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Has your physician recommended you get an ultrasound scan? If you’ve never had to get an ultrasound exam before, you may be wondering what to expect.<\/p>\n
This guide will explain everything you need to know about ultrasound imaging, including how it works and what you should expect at your appointment. We’ll also discuss helpful tips you can use to ensure the technologist gets a clear picture.<\/p>\n
Jump sections<\/strong><\/p>\n Also known as sonography or ultrasonography, an ultrasound is a mostly noninvasive imaging technique that allows medical providers to examine soft internal structures like organs and blood vessels.<\/p>\n If you’ve heard of echolocation \u2014 how bats and other animals use reflected sound waves to \u201csee\u201d in the dark \u2014 you already have an idea of how ultrasound technology works. Like in echolocation, this imaging technique uses sound waves to visualize the shape and position of specific body parts without requiring the technologist to create an incision.<\/p>\n Physicians use various types of ultrasounds to accomplish different objectives. Some of the most common exam types include:<\/p>\n Although ultrasound exams are typically painless, internal scans can be uncomfortable. Talk to the technologist if you feel any discomfort or pain during the scan so they can help solve the problem.<\/p>\n Because sound waves can’t pass through certain objects, ultrasound isn’t an effective imaging technique for anything blocked by bone, gas or fat, such as the inside of your stomach or lungs. You’ll typically need a different type of exam to get a clear picture of these structures.<\/p>\n Additionally, failure to follow the recommended pre-scan protocol can make it more difficult for the technologist to get a clear picture. Some of the most common signs of a bad ultrasound image include:<\/p>\n Choosing a reputable imaging facility will help you reduce your risk of a bad ultrasound scan. Ideally, your center will staff experienced technologists and stay up to date on technology to ensure consistent image quality. Reading patient testimonials and consulting with your provider can help you find the right facility<\/a> for your needs.<\/p>\n Diagnostic ultrasound scans give physicians a way to examine internal structures in real time, which can significantly reduce the time needed to diagnose serious conditions such as:<\/p>\n It’s also commonly used to guide surgeons and other practitioners through complex procedures. For example, if you need a corticosteroid injection, your provider might use an ultrasound machine to ensure they administer the injection properly.<\/p>\n Ultrasounds are important during pregnancy because they let providers:<\/p>\n Every pregnancy is different, so the number of ultrasounds each mother needs will vary. Generally, though, you’ll have at least two \u2014 one at your first obstetric (OB) visit to determine your due date and another at about 20 weeks to measure the baby and check for abnormalities.<\/p>\n Unlike x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), ultrasound scans don’t need radiation or magnetic fields to produce images. That’s one of the biggest reasons why they are so safe. Instead, a sonogram uses high-frequency sound waves to quickly create a picture of the structure under examination.<\/p>\n Here’s what a typical ultrasound exam looks like:<\/p>\n Most exams will take around 20 to 40 minutes, and results are usually ready after 24 to 48 hours. Your technologist will send the results to your physician as soon as possible. You’ll typically need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider to discuss the exam and any next steps in your care.<\/p>\n Ultrasound scans are generally safe, but there are a few things you should be aware of before you schedule an appointment:<\/p>\n Ultimately, you should have a safe and easy ultrasound as long as you communicate any special needs you have to your provider before your appointment.<\/p>\n Preparation protocols will look different depending on the type of ultrasound you need. These precautions help ensure your technologist can get a clear view of the area being examined.<\/p>\n For a scan of the pelvic region or urinary tract, your provider will typically ask you to come in with a full bladder. They will typically recommend you drink between 18 to 32 ounces of water 30 minutes to an hour before your appointment. This extra fluid allows the sound waves to travel faster through your body, which helps create a clearer, more detailed image.<\/p>\n Preparations for pregnancy ultrasounds are usually similar to those of pelvic scans. Eat normally and drink plenty of water before your appointment. Although you’ll likely need to change into a gown, arriving in comfortable clothing may help you feel more at ease while you wait.<\/p>\n For transvaginal, abdominal or inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasounds, you’ll likely need to come in fasted with an empty bladder. A full stomach or bladder can obstruct the technologist’s view of the other structures they need to examine, which can negatively impact results.<\/p>\n Fidgeting or holding tension in your muscles can make it harder to get clear ultrasound pictures. If medical settings tend to make you anxious, finding ways to relieve your stress can help ensure the best ultrasound results:<\/p>\n Some providers may also administer a mild sedative to help you relax during certain types of exams, though this step is usually only reserved for when it’s absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n Young children are especially prone to stress and anxiety in medical settings \u2014 after all, they’re surrounded by unfamiliar people and machinery that makes strange noises. Many clinics will allow one parent or caregiver to be present in the exam room with their child, which can help ease their nerves.<\/p>\n Some other tips for helping a child feel less anxious for their ultrasound exam include:<\/p>\n Make sure to check with your provider in advance to discuss what options are available for your child. This way, you can plan for the visit more effectively.<\/p>\n Traditional ultrasound images are two-dimensional (2D), which means they produce flat images of the structure being examined. Although these images are the medical standard for most conditions, including prenatal scans, there are instances in which you may need a better view.<\/p>\n A three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound scan takes images from various angles and combines them to create a sharper, more detailed image, almost like a photograph. In pregnancy ultrasounds, a 3D scan lets you see some of your baby’s facial features and, sometimes, their fingers and toes. You’ll usually receive this type of scan around 24 to 34 weeks if your provider offers it.<\/p>\n A four-dimensional ultrasound (4D) scan is similar to a 3D scan but captures motion. In a 4D prenatal scan, for example, you can see the baby kicking, sucking their thumb or opening their eyes in real time.<\/p>\n That said, 3D and 4D ultrasound technology is still fairly new. Although many clinics are adopting this technology, there are still only a few medical circumstances that would require you to get a 3D or 4D scan:<\/p>\n You’ll likely need a standard 2D ultrasound for most other conditions, but feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with your provider before your exam.<\/p>\n Do you need an ultrasound scan? Consider scheduling your appointment at one of our state-of-the-art outpatient imaging centers. Our expert technologists provide fast, accurate results without sacrificing patient comfort and convenience. So whether you’re nervous about coming in for your first ultrasound during pregnancy or you want to accompany your child during a scan, our staff will provide the safe, compassionate care you need.<\/p>\n Discover what makes us the best choice for outpatient imaging procedures. Visit our locations page<\/a> to find your nearest imaging center and schedule your appointment.<\/p>\n Questions? Please read our frequently asked questions (FAQs)<\/a> page to learn more about what to expect.<\/p>\n\n
What is an ultrasound?<\/h2>\n
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What are the limitations of ultrasound imaging?<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nWhy are ultrasound pictures so important?<\/h2>\n
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How does an ultrasound work?<\/h2>\n
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Are there any risks to ultrasounds?<\/h3>\n
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How to get the best ultrasound pictures<\/h2>\n
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Relaxation tips for good ultrasound pictures<\/h3>\n\n
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3D vs. 4D ultrasound: What’s the difference?<\/h2>\n
![\"3D](\"https:\/\/www.healthimages.com\/content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/06\/04-3D-vs-4D-ultrasound-Whats-the-difference.png\")
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Schedule your ultrasound with Health Images today<\/h2>\n
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