Obstetrical/Pelvic/Transvaginal Ultrasound

Obstetrical Ultrasound-
An obstetrical ultrasound looks at the patient’s uterus, ovaries and fetus. The fetus is measured in different views to show the age of the fetus. The anatomy of the fetus is also examined to make sure the fetus is structurally normal.

Preparation-
• Less than 8 weeks pregnant- No prep
• 8 weeks to 30 weeks pregnant- Full bladder- Please drink 32 ounces ( 1 quart) of water or juice 1 hour prior to exam. Do not void until examination is completed.
• After 30 weeks- drink 1 to 2 glasses of water or juice 30 minutes prior to examination. Do no void until examination is completed.

Length of exam- Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour

Procedure- You will be asked to lay on your back and possibly on your side to image the fetus. The ultrasound technologist will move the transducer over your stomach and take pictures of the fetus. We cannot video tape these exams.

40 weeks - Smiling Baby : Author Sebastiao Maia, Brazil

Pelvis Ultrasound-
Male- The bladder and a portion of the prostate are examined.

Preparation-
• Please have a full bladder.
• Drink 32 ounces ( 1 quart ) of water or juice 1 hour prior to exam.
• Do not void until exam is completed.

Length of exam- Approximately 30 minutes

Female- In the female, the uterus and ovaries and examined. The bladder may also be visualized.

Preparation-
• Please drink 32 ounces ( 1 quart ) of water or juice 1 hour prior to exam.
• Do not void until examination is completed.

Length of exam- Approximately 30 minutes

For the male and female, the patient will be asked to lie on the ultrasound table on their back. The technologist will put ultrasound gel on the pelvic area and move the ultrasound transducer over the area of interest. If the bladder is being carefully examined, the patient will be sent to the bathroom and post void images will be taken.

Transvaginal Ultrasound-
The patient will be asked to empty their bladder and remove clothing from the waist down. The patient will be asked to lie on the ultrasound table and a probe will be inserted into the vaginal area and pictures will be taken of the uterus and ovaries. This test may be done in addition to a pelvic ultrasound or it may be done in early pregnancies for better visualization.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for educational purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.