Obstetric or Pelvic Ultrasound Procedures

Your physician has arranged for you to have an ultrasound scan, a diagnostic procedure known as ultrasonography.

Ultrasonography has provided physicians with a safe, painless diagnostic tool for more than twenty years.  The procedure creates images of internal body structures by sending high frequency sound waves into the human body and receiving echoes returning from the tissues.

The sound waves, known as ultrasound, are sent and received through an instrument called a transducer (the part of the ultrasound equipment system that actually touches you).

The high frequency, or pitch, of ultrasound is far above the range of human hearing.  Ultrasound presents no known risks to your health or to the health of your unborn baby.

Ultrasound is commonly used to assess the progress of fetal development, monitor amniocentesis, differentiate pelvic cysts from solid masses, and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.  The vaginal transducer is an innovation in ultrasound technology that brings the ultrasound waves very close to the uterus and ovaries, producing fine, detailed images.

For most pelvic ultrasound procedures, your bladder must be full.  A full bladder conducts ultrasound waves well and pushes the bowel out of the way, allowing the waves to reach the deep pelvic organs.

What to expect during your visit

When You arrive At VRMC
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time.  Enter the VRMC through the main lobby and proceed to the patient services desk.  A patient services representative will help you register for admission to our Imaging Department.

Time required For Ultrasound Procedures
The directions below suggest how much time to set aside for your particular scan.  Occasional delays may occur, however, so we recommend that you allow extra time for the entire procedure.

Directions For Your Specific Ultrasound Procedure
By properly preparing yourself for your exam you can reduce delays and cancelled or rescheduled exams.

GYN and GYN/Transvaginal (Pelvic) Ultrasound
          * Drink one quart (4 large glasses) of liquid ONE HOUR before your appointment time
          * DO NOT EMPTY YOUR BLADDER until your technologist instructs you to do so
          * You may eat as normal
          * Allow approximately one hour for the procedure

OB Ultrasound
          * Drink one quart (4 large glasses) of liquid ONE HOUR before your appointment time
          * DO NOT EMPTY YOUR BLADDER until your technologist instructs you to do so
          * You may eat as normal
          * Allow approximately 1-1/2 hours for the procedure

After Your Arrival And Registration
You will first be greeted by a technologist from our ultrasound staff.  After a few initial questions, the technologist will ask you to remove your regular clothing and change into a gown.

Please feel free to ask the technologist any questions you may have about your ultrasound procedure.  The technologist can answer questions about your procedure, but your doctor will give you the results of the test.

During Your Ultrasound Procedure
Once you are in the ultrasound room, the technologist will help you onto a padded table.  You will need to lie down to be positioned for the ultrasound scan.  A special gel is then applied to your skin.  The gel prevents air from getting between your skin and the ultrasound source.

A small microphone-shaped instrument, called a transducer, is passed over the area of your body to be scanned, producing a sensation of light pressure on your skin.

After the first part of the scan is complete, the technologist will ask you to empty your bladder.  When you bladder has been emptied, the technologist will ask you to lie on the table and place your feet in stirrups in preparation for the transvaginal scan.  With the help of the technologist, you will insert a small transvaginal transducer into your vagina.  The transducer has a sterile cover and insertion should not cause discomfort.  The technologist will complete the scan.

If you are having a routine second or third trimester OB ultrasound screening, the transvaginal scan will not be performed.

The technologist will review your sonograms while you wait to ensure that they contain all the necessary information requested by your physician.  Occasionally, additional sonograms may be needed.  Once the entire procedure has been completed, you may change into your regular clothes.

By relaxing and working with your technologist, you can contribute to the success of your ultrasound procedure.