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UIMG Community Health Clinics in Ontario and Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in performing OB Ultrasound diagnostic exams for early pregnancy and second and third-trimester evaluations. (Obstetric Ultrasound). UIMG is committed to performing high-quality diagnostic imaging and patient-centric care. The diagnostic imaging clinic believes everyone should have access to medical ultrasound services. They understand the importance of prenatal care and early detection of potential pregnancy complications. To find out more about the diagnostic ultrasound exams provided and/or to schedule your OB Ultrasound, call either office or book online today.
OB Ultrasound Q&A
What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a painless, safe, non-radiation, and non-invasive imaging technique that utilizes high frequency sound waves (above the range of human hearing) to evaluate structures within the human body.
These exams are performed using ultrasound probes (called transducers) that send and receive sound waves into the body to produce real-time images of organs and structures. Ultrasound helps identify causes of pain or other symptoms in the body in addition to:
- Ultrasound is widely recognized for its ability to detect, monitor, and evaluate fetal growth and development during pregnancy
- Ultrasound is used to evaluate the heart and blood vessels, thyroid, abdomen, kidneys, brain, breast, skin, and muscles
- Images are displayed in either 2D, 3D volumes, or 4D (which is live 3D in motion)
Doppler Ultrasound or Duplex imaging uses Doppler and imaging to evaluate for flow in blood vessels and organs. This technique can commonly evaluate blood vessels for narrowing, clots, or aneurysms.
Is OB ultrasound safe for me? What about babies in-utero?
Obstetric OB ultrasound is considered the gold standard for evaluating an embryo through all stages of fetal development during pregnancy. An obstetrical ultrasound utilizes sound waves to produce pictures of a baby (embryo or fetus) within a pregnant woman and show images of the mother's uterus and ovaries.
OB ultrasound has long been considered safe by the medical imaging community. Specifically, it does not expose the embryo/fetus to radiation like X-rays.
One of the limitations of ultrasound is that it may not always be possible to see everything adequately in the embryo or fetus due to its position or limitations while scanning the mom.
Ultrasound provides essential information at all stages of pregnancy, and most women will have at least one ultrasound exam during pregnancy.
The most common reasons for having an ultrasound include:
- Determining the gestational age of the fetus (how far along you are in your pregnancy)
- Checking the baby’s position in the womb
- Finding a cause if there’s bleeding during pregnancy
- Evaluating the growth and anatomy of fetus
- Identifying multiple gestations (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Identifying fetal anomalies and abnormalities
- First-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities
- Guiding amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) procedures (tests that help identify chromosomal abnormalities)
Do I need to be referred for an OB Ultrasound by my doctor?
Yes, a referral is required. UIMG Community Health Clinic requires referrals from a licensed physician or medical professional before you can schedule an OB ultrasound or any diagnostic ultrasound procedure before you can be scheduled.
The number and frequency of ultrasound exams you have during pregnancy will depend on your unique health needs and those of your unborn baby. Your doctor will discuss this with you and encourage you to ask any questions.
For your convenience, UIMG Community Health Clinic offers on-site Ob Ultrasounds at all their office locations, so ultrasound exam(s) can be scheduled on the same day as your doctor visits. Call either office to schedule an appointment or book online today.