Paul Larson OB/GYN Clinic, P.A. Edina, Minnesota

OB Ultrasound Examination

We recommend a diagnostic ultrasound for most pregnant patients usually from 18-22 weeks of pregnancy.

Ultrasound has been used in medicine since the early 1950s, but has been continually improved with new technology. Medical ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves which are considered painless and harmless to both mother and fetus.

The examination consists of placing a special gel on the mother's abdomen and then moving a transducer (sound-emitting instrument) across it. The returning echoes are electrically converted to a picture on a screen which can then be photographed. Actual fetal movements can be seen. An hour is allotted for the exam, although it usually takes from 30-45 minutes if the patient's bladder is full. In order to accomplish this, you should have completed drinking 24 ounces of water one hour before your exam is scheduled and do not urinate.

Obstetrical ultrasounds have become so useful that we feel its routine use is necessary to provide you with the best prenatal care.

A routine exam usually shows:

The number of fetuses;
The fetal age (measuring the baby's head);
The location of the placenta;
Fetal life (the pulsating heart is usually visible); and
Fetal position.

Other uses for the ultrasound procedure include to:

Help diagnose early miscarriage;
Detect ovarian cysts and uterine fibroid tumors;
Look for certain congenital malformations;
Detect tubal pregnancies;
Investigate abnormal bleeding;
Perform a follicle study; and
Evaluate fetal growth.

If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please ask your provider.

The technologist may or may not be able to determine the baby's gender and accuracy is not 100%.

Keep in mind that the ultrasound room is small and dark and that the test takes 45 minutes to an hour. Children find this confinement difficult and may be distracting to the technologist, so we request that you do not bring children to the appointment.

Don't forget, a full bladder is required for the examination.


	FPA Award Clinical Excellence



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OB Ultrasound Examination

FPA Award

Clinical Excellence

In This Area