Overview

An obstetrical ultrasound exam looks at the uterus and ovaries, and at the fetus.  The fetus is checked to be sure that its size is appropriate for its "age."  The fetus is also checked to be sure the fetal anatomy is structurally normal.

Preparation for Your Exam

You may eat regular meals prior to an obstetrical ultrasound exam.

If you are more than fourteen weeks pregnant there is no preparation needed.

If you are scheduled for a Biophysical Profile, please eat a meal or snack one hour before the exam.

During The Exam

During the exam, the patient lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed.  The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface.  The gel helps to transmit sound waves by excluding air.  An instrument called a transducer, which is about the size of a microphone, will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.

How long will it take? About 35 minutes.

Will it hurt? No.

Getting Your Results

The exam images will first be viewed by a radiologist, a physician specializing in analyzing these exams.  Our radiologists will review the results of your Ultrasound with your doctor who will then explain them to you.  Your doctor should have access to your exam results within 24 hours.