What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of structures inside your body. A device called a transducer emits sound waves that travel through your skin and body until they bounce off organs and other structures like blood vessels.

As the sound waves echo back to the transducer, they’re sent to a computer that translates the waves into an image. The doctors and licensed with sonographers at Hill Country OB/GYN perform two types of ultrasound.

What are the Two Types of Ultrasound?

Whether your doctor is providing obstetric or gynecological care, you may undergo a transabdominal or a transvaginal ultrasound:

• Transabdominal Ultrasound: This is the type of ultrasound women receive during their second trimester. First, your sonographer applies ultrasound gel to your skin, which creates a bond with the transducer and boosts sound wave transmission through your skin. Then the sonographer moves the transducer over your abdomen to obtain images of your baby, uterus, and other structures.

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: Your sonographer can obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic organs by placing a specially designed transducer inside your vagina. This type of ultrasound produces clearer images because the sound waves don’t have to go through your skin.

How is Ultrasound Used in Obstetrics?

During your pregnancy, ultrasound safely provides images your doctor uses to determine the baby’s position and evaluate your baby’s growth and health.

Your doctor may order an ultrasound at any time during your pregnancy, but most women get a first-trimester transvaginal ultrasound to verify their pregnancy, and NT scan around 12 weeks, and then a routine second-trimester ultrasound. This ultrasound, which is performed around 20 weeks, is a detailed ultrasound evaluating fetal anatomy. Gender is also often revealed at this appointment. Notify your sonographer if you want to keep the gender a surprise.

In some cases, a third-trimester ultrasound may be done to confirm your baby’s position, estimate their weight, or asses their health.

At Hill Country OB/GYN, you can also make a special appointment for a 2D or 3D gender determination ultrasound session. You’ll receive pictures, a video, and have time to enjoy seeing your baby in the womb.