Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound wave technology to create live-action images of your internal organs. Healthcare providers perform ultrasound tests to evaluate many organs and diagnose a wide range of health conditions.

Ultrasound is a safe and painless way to view images of the body and requires very little preparation. Providence Women's Healthcare uses state-of-the-art technologies and medical care so their patients get the best in modern medicine. 

They perform obstetric ultrasounds and gynecological ultrasounds. Your ultrasound may be a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound.

Transabdominal ultrasound

During a transabdominal ultrasound, your provider places an ultrasound transducer on your abdomen and uses a special gel to glide the transducer over the skin in your abdominal area to capture the images.

Transvaginal ultrasound

For a transvaginal ultrasound, your provider uses a long, thin transducer they place in your vagina. Your provider may request a transvaginal ultrasound to get better imaging of your reproductive organs. 

What is an obstetric ultrasound?

An obstetric ultrasound is the imaging test Providence Women's Healthcare performs during pregnancy. You may undergo at least two obstetric ultrasounds during your pregnancy — one during the first trimester and the next during the second trimester.

Providence Women's Healthcare performs an obstetric ultrasound to:

• Determine the date of pregnancy
• Check positioning and progression of the fetus
• Evaluate fetal cardiac abnormalities
• Evaluate the placenta
• Determine the amount of amniotic fluid
• Screen for gender
• Detect some congenital disabilities

Providence Women's Healthcare may also perform an obstetric ultrasound during a prenatal screening such as the nuchal translucency test. 

An obstetric ultrasound also diagnoses miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. 

What is a gynecological ultrasound?

A gynecological ultrasound evaluates your reproductive organs, including your pelvis, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. Providence Women's Healthcare may perform a gynecological ultrasound to:

• Look for gynecological conditions such as fibroids or ovarian cysts
• Find the cause of abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain
• Check positioning of an intrauterine device
• Assess structure and position of the reproductive organs

The gynecological ultrasound not only shows the structure of your internal organs but also the blood flow. 

Providence Women's Healthcare provides exceptional healthcare. To schedule your ultrasound, call the office or book an appointment online today.