adult supervision in the waiting room must be provided at all times for children while you, the caregiver, are having your exam completed. London X-Ray Associates staff will not be able to provide any childcare needs. We ask that all children be supervised by an adult, other than the patient, while at London X-Ray Associates.