This article will help you learn about ultrasound procedures and how to prepare for them.
What Is an Ultrasound?
It is a non-invasive technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of a part of the body.
When Is an Ultrasound Performed?
Ultrasound is used for various conditions and is divided into three categories:
- Pregnancy Ultrasound:
- Confirming pregnancy.
- Determining the number of fetuses.
- Estimating the gestational age of the fetus.
- Checking the growth of the fetus.
- Assessing fetal movement and heart rate.
- Detecting birth defects in the brain, spinal cord, heart, or other parts of the body.
- Diagnostic Ultrasound:
- To determine if there is any health condition.
- To learn more about the causes of a wide range of symptoms, such as unexplained pain or lumps, or abnormal blood test results.
- Procedural Ultrasound:
- To perform certain procedures accurately, such as:
- Guiding needle placement for sampling fluids or tissues.
- Transferring embryos for in vitro fertilization.
- Confirming the position of an intrauterine device (IUD) after placement.
- To perform certain procedures accurately, such as:
How Do You Prepare for an Ultrasound?
You may be asked to:
- Drink water and avoid using the bathroom until after the exam.
- Avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the exam.
- Remove some clothing and wear a hospital gown.
- In some cases, you may be given an injection of a harmless substance called a contrast agent before the exam, as this can make the images clearer.
