Fetal Ultrasound
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What is the
test?
Ultrasound is a painless way to show a fetus
in the uterus. The test uses sound waves and
a type of sonar detection system to generate
a black-and-white moving picture on a TV screen.
Fetal ultrasound is useful for determining your
pregnancy due date and evaluating the health
of the baby and its position. It can show some
but not all birth defects (for example, it can
show some cases of spina bifida but cannot diagnose
Down syndrome). It is also useful for diagnosing
twins and can sometimes show the sex of your
baby.
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How
do I prepare for the test?
Early in the pregnancy, you may be asked to
drink several glasses of water an hour before
the ultrasound so that the uterus can be seen
more clearly (a full bladder moves the intestines
out of the way). Later in the pregnancy, the
uterus has grown sufficiently in size so that
this is not necessary.
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What
happens when the test is performed?
You lie on your back on a table for the test.
A technician or doctor first squirts some clear
jelly onto your lower abdomen to help the ultrasound
sensor slide around easily, and then places the
sensor against your skin. The sensor looks like
a microphone. When the sensor is in place, a
picture appears on a TV screen, and the technician
or doctor moves the sensor back and forth on
your abdomen to see the fetus from many different
views. Depending on the age of the fetus, the
heartbeat, movement of arms and legs, and many
of the internal organs may be seen.
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What
risks are there from the test?
There are no risks to either the mother or the
fetus from ultrasound.
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Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
The jelly is wiped off. There are no side effects
from the test.
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How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
Depending on whether the person doing the test
is a doctor or a technician, you might be able
to get a few results of your test immediately.
The test is recorded on a videotape; a radiologist
can review the tape and report to your doctor,
a process that might take a day or two.
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