ULTRASOUND IMAGING
Obstetric ultrasound, commonly called pregnancy scans, is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time visual images of a developing embryo or fetus within the uterus. It also allows for the assessment of the mother's uterus and ovaries, as well as blood flow in the umbilical cord and placenta. It is a non-invasive procedure that is a safe and a valuable tool for monitoring pregnancy progress, assessing fetal well-being, and detecting abnormalities.
Indications for Obstetric Ultrasound:
Confirming the site of pregnancy
Ultrasound can confirm location pregnancy sac and determine the number of fetuses,
Determining gestational age , due date and fetal heart beat (dating scan):
Ultrasound can help estimate the gestational age of the fetus, cardiac activity and predict the due date.
Assessing fetal well-being (growth and colour doppler scan):
Ultrasound can evaluate fetal heart rate, fetal weight,placenta, movement, doppler flow and amniotic fluid volume to assess the fetal health.
NT scan :It is usually performed between 11 weeks to 14 week gestation.It helps assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), as well as certain congenital heart defects in the fetus.
Detecting fetal abnormalities (anomaly scan):
Ultrasound can help identify potential structural or developmental abnormalities in the fetus . It is usually performed between 18 and 22 weeks gestation age. This may involve advanced techniques like 3D or 4D ultrasound for detailed imaging of fetal anatomy or 3D ultrasound of the fetal face.
Guiding other procedures:
Ultrasound can be used to guide other procedures such as fetal reduction, amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling etc
Obstetric ultrasound is considered a safe procedure with no known harmful effects on the mother or fetus.
Gynecological ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize the female pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It's a valuable tool for diagnosing various gynecological conditions.
Indication
Diagnostic tool:
Gynecological ultrasounds help identify conditions like uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and other pelvic abnormalities.
Guiding procedures:
It can be used to perform needle biopsies, ovum pick up or cyst aspirations .
Monitoring treatment:
Ultrasound can monitor the progression or response to treatment for certain gynecological conditions.
Gynecological ultrasound can be performed via transabdominal (through abdomen) or transvaginal route (ultrasound probe is inserted in the vagina).
Benefits:
Non-invasive: It doesn't involve needles or incisions.
Painless: Generally well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort.
Widely available: Readily accessible in most healthcare settings.
Real-time imaging: Allows for immediate visualization and assessment.
Safe:ultrasound is a safe procedure .
Preparation:
Transabdominal: May require a full bladder to improve image quality, so you might be asked to drink fluids beforehand.
Transvaginal: Requires emptying the bladder before the procedure
The obsteric and gynaecology department of an institute is incomplete without ultrasound facility. At our hospital, we have ultrasound machines in out patient department as well as in operation theatre to enhance the diagnostic edge in OPD and the operative results in OT. Most of the vaginal procedures like MTP, dilatation and evacuation, suction and evacuation, endometrial biopsy, cyst aspirations, ovum pick up, embryo transfer are performed under ultrasound guidance.
Book your appointment with us for any queries related to ultrasonography.
