The Uses of Ultrasound
Ultrasound tests are a critical component of prenatal care. During an ultrasound in Houston, an OBGYN places a transducer against the skin. The transducer transmits sound waves, which are used to create images. These sound waves do not harm the developing fetus. An OBGYN can perform an ultrasound to confirm a pregnancy, to evaluate the baby’s age and growth, and to check whether a woman might be pregnant with multiples. The images produced by the comprehensive ultrasound can also help the physician determine the gender of the baby.
Additionally, an ultrasound during pregnancy enables the OBGYN to evaluate the baby’s muscle tone, movement, and heartbeat, along with his or her overall development. An ultrasound can also screen for birth defects such as heart defects or spina bifida. Potential complications of pregnancy can be revealed through ultrasound images. These may include ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Generally, an OBGYN would recommend that most women have an ultrasound when they are between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.