Ultrasound technology (or sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to
develop images of the inside of the body. Since the human body is made
of over 90% water, sound waves can be used the same way sonar is used
in the ocean. When sound hits an organ or tissue, sound waves bounce a
response back. These echoes determine the size, shape, and consistency
of organs and soft tissues. This safe and painless technology is relayed
back to the ultrasound technician in real-time, producing life-like images
on a screen.
Why is ultrasound used?
When most people think of ultrasound, it’s usually associated with
pregnancy. Ultrasound scans are used most frequently throughout a women’s
pregnancy to gather valuable information about the baby’s health
and progress.
Ultrasounds can also be used for a variety of diagnostics and medical procedures
that involve the soft tissue and organs. The heart, liver, gallbladder,
pancreas, uterus, thyroid, and testicles are organs frequently scanned
via ultrasound.
What can I expect during an ultrasound screening?
An ultrasound exam is usually fast and causes little to no discomfort.
There is no radiation associated with an ultrasound so protective clothing
is not required. Patients are awake the whole time during an ultrasound
and may resume their normal activities after the scan.
Wear comfortable clothes the day of your ultrasound. In some cases, you
may be required to disrobe or remove jewelry. The technician will apply
a water-based gel to the area being scanned. This allows the transducer
instrument to glide easily atop your skin.
Pregnancy Ultrasounds
Pregnant women at Ogden Clinic Women’s Center will have an early
pregnancy ultrasound at 6 to 10 weeks to confirm and date their pregnancy.
A mid-pregnancy ultrasound is conducted again at 16-20 weeks—this
is when you can determine your baby’s sex, if you like.
Ogden Clinic also provides a 3D Live Ultrasound to our expectant mothers
at 26 weeks. 3D Live Ultrasound is an opportunity to view crisp, high-definition
photos of your baby. Parents love our 3D Live Ultrasound because it captures
the most realistic glimpse of their baby that technology can offer.
What is checked during a pregnancy ultrasound?
During your mid-pregnancy ultrasound at Ogden Clinic, you doctor will check
up on your baby’s developmental progress including:
Checking baby’s heartbeat
Checking to see if there is more than one baby
Checking the location of the placenta
Assessing the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus
Checking for abnormalities of the head, neck, chest, spine, umbilical cord,
and other major organs
Determining baby’s gender
Diagnostic Ultrasounds
Ultrasound screens are valuable for diagnosing a variety of conditions
and assessing organ damage following illness. If you experience swelling,
pain, or infection, your Ogden doctor may conduct a diagnostic ultrasound
to assess the situation.
Diagnostic ultrasound is used at Ogden Clinic to examine several organs
including but not limited to the:
Heart and blood vessels
Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas
Kidneys
Spleen
Thyroid and parathyroid
Bladder
Uterus and ovaries
Scrotum
Ultrasound technology can also assist biopsies. Your Ogden Clinic provider
may use ultrasound to guide their needle into the affected site and collect
sample cells for laboratory testing.
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