~Tracy S.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to talk with my frazzled husband about our baby’s condition. I had done my best to reassure him, but he felt a billion times better after speaking with the experts! Thank you for your consideration and caring."
Ultrasound FAQ
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Q: What will I see on my obstetrical sonogram? Will you be able to determine the gender?
A: Your exam will be in real time, but the images you receive well be a hard copy. What you see on a sonogram depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. When it is performed early for viability or dating, you will see a yolk sac and embryo. If you are 6 weeks or greater, you will see the fetal heart beating. Between 18-20 weeks you can see the majority of the baby’s anatomy and it is possible to see the gender of the baby.
Q: Will I get a color Doppler exam during my obstetrical sonogram?
A: Occasionally it is necessary to use color Doppler to evaluate the blood flow through the placenta or cord. It may also be used to evaluate the fetal heart.
Q: How long will the exam last?
A: If the baby cooperates, it will take 30 to 45 minutes.
Q: Can I bring my family to my obstetrical sonogram?
A: Older family members such as a husband or parents are welcome. Young children are often frightened by the darkness of the room or are afraid that we are hurting their mother – these distractions can prolong your exam. If you find it necessary to bring young children, please be sure they are safely secured in a stroller or baby seat and accompanied by an adult.
Q: Will I be able to view the screen during the exam?
A: Yes! We will explain what you are seeing on the screen.
Q: Will my exam be performed abdominally or endovaginally?
A: This depends on your individual case. You may need both. We will explain at the time of the visit.
Q: Will I get a 3D picture to take home with me?
A: If the baby cooperates, we make every attempt to give each patient a 3D picture of the baby’s face.
Q: Can I have my sonogram videotaped?
A: No. You can, however, purchase a CD at the time of examination. It will be burned within 48 hours and mailed to you. These will be still, not moving, images.
Q: How long will it take for my doctor to get the result of my exam?
A: Your report will be sent to your doctor within 24 hours. Ultrasound Associates auto faxes its reports and offers electronic transmission to physicians with Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
General Ultrasound
Q: Why did my doctor order a breast sonogram?
A: If your doctor found a mass and you are under 30, breastfeeding, or pregnant, breast ultrasound is needed rather than a mammogram otherwise, a breast ultrasound is performed as an adjunct to a mammogram.
Q: Why did my doctor order a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
A: Ultrasound of the joints and feet is best suited for evaluating soft tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments and bursae. It is an excellent technique for evaluating foot and ankle pain to determine if a neuroma is present or a tendon is torn.
Q: What do you examine on an abdominal sonogram?
A: We examine the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and great vessels.
Q: Why do I need a full bladder for my gynecologic ultrasound exam?
A: Sound waves travel more easily through liquids than through surrounding tissue or air. A full bladder facilitates passage of sound waves improving the image resolution of the uterus and ovaries behind the bladder.
Q: Why did my doctor order a neck sonogram?
A: He or she may have felt a thickening of your neck or a lump. Specifically, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are the primary reason for an ultrasound of the neck. We also look at the neck lymph nodes when performing a neck sonogram.