Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic test that creates live-action images of the organs inside in your body. 

During an ultrasound, a technician uses a transducer that emits sound waves into your body. The sound waves bounce off your organs and tissues and return to the transducer, which sends the information to a computer that translates the sounds into images. 

Ultrasound testing is one of the safest diagnostic tools available, which is why OB/GYNs use it for obstetric care.

Yorktown Health is a full-service OB/GYN practice, and they perform ultrasounds in-house. They also have an on-site lab and offer phlebotomy services. 

When do I need an ultrasound during pregnancy?

When you need an ultrasound during pregnancy may depend on your personal gynecological and pregnancy history. In general, most women need two ultrasounds during their pregnancies.

The team at Yorktown Health performs the first ultrasound in your first trimester, usually at your first prenatal visit. This ultrasound confirms pregnancy and helps your provider estimate your due date.

You have the second ultrasound in your second trimester. During this ultrasound, the team evaluates your baby’s anatomy and determines the baby’s sex. They also examine your uterus and placenta. 

What are special pregnancy ultrasound tests?

Yorktown Health also offers special pregnancy ultrasound tests for pregnant women who want more answers about their baby’s sex and genetics. 

The testing includes a 10-week ultrasound test combined with the noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT). The ultrasound test looks for visual abnormalities that may indicate a chromosomal condition such as Down syndrome.

The NIPT is a blood test that looks at DNA fragments in your blood that may indicate a genetic condition such as trisomy 13, trisomy 18, or Down syndrome. 

When do I need an ultrasound for gynecological problems?

The team at Yorktown Health also performs in-house ultrasound testing to help diagnose gynecological conditions. They may recommend the test in order to provide more information to explain your pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding.

A gynecological ultrasound may help diagnose conditions such as:

• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis

An ultrasound may also help identify abnormalities in your reproductive organs that may be causing your infertility. 

For comprehensive care from an experienced team, call Yorktown Health or book an appointment online today.