Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds are common diagnostic imaging procedures used for investigating gynecologic conditions in women, and in obstetrics as a way to view your unborn baby. If you require an ultrasound, the expert board-certified obstetrics and gynecology team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia, can help. They offer advanced ultrasound technology to provide optimal imaging results. To schedule an appointment with North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What are ultrasounds?

Ultrasound scanning technology uses high-frequency sound waves to view images on the inside of your body. Ultrasound images show structures and movements, as well as blood flowing through your blood vessels. North Atlanta Ob/Gyn experts can use ultrasound to detect or rule out gynecological problems or view an unborn baby during pregnancy. 

Is an ultrasound right for me?

Your North Atlanta Ob/Gyn provider lets you know if you’re a good candidate for an ultrasound after reviewing your medical history and symptoms and completing a physical examination. They might recommend you undergo an ultrasound procedure to:

• Evaluate the pelvis, ovaries, tubes, and uterus
• Identify fibroids or ovarian cysts
• Detect the cause of pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding
• Confirm the correct placement of an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Date your pregnancy
• Detect a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
• Complete fetal cardiac evaluation
• Evaluate the number of fetuses
• Scan for congenital disabilities
• Evaluate the health of your unborn baby
• Complete prenatal gender screening
• Evaluate your cervix after preterm labor
• Evaluate amniotic fluid or your placenta

Even if an ultrasound isn’t medically necessary, you might want one to view your unborn baby at specific times throughout your pregnancy.

What should I expect during ultrasounds?

Most of the time, there’s no special preparation needed prior to getting an ultrasound. However, your specialist might recommend you not eat or drink anything before the procedure or have a full bladder. Wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewelry.

Your provider applies gel to your lower abdomen area and places a transducer, or hand-held device, against your skin to emit ultrasound waves into your body and create images of internal organs or an unborn baby. Other times, they place a tiny transducer into your vagina to perform a transvaginal ultrasound.

Ultrasounds are fast and painless, and there’s no downtime after the procedure. Your appointment lasts about 30-60 minutes.

What do my ultrasound results mean?

Your gynecologic and obstetric specialist reviews the results of your ultrasound with you. They let you know if you require further diagnostic testing, a surgical procedure, or another treatment for a gynecological condition or pregnancy problem.

If your results are normal, no additional treatment is needed, but you should still attend routine women’s wellness exams or prenatal visits to stay healthy and reduce the risk of complications.

If you require an ultrasound or would like to find out you’re a good candidate for one, schedule an appointment with North Atlanta Ob/Gyn by phone or online today.