Ultrasound is safe and painless. It produces pictures of the inside of
the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging is also called ultrasound
scanning or sonography. It uses a small probe called a transducer and
gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from
the probe through the gel into the body. The probe collects the sounds
that bounce back. A computer uses those sound waves to create an image.
Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (as used in x-rays). Since images
are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of
the body's internal organs. They can also show blood flowing through blood
vessels. This is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose
and treat medical conditions.
Benefits of Ultrasound:
Most ultrasound procedures are noninvasive.
Ultrasound is widely available and easy-to-use
Ultrasound imaging does not use radiation.
Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show
up well on x-ray images.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Gunnison Valley Health uses obstetrical ultrasounds to confirm that you
are pregnant. This type of ultrasound can be performed at any time during
your pregnancy, but the earliest an embryo is usually visible with a heartbeat
is approximately six weeks gestation. Throughout your pregnancy, an ultrasound
will be used to monitor the growth of your baby’s health.
Are obstetric ultrasounds safe?
Obstetric ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of a baby (embryo
or fetus) within a pregnant woman. It provides a clear picture of the
uterus and provides a lot of important information about your pregnancy.
Ultrasound imaging is noninvasive and doesn’t use radiation. It has
been used to evaluate pregnancy for nearly four decades and there has
been no evidence of harm to the patient, embryo, or fetus.
Benefits of an obstetrical ultrasound:
Ultrasound is the preferred method for the monitoring of pregnant women
and their unborn babies.
Ultrasound has been used to evaluate pregnancy for nearly four decades
and there has been no evidence of harm to the patient, embryo or fetus.
Ultrasound allows the doctor to see inside the uterus and provides important
information about your pregnancy.
For more information, speak to your physician or contact Gunnison Valley
Health's Diagnostic Imaging Department at
(970) 641-7253.
