A sonogram is a medical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to create a picture of something that is happening inside a person's body. This is a very common procedure in pregnancy, and it is what produces the black and white fetal images that so many new parents proudly show their friends and family. However, medical professionals use the technology for a variety of conditions, including cancer biopsies and organ evaluations. Images generated from sonograms give experts a relatively clean view of the body to understand what's going on without having to perform surgery or other invasive procedures.
How does it work
the machines of ultrasound emit sound waves, often known as ultrasound waves , which bounce off the organs, bones and muscles. The machines can calculate the distance between the waves to generate a very precise image, which is displayed on a specialized computer screen.
In most cases, the waves are sent and received from a wand-like instrument known as transducer . A trained technician will usually gently touch the wand to the skin over the area of interest. Gelatin or lubricant is often applied first, both to help the wand glide and to amplify sound waves for a clearer, more accurate image. Most ultrasound sessions produce images from many different angles, which technicians and medical professionals view in sequence to get a sense of what's going on internally.
Uses in pregnancy
Doctors and medical teams in many parts of the world use ultrasound technology as a way to monitor pregnancy. Ultrasound images can help identify the basic anatomy of a developing fetus and can often detect birth defects and abnormalities very early. Most of the time, this technology can also identify the gender of the growing child.
Standard ultrasound transducers cannot always detect the signs of a very early pregnancy. When there are reasons to check fetal progress within the first few months of development, medical experts should generally use what is known as transvaginal Transducer, a very narrow wand that must be inserted into the pregnant woman's vagina. Once in place, the transducer can usually detect the presence of fetal growth and can often even capture the baby's heartbeat.
Other medical uses
Healthcare professionals often use ultrasound technology to investigate unknown causes of internal pain, as well as to diagnose and monitor unusual growths, such as tumors. Images produced from sound waves can help experts get a clear view of what's going on inside the body. The technology can identify organ malformations, bruises or other internal injuries. Obtaining a good image before surgery or other treatment can help medical professionals make the best and most appropriate recommendations.
Possible risks
Sonograms are widely considered low risk and are typically classified as "noninvasive." However, this does not mean that they are always completely safe. The sound waves used are known to slightly warm body tissues and can also create small pockets of gas on rare occasions. While not necessarily harmful, these effects will occasionally lead to complications, particularly when blood vessels and bone density are involved: heated gases in these areas can cause discomfort, blood clotting, and structural weakening.
To mitigate potential risks to a developing child, most medical professionals use sonograms only intermittently during pregnancy. Although parents often want to see pictures of their growing baby at every doctor's visit, this is generally not allowed unless there is a legitimate medical need. Limiting the number of sonograms administered is one of the ways that medical professionals protect babies from potential risks. Listening to the fetal heartbeat and monitoring the mother's blood work are often just as effective in making sure the baby stays healthy as real-time imaging.
Preparation for the procedure
Sonograms are usually very easy to perform, and patients usually don't need to do anything special to prepare. It's usually a good idea to wear loose clothing, as technicians will often need to change or move clothing to position the transducer on your skin. Otherwise, just staying calm and taking deep breaths is usually the best way to prepare.