Obstetric Ultrasound
An obstetric ultrasound is a very safe and accurate investigation of your unborn baby. Ultrasound uses harmless high frequency inaudible sound waves to obtain images. Ultrasound waves are not dangerous or irritating for you or your baby. The ultrasound waves are transmitted and collected via a hand held probe which is moved over the abdomen. You will not feel any pain or discomfort.
Norwest Medical Imaging has the most advanced ultrasound equipment available in Australia. Our state-of-the-art-imaging ultrasound systems provide unprecedented image quality for medical diagnosis in obstetrics, with our sonographers and specialist radiologists highly trained and experienced in all facets of obstetric imaging.
PREPARATION
To ensure clear images, you will be asked to attend with a full bladder. This is achieved by emptying your bladder 2 hours before your appointment and then immediately drinking 600ml of water. Do not empty your bladder again before the procedure. You may eat normally and take any necessary medication.
It is important that you are on time for your appointment to ensure there is sufficient time available to perform the procedure. Please remember to bring any relevant films and your referral to your appointment.
WHY HAS YOUR DOCTOR REQUESTED AN ULTRASOUND?
Ultrasound is a non-invasive investigation to assist in monitoring your pregnancy. This examination may provide valuable information about your pregnancy that will assist the doctor in ensuring a successful outcome for you and your baby.
There are many reasons a doctor may request an ultrasound. Some of these are:
- To assist in determining the gestational age (when the baby is due).
- To assess the growth of a baby.
- To assess the number of babies.
- To check for possible abnormalities.
- To follow-up on any bleeding during the pregnancy.
RESULTS
An ultrasound is an extremely accurate diagnostic tool, although, very rarely some abnormalities may not be able to be detected. Due to the position of the baby, gestational age (weeks) or normal variations, some features may not be clear at the time of the procedure. Do not be alarmed if the trained sonographer or specialist recommends another scan or further tests. Your procedure will take up to approximately 40 minutes, after which you may wait while the images are prepared and reported. You can also pick up the films and report at a later time.
We understand that some patients are anxious about having tests performed. If you do have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask our staff. Norwest Medical Imaging strongly advise that you return to your referring doctor, in order for your doctor to discuss your radiology report with you.
