Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging examination. The transducer (a small, hand-held device) produces sound waves that create a picture based on the density of the body tissues. The ultrasound exam can be used to identify the gestational age of the fetus and whether the growth is appropriate, to assess the number of babies in the pregnancy, to evaluate the placental structure, location, and evaluate blood flow. Most importantly, it allows a physical examination of the fetus. It is this complete evaluation of the fetus that allows the most appropriate treatments to be undertaken.