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Prenatal Ultrasound

Like other ultrasound examinations, prenatal or fetal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic sac in a pregnant woman. The test does not involve radiation and is completely safe for both mother and baby. An ultrasound examination is also known as a sonogram. The entire procedure can be performed in 30 minutes or less.

Two types of ultrasound exams are used in pregnancy. The most common is a transabdominal ultrasound, in which the measuring instrument (transducer) is moved over the surface of the abdomen after a gel has been applied. Sometimes a full bladder is required to obtain better images, so you may be asked to drink several glasses of water before the test. There is no pain or discomfort associated with the test, and it can be performed in the doctor's office.

Transvaginal ultrasound uses a probe that is inserted directly into the vagina. It is performed in the doctor's office similar to a pelvic examination. This type of exam is most commonly used in the early weeks of pregnancy to rule out suspected problems or to assess the gestational age of the embryo. In early pregnancy this examination can provide more accurate information then a transabdominal examination.

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

Patient Comments Viewers share their comments

Prenatal Ultrasound - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with prenatal ultrasound.

Prenatal Ultrasound - 3D, 4D Question: Please describe your experience with 3D or 4D prenatal ultrasound.

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