Pregnancy
Ultrasound can be useful in high-risk pregnancy and infertility. Doctors can predict premature delivery by examining the size of the cervix. They can also screen for fallopian tube patency and detect ectopic pregnancies (the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus). Twenty percent of ectopic pregnancies turn into emergency situations when they are detected too late and as a result rupture pelvic organs and cause internal bleeding, according to Dr. C. Everett Koop, former United States Surgeon General.
Fetal Imaging
A complete fetal examination using ultrasound involves imaging the baby’s head, heart, kidneys, spine, stomach, umbilical cord, bladder and placenta to determine if any abnormalities exist. The same fetal exam can also be used to check for the possibility of multiple births, unusual orientation, and if the baby is positioned correctly, the sex can also be determined. By taking measurements of the fetus, a doctor can also determine the gestational age of the baby to help date the pregnancy.
In some cases, early in the first trimester, a special examination using an endovaginal (inside the vagina) transducer may be conducted to check for conditions not easily recognized with the standard, more widely used trans-abdominal (outside the abdomen) examination.
Take An Active Role in Your Ultrasound Exam
As a patient, you can (and should) take an active role in ensuring your ultrasound provides the most diagnostic information possible. This starts with asking questions about what is involved and following your doctor’s instructions about pre-exam procedures, such as drinking water before an obstetric exam.
This also includes requesting that a certified sonographer performs your exam. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography®, which tests the competency of sonographers, has certified more than 60,000 sonographers to perform ultrasound studies. Once certified, these individuals use credentials, much like nurses use the RN credential. The four credentials are RDMS – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer; RDCS – Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer; RVT – Registered Vascular Technologist; and RPVI – Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation.
For more information about who is qualified to perform your ultrasound exam, contact the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography click here.
To learn more about ultrasound and the health conditions described in this brochure, contact these valuable sources via telephone or the Internet:*
The virtual exam. www.ultrasound.com
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. www.sdms.org (214) 473-8057
The American Heart Association. www.amhrt.org (800) 242-8721
Women’s Health Alliance. www.womenshealthalliance.com
American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org (800) ACS-2345
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 1-800-I’M-AWARE
Breast cancer information site. www.breastcancer.net
Dr. Koop’s Community. www.drkoop.com
Baby information site. www.babycenter.com
CaP Cure prostate site. www.capcure.org
Article first appeared @http://www.sdms.org/public/soundmedicine.asp