Obstetric Ultrasound: What to Expect when you’re expecting
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Expectant mothers can expect to receive a number of obstetric ultrasounds during the course of their pregnancies. The procedure may seem a little bit intimidating at first, but the ultrasound professionals carrying out these high-tech scans have been well trained and are using advanced equipment that has been stringently tested, so there should be no cause for concern. In fact, the obstetric ultrasound scan was first developed in the 1950s and has been fine-tuned a great deal since then. Although it is a highly complex science, you can rest assured that it is safe and effective.
How it Works
Ultrasound scanners use extremely high-frequency sound waves that are produced and emitted in a transducer. This device is typically placed under the abdomen of a pregnant woman to look at various areas of the uterus and the fetus inside it by continuously scanning ultrasound beams through the area and reflecting them back to the transducer. In most cases, a pregnant woman in her first trimester must have a full bladder for the procedure to be effective. A conducting gel is used during the procedure, which may feel somewhat uncomfortable, but not painful.
When to Expect an Ultrasound
Pregnant women may be advised to have an ultrasound during many different stages of pregnancy and for many different reasons, including the following:
1- Diagnosis/confirmation of pregnancy in early stages
2- Fetal malformation diagnosis
3- Hydramnios and oligohydramnios
4- If vaginal bleeding has occurred in early pregnancy
5- Location of the placenta
6- Multiple pregnancy cases
7- To determine fetus size and gestational age
Other Facts to Consider
There are other special cases when an obstetric ultrasound may be required, including the confirmation of intrauterine death or fetal presentation in uncertain cases, diagnosis of uterine and pelvic abnormalities during pregnancy, and/or evaluation of fetal breathing, movements and tone. The important thing to remember is that even when the situation is frightening, the ultrasound itself should be nothing to worry about. As long as you are working with reputable, certified medical professionals, you can rest assured that the procedure will be accurate, cost effective, non-invasive and safe (both for you and the fetus). Ask any doctor, nurse practitioner, RN or other medical professional in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, and they will tell you that ultrasounds are an indispensable part of the profession. This technology plays an extremely important role in practically every pregnancy in the western world in this day and age.
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Author Resource:-
Browse site SonographySchoolsU.com and Search for top diagnostic medical sonography schools and Ultrasound Schools which are offering degree programs in Sonography courses. Choose the best sonography schools and programs for you to start your career in the field of Ultrasound Sonography.
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By :
The Sider Group
Submitted
2012-02-09 15:24:42 |
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