During a pregnancy, an ultrasound can be an exciting experience as it is an opportunity to see your developing baby. As a form of medical technology, ultrasounds perform an even more significant role in allowing doctors to view inside of your body to diagnose certain conditions. Our sonographers perform diagnostic ultrasound in a comfortable environment to ascertain the cause of specific symptoms and to offer guidance during specific procedures. Since it does not use radiation, it is very safe and generally painless. Rest assured that you receive the best care possible form our skilled and compassionate health care providers.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

 

Ultrasound imaging, also referred to as sonography, uses sound waves to provide a picture of the inside of your body. During an ultrasound, gel is placed onto your skin and then a wand called a transducer moves across the gel, sending high-frequency sound waves into the body. Objects inside your body that are dense will create an echo, causing the ultrasound to bounce back. This is what allows them to be viewed on the screen during the ultrasound scan. Depending on what needs to be viewed and why, there are some transducer wands intended to enter the body vaginally. Again, this should not cause any pain although you may experience slight discomfort as the wand is guided by the sonographer.

Your ultrasound may last between 10 minutes and one hour, depending on what is being looked at or tested. You will be able to see the image projected on a screen and certain details may be pointed out to you by the sonographer. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will review the images and discuss any findings with you privately. From there, next steps for treatment will be developed if necessary.

 

Reasons to Have an Ultrasound

The following are just a handful of reasons an ultrasound may be recommended:

  • Confirm pregnancy
  • Monitor baby’s development during pregnancy
  • Evaluate the mother’s health during pregnancy
  • Examine the bladder, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
  • Diagnose gynecologic conditions such as abnormal bleeding, cysts, or fibroids

Schedule Your Appointment

Our dedicated medical team located in both Rock Hill and Fort Mill, SC, always places your best interest at the forefront. Contact us to schedule an appointment.