Ultrasound Scans

What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a scan that uses high frequency sound waves to study internal body
structures. The sound waves are emitted from a vibrating crystal in a handheld scanner.
The reflected sound waves or ‘echoes’ are then translated into a grainy, two-
dimensional (or sometimes three-dimensional) image on a monitor.

Ultrasound procedure
The procedure depends on the type of ultrasound used, but may include:

Transabdominal ultrasound – sound waves pass very well through water. The
sonographer uses your full bladder as a ‘porthole’ to your uterus, so you will have to
drink plenty of water before the test. You lie down on an examination table or bed.
Gel is applied to your abdomen (to provide better contact between your skin and the
scanner) and the sonographer moves the scanner in various positions. Pictures are
sent instantly to a nearby monitor. The sonographer may have to push quite firmly
at times in order to see the deeper structures. The scan usually takes about 30
minutes.

Vaginal ultrasound – in some cases, a transabdominal ultrasound can’t produce

clear enough pictures. There may be too much air in your bowel, for instance, and
air is a poor conductor of sound waves. In these cases, a slender scanner is
inserted into your vagina. The scan usually takes about 30 minutes.

Begs the question would the Ultrasound be effective as a product design since most
times the ultrasound gel is used when doing Baby scans,, so is there a medium to
make sure the scanner and skin have better contact.

Also most sonographers have to be used to in different positions for different

orientations so how well is this product going to be optimized for scanning the baby
at different positions.

Ultrasound Scans 1
 Also even though till now there has been no research suggesting that the product is
harmful the procedure is usually carried out by medical professionals so as to
minimize risk since the long term risks are still yet unknown

Currently baby tests are done to check the heart rate when:

Your baby doesn't seem to be moving as much as usual.

You are overdue.

You have a chronic medical condition such as high blood

pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or a clotting disorder.

You had complications in a previous pregnancy.

Your blood is Rh negative, a rare but potentially serious condition that causes
your body to make antibodies to your baby's blood.

You are having more than one baby (twins, triplets, or more).

A nonstress test is used to check a baby's heart rate before birth. The test is usually
done in the third trimester of pregnancy, most often between weeks 38 and 42.

What happens during a nonstress test?

The test may be done in your provider's office or in a special prenatal area of a hospital.
It generally includes the following steps:

You will lie on a reclining chair or exam table.

A health care provider will spread a special gel on the skin over your abdomen.

Your provider will attach two belt-like devices around your abdomen. One will
measure your baby's heartbeat. The other will record your contractions.

Your provider will move the device over your abdomen until the baby's heartbeat is
found.

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 The baby's heart rate will be recorded on a monitor, while your contractions are
recorded on paper.

You may be asked to press a button on the device each time you feel your baby
move. This allows your provider to record the heart rate during movement.

The test usually lasts about 20 minutes.

If your baby isn't active or moving during that time period, he or she may be asleep.
To wake up the baby, your provider may place a small buzzer or other noisemaker
over your abdomen. This won't harm the baby, but it may help a sleepy baby
become more active. Your baby may also wake up if you have a snack or sugary
drink.

Your provider will remove the belts. He or she will likely review the results with you
soon after the test.

So is the product going to be used for a nonstress test?

What do the results mean?

Nonstress test results are given as one of the following:

Reactive or Reassuring. This means the baby's heart rate increased two or more
times during the testing period.

Nonreactive. This means the baby's heartbeat didn't increase when moving, or the
baby wasn't moving much

Is there anything else I need to know about a nonstress

test?
Additional noninvasive tests for an unborn baby's heart rate include:

Biophysical profile. This test combines a nonstress test with an ultrasound. An

ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture. The
ultrasound checks your baby's breathing, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid level.

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 Contraction stress test. This test checks for how your baby's heart reacts when
your uterus contracts. To make your uterus contract, you may be asked to rub your
nipples through your clothing or may be given a medicine called oxytocin, which can
cause contractions.

Biophysical Examination

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=biophysical-profile-90-P02438

Important questions in the face of the test:

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure

The reason you are having the test or procedure

What results to expect and what they mean

The risks and benefits of the test or procedure

What the possible side effects or complications are

When and where you are to have the test or procedure

Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are

What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure

Any alternative tests or procedures to think about

When and how you will get the results

Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems

How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure

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 OBGYN
Click on the article title to read more.
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/uog.24888

Who should perform the mid-trimester fetal ultrasound scan?

Recommendation

Individuals who perform obstetric scans routinely should have been trained for
the practice of diagnostic ultrasonography in pregnant women (GOOD
PRACTICE POINT).

Individuals who perform obstetric scans routinely should have been trained
for the practice of diagnostic ultrasonography in pregnant women. Local
regulations should be followed for training, maintenance of skills and
certification, as these vary between jurisdictions

Simulation training may also be considered

.In order to achieve optimal results from routine screening examinations, scans
should be performed by individuals who fulfill the following criteria:

trained in the use of diagnostic ultrasonography and related safety issues;

regularly perform fetal ultrasound scans;

participate in continuing medical education activities;

have established appropriate referral patterns for management of suspicious or

abnormal findings;

routinely undertake quality assurance and control measures.

What ultrasonographic equipment should be used?

For routine screening, equipment should have at least the following:

real-time, grayscale ultrasound capabilities;

transabdominal transducers with suitable resolution and penetration (usually 2–

9-MHz range);

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 adjustable acoustic power output controls with output display on the screen;

freeze-frame capability;

electronic calipers;

capacity to print/store images;

regular maintenance and servicing, important for optimal equipment

performance;

suitable cleaning equipment and cleaning protocols;

color and pulsed Doppler are desirable;

transvaginal probes are desirable.

Is prenatal ultrasonography safe?

Recommendation

Prenatal ultrasonography appears to be safe in clinical practice; however, it

should follow the ALARA principle and not be performed solely for parental
entertainment purposes (GOOD PRACTICE POINT).

Prenatal ultrasonography appears to be safe in clinical practice. To date,

there has been no independently confirmed study to suggest otherwise.
Nonetheless, fetal exposure times should be minimized, using the lowest
possible power output needed to obtain diagnostic information, following the
ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). More details are
available in the ISUOG Safety Statement

Equipment, probes and gels should be treated appropriately to provide a

safe environment for patients and staff. Although prenatal ultrasonography
can provide beautiful souvenir images of the fetus, it should not be
performed solely for entertainment purposes

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 Ultrasound scans in pregnancy
Find out about ultrasound baby scans, including the dating scan
and anomaly scan, to check for abnormalities in the baby during
pregnancy.
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/ultrasou
nd-scans/

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