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WHAT IS ULTRASOUND, AND WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I HAVE MY EXAMINATION?
(click here for Preparation
Information)
Ultrasound
examinations use sound waves to produce images which can then be
interpreted by the sonographer and radiologist.
The sonographer
is a highly skilled specialist technologist who places a small
probe on the body to produce the images. Special gel is used to
make perfect contact between the probe and the skin surface, and
is wiped off after the examination is completed (this gel is
water soluble and won’t stain your clothes).
Your doctor
should have explained why the ultrasound procedure is necessary.
Please note that the sonographer is not able
to give you any results or tell you what they see – so
please do not ask. Results are available approximately 20
minutes after the scan is completed, and you should discuss
these with your own doctor.
Pregnancy
Ultrasound:
Ultrasound is especially useful
during pregnancy as there are no known harmful
effects to the baby. You may ask the sonographer for the sex of
the baby if you wish, although sometimes it can not be clearly
determined - in fact ultrasound is probably about 80% accurate.
Determining the delivery date is best done between 6
and 10 weeks, although even then it is only a guide
- babies tend to run their own timetable!
A full baby check is normally done between 18 and 22
weeks, usually closer to 20.
Before that the baby is too small, and after
that the babies bones are too dense for an accurate
examination.
Nuchal Translucency scans
(normally done at around 12 weeks) are
not
performed
at our clinics, but only at
specialist sonography centres.
If you require one of these scans our staff will be
able to assist in finding a suitable clinic.
If you would like a picture of your baby from the
ultrasound, we are pleased to be able to provide a
beautifully presented memento of your baby's first
picture. Ask our staff to see a sample at the
practice. This is usually available for collection
within a few days at a nominal cost.
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