What is it?

• There will be no pain.
• A picture of organs or your baby are created by sound waves.
• The sound waves are safe for your baby.
• This is NOT an X-ray.

What happens during the procedure?

There are 2 types of ultrasound. Your doctor should let you know what type of ultrasound you will be having.

Transvaginal ultrasound - examination inside the vagina

• No preparation is necessary.
• Urinate before the test (an empty bladder gives the best test pictures).
• A small probe is used – ideal for looking at the pelvic organs through the vagina.
• The probe will be covered with a condom-like device and it will be placed in your vagina.
• This is less uncomfortable than having a pap smear done. The exam can last up to 20 - 40 minutes.

Transabdominal ultrasound - examination on the outside of the belly or abdomen

• Do not urinate 2 hours before your appointment.
• About one hour before your appointment, you will need to drink 5-6, 8-ounce glasses of water.
• DO NOT URINATE BEFORE THE TEST. For the test to be successful, your bladder must be full. The urine in your bladder helps us see the pelvic organs better.
• A jelly-like liquid will be placed on your skin to improve the contact of the ultrasound probe to your skin.
• The probe will be rubbed across the area to be tested and the computer in the machine will generate a picture that is black and white and looks a little like a shadow.
• The test is painless and should take 15 - 30 minutes.

Getting ready for your ultrasound

• Be on time for your appointment to avoid having to wait with a full bladder.
• Be sure to have a full bladder (if instructed to do so).
• During the test, relax and follow the instructions the doctor may give you.
• Be sure to ask the doctor, prior to test, if you can ask questions during the test or if you should wait until the end.