Ultrasounds have been in use for decades. In addition to a history of safety, they’re also a vital diagnostic tool during pregnancy. Ultrasounds are also used for certain health screenings.
Also known as sonograms, ultrasounds use sound waves to create an image. Based on the ultrasound image, our team can spot anomalies or issues with your pregnancy and make recommendations for further testing and treatment as needed.
Our OB/GYN team at Memorial Women’s Specialists offers gynecology, obstetrics, and prenatal care services at our clinic in Houston, Texas.
Ultrasounds are a staple of prenatal care. They allow our team to monitor fetal development and catch any issues that can complicate the pregnancy or indicate potential health issues.
If you have underlying health issues like diabetes or other health concerns that may cause a high-risk pregnancy, our team may recommend additional ultrasound screenings as your pregnancy progresses.
Each pregnancy is different, but most people have at least two ultrasounds during pregnancy. Our team may recommend three or more if deemed necessary.
Ultrasounds don’t use radiation, so they’re safe for both you and your baby. They’re also non-invasive and safe to perform in the first trimester (most people receive the second sonogram halfway through the pregnancy).
Ultrasounds help our team monitor how your pregnancy is developing by measuring vitals like fetal heart rate, breathing, movement and growth, amniotic fluid, and placenta. They also show if you’re having twins (or triplets in rare cases — it happens!), and help to determine gestational age and your expected due date. They can also help to determine the baby’s approximate height and weight in utero.
Ultrasounds are also used for health screenings. For example, our team may recommend an ultrasound to detect the presence of cysts or uterine fibroids. They are also used to supplement breast cancer screenings with mammograms and to assist in biopsies.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain or symptoms of endometriosis or other gynecological problem, ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive diagnostic tool. Whether it’s a pregnancy or a health issue, early detection and intervention are always your best line of defense.
Ultrasounds are some of the safest diagnostic tools available. For more information about ultrasound safety and other diagnostic and health screening tools, contact Memorial Women’s Specialists to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at our office in Houston.
