Ultrasound: A Picture of Your Baby's Health

From exploring the underwater world of oceans to inspecting the inner world of the human body, sonar technology relies on sound waves to create images of what would otherwise be invisible to us. Your doctor can use sonar technology, too --in a form called ultrasound -- to create a picture of the new life inside your body.

Ultrasound is a common prenatal procedure used even in low-risk pregnancies to confirm your due date or assess your baby's health.

If there are any concerns that your baby may be at risk, ultrasound can help provide the information your doctor needs to give you the best possible prenatal care. Ultrasound is generally agreed to be safe, but feel free to discuss any questions you may have with your doctor.

Most Common Reasons for Ultrasound

• Ultrasound can help your doctor evaluate many conditions related to your pregnancy.  These are some of the most common:

• Unexpected uterus size -- either too large or too small -- may be due to twins or an incorrect estimated age of the baby.

• Vaginal bleeding may indicate conditions such as an ectopic (outside the uterus) pregnancy or a potential miscarriage.

• Previous problems during pregnancy or labor such as major birth defects, premature labor, cesarean section, or stillbirth may reoccur.

• Medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

During Abdominal Ultrasound

While you lie down on the examination table, the ultrasonographer applies a layer of gel or oil to your abdomen so the sound waves more easily reach your baby. He or she then slowly passes the transducer back and forth over your abdomen. The procedure is painless and takes less than one-half hour. You may be able to see your babyÑor may even be given a copy of the sonogram to take home with you.

What Ultrasound Shows

In late pregnancy, ultrasound shows

• The growth of your baby

• The position of your baby, such as vertex (head down) or breech (feet or buttocks down)

• The location of the placenta

• The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby