Ultrasound is the safest form of diagnostic imaging, so it’s perfect for checking an unborn baby’s health and development. Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology in Ventura, California, provides in-office ultrasound scans for patient convenience. They use ultrasound to diagnose gynecological disorders in addition to providing prenatal care. Call the office to learn more ultrasounds or schedule an appointment online today.

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What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound or sonogram is a diagnostic and assessment procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving images of your internal organs and tissues.

The ultrasound machine has a handheld device (transducer) that transmits sound waves into your body. When they reach your organs and tissues, the sound waves bounce back to the transducer, sending the information to the ultrasound machine’s computer.

The software converts the echoing sound waves into images that you and your OB/GYN can see on a screen.

What are ultrasounds used for in gynecology?

Diagnostic ultrasounds help the Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team determine what’s causing gynecologic symptoms like painful, heavy, or irregular periods and pelvic pain. Common conditions ultrasounds can help diagnose include:

  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Uterine polyps
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Dysmenorrhea

Your OB/GYN might order an ultrasound if they suspect you have endometrial or ovarian cancer. Ultrasounds are also routine during pregnancy.

How is ultrasound used during pregnancy?

Ultrasounds are vital to your prenatal care, enabling your OB/GYN to monitor your developing baby’s health and growth and rule out problems like ectopic pregnancy (where fertilization occurs in a fallopian tube). Ultrasounds can also:

  • Confirm your pregnancy
  • Determine if you’re expecting multiple babies
  • Help estimate your due date
  • Measure amniotic fluid levels
  • Identify your baby’s sex

Ultrasound technology uses no radiation, unlike an X-ray or CT scan, so it’s completely safe for the mother and baby.

What does having an ultrasound involve?

The most widely used form of ultrasound is transabdominal. Your provider applies a slippery gel to your skin and moves the transducer over your abdomen. The gel helps the transducer glide easily and improves the image quality.

Transabdominal ultrasound is entirely non-invasive and usually painless. You may feel some pressure if your provider has to press the transducer down for a clearer picture.

In some cases, you might need a transvaginal ultrasound. In this procedure, your provider inserts a wand-shaped transducer into your vagina, providing clear images of your pelvic organs. You might need a transvaginal ultrasound if you have problems like irregular periods.

To learn more about ultrasound and its uses, call Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or schedule an appointment online today.