What is obstetric ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound is safe and painless, and uses sound waves to produce images inside the body. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or ultrasound examination, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and an ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel to the body. The sensors collect bounced sounds, and the computer then uses these sound waves to create images. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation (as used in X-rays), so no radiation is exposed to the patient. Because the ultrasound images are taken in real time, they can show the structure and movement of the internal organs of the human body and the blood flow through the blood vessels.

 

 

Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive medical examination that helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions.

 

Obstetric ultrasound provides images of embryos or fetuses in the womb of women, as well as the mother's uterus and ovaries.

 

Doppler ultrasound studies may be part of an obstetric ultrasound.

 

Doppler ultrasound, also known as color Doppler ultrasound, is a special kind of ultrasound technique that allows doctors to view and evaluate blood flow through the abdomen, arms, legs, neck, and/or the arteries of the brain (infants and children). And veins, body organs such as liver or kidneys.

 

In obstetric ultrasonography, the examiner can assess cord blood flow or, in some cases, assess blood flow in the fetus or placenta.