Obstetric ultrasounds provide an accurate and safe assessment of the gravid uterus and growing fetus throughout a woman's pregnancy.
Obstetric ultrasound is a test that helps obstetricians diagnose and evaluate pregnant women for abnormalities in the fetus, as well as abnormalities in the mother's pelvic organs, including the uterus and ovary. It is a safe procedure since it uses sound waves instead of radiation.
Among the types of ultrasound are:
- 2D Obstetric Ultrasound: Creates a depthless image to view fetal size and any organ abnormalities, as well as to view the mother's pelvic organs.
- 3D Obstetric Ultrasound: Creates a virtual still image with depth to be used in conjunction with 2D ultrasound to improve diagnostic efficiency if abnormalities are found in the fetus.
- 4D Obstetric Ultrasound: Creates a 3D moving image with the depth of the fetus's poses. The goals of using 4D ultrasound are the same as those of 3D.
The preparation for the ultrasounds is not more complex. For all obstetric ultrasound examinations it is recommended:
- Pregnancy: 1 – 13 Weeks: Starting 1 ½ hours before the exam, it is important to drink 32 oz. of water 30 minutes before and retain. Important: Do not go to the bathroom until the technologist finishes the exam; not empty the bladder.
- Pregnancy: 14+ Weeks: Starting 1 ½ hours before the exam, it is important to drink 24 oz. of water over the course of the first ½ hour and retain. Important: Do not go to the bathroom until the technologist finishes the exam; not empty the bladder.
El Dr. Daniel García, gynecologist and obstetrician at Ginefem, explains in this video what you should do before a vaginal ultrasound.