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Types of Ultrasound Exams

1

First Trimester

  • A standard obstetric ultrasound examination in the first trimester includes evaluation of the presence, size, location, and number of gestational sacs.

  • The gestational sac is examined for the presence of a yolk sac and embryo/fetus (a fetus is generally defined as ≥10 weeks’ gestational age).

  • When an embryo/fetus is detected, it should be measured, and the cardiac activity should be recorded by a 2-dimensional video clip or M-mode. 

  • The uterus, cervix, adnexa, and cul-de-sac region should be examined.

2

Nuchal Translucency (NT)

  • Anyone can get a NT screening as long as they’re between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. The ultrasound is optional for all people who are pregnant. 

  • NT is an ultrasound that measures the amount of fluid behind your baby’s neck in the first trimester of pregnancy.   A small amount of fluid is normal.​

  • NT screenings alone can detect about 70% of trisomy 21, or Down syndrome cases. Many healthcare providers combine a normal NT ultrasound with blood screenings. The ability to predict conditions increases to about 95% when combined with blood work.

3

Fetal Anatomy Study

  • An obstetric ultrasound examination in the second or third trimester includes an evaluation of: 

  • the fetal number

  • cardiac activity

  • presentation

  • amniotic fluid volume

  • placental position

  • fetal biometry

  • an anatomic survey

4

Biophysical Profile (BPP)

  • A biophysical profile is a test that checks on the health of the fetus.

  • It checks for movement, muscle tone, "breathing", heart rate and amniotic fluid levels.

5

Dopplers

  • Doppler ultrasound provides information about the speed and direction of blood flow through arteries and veins.

  • It is helpful in the management of small babies or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

  • It is also helpful in the evaluation of fetal anemia.

6

Cervical Length

  • Cervical length refers to the length of the lower end of the uterus. During pregnancy, the length of the cervix might shorten too soon, increasing the risk of preterm labor and premature birth. 

  • A transvaginal ultrasound provides the most accurate measurement of your cervix.

  • Transvaginal ultrasounds are sometimes called “endovaginal ultrasounds” because the device that records images of your pelvic cavity (transducer) is inserted inside your vagina. ​

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