Fetal ultrasound

About the Procedure:

Ultrasound imaging is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic method used to visualize internal tissues and organs by means of high-frequency sound waves. The procedure is quick, safe, and does not cause any harmful side effects. An ultrasound scanner consists of a transducer and a monitor. As the transducer is moved over the skin, ultrasound waves are transmitted into the body and reflected back from internal structures. These echoes are converted into electrical signals, which create real-time images on the screen. This allows the physician to examine internal organs without penetrating or damaging the body.

What Is This Procedure Used For?

Ultrasound imaging may be used to evaluate the heart, thyroid gland, abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen), urinary system (kidneys, urinary bladder, post-void residual urine), prostate, breasts, lymph nodes, and joints. It is also commonly performed to investigate pain, swelling, hardening, masses, and other abnormalities, as well as to detect structural changes in organs and tissues.

For older adults, a preventive ultrasound examination is generally recommended once a year.

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound Scan?

Abdominal Ultrasound:

• Gallbladder ultrasound - It is recommended not to eat for approximately 4 hours before the procedure.

Pancreas and spleen ultrasound:

• Avoid foods that may cause bloating (such as black bread, apples, plums, peas, beer, etc.) for 24 hours before the procedure.
• Take anti-bloating medication approximately 8 hours before the procedure.

Urinary System and Reproductive Organ Ultrasound:

• Drink fluids before the procedure. Your urinary bladder should be full during the examination.

Other Ultrasound Scans: No special preparation is required for other types of ultrasound examinations.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Ultrasound imaging may be performed by placing a transducer on the skin over the area being examined or by inserting a specially designed transducer through a natural body opening.

For transcutaneous (through-the-skin) ultrasound, the procedure is usually performed while you are lying on your back. Depending on the organ being evaluated, your physician may ask you to stand up, turn onto your side, or lie on your stomach.

A special water-based gel will be applied to your skin to eliminate air between the skin and the transducer, ensuring better contact and more accurate imaging. The physician will then move the transducer over the area being examined to obtain detailed images of the internal structures.

When ultrasound is performed through a natural body opening:

• Transesophageal ultrasound (TEE): the transducer is inserted into the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart.
• Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): the transducer is inserted into the rectum to examine the prostate gland.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: the transducer is inserted into the vagina to evaluate the uterus and ovaries.

After the Procedure:

Your physician will discuss the results with you and, if necessary, recommend appropriate treatment or further diagnostic evaluation.