Ultrasound Specialist

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a technology that bounces sound waves off the structures inside your body so that your doctor can see them on a computer monitor. 

Ultrasound procedures are completely noninvasive and safe. Souma Diagnostics technicians perform ultrasounds at the Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. offices.

Why do I need an ultrasound if I am pregnant?

Your OB/GYN orders ultrasound if you’re pregnant to be sure that your baby is developing normally, to estimate the due date, and (if the baby cooperates) to determine the baby’s sex. 

Your doctor recommends a first ultrasound somewhere during weeks 6-11 and a second at around weeks 20-22.

If your baby is at risk for Down syndrome or other conditions, you can get a special kind of ultrasound called nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound, which identifies chromosomal abnormalities.  

When you have a high-risk pregnancy because of multiple fetuses, older maternal age, or other reasons, your OB/GYN orders more ultrasounds after week 20 until you’re ready to give birth to your baby. If, at any point, your doctor identifies health conditions in you or your baby, you may be referred to a high-risk or maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

Can I get 3D and 4D images of my baby?

If you’d like a clearer, more shareable images of your baby after your 25th week of pregnancy, you can get 3D and 4D ultrasound images. These types of ultrasound images aren’t diagnostic.

Why do I need an ultrasound if I am not pregnant?

Your doctor may also need an ultrasound to evaluate the health of your reproductive organs. Depending on your symptoms, or on your doctor’s findings during an examination, ultrasound studies help evaluate:

• Fibroids and other benign tumors
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Possible pelvic inflammatory disease
• Structural abnormalities
• Lost objects (IUDs, tampons)
• Causes of infertility
• Causes of abnormal bleeding or pain

Depending on the condition your doctor is exploring, your technician may use several different types of ultrasound devices. You may undergo one or more of the following:

• Vaginal ultrasound  — wand inserted into vagina
• Abdominal ultrasound  — transducer remains outside, on abdomen and pelvis
• Sonohysterogram — vaginal wand combined with fluid insertion into uterus

If you have pelvic pain or symptoms or think you may be pregnant, contact the experts at Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd., by phone or online contact form.