Ultrasound and Due Date
How do I Figure Out My Due Date?
The best way to determine your due date is to ask your physician. We will be happy to review what is your accurate due date and how it was established. At Lee OB/GYN, we use the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) guidelines for establishing your due date. This method uses a combination of your stated last menstrual period and an ultrasound-generated due date to determine the most accurate date to use. If you have had multiple ultrasounds, each may show a different due date. We will let you know if any of these ultrasounds change the due date that was established early in your pregnancy.
Ultrasounds:
An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, is an imaging test that is used to create pictures of internal organs and structures. An obstetric ultrasound is used to monitor a pregnancy. The majority of women will only have one or two ultrasounds in their pregnancy. Additional scans are only performed for specific indications. A transvaginal ultrasound uses a transmitting device that is placed in the vagina to provide more detailed images and is typically used early in your pregnancy.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images. It uses a small conduction device that is placed on skin or a conduction wand that is inserted into the vagina. The device transmits sound wave information that is translated into pictures on a monitor. Particular images may be saved in the computer or printed out. There are no known risks associated with ultrasound. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not involve radiation.
During pregnancy, an ultrasound may be used to monitor fetal growth and the pelvic organs. An ultrasound may show a baby’s heart beat or sex. It may be used to check for Down’s Syndrome or other fetal developmental abnormalities. An ultrasound is useful for diagnosing a multiple pregnancy, miscarriages, placenta problems, tumors, and ectopic pregnancy - an abnormal pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus.
What to Expect on Ultrasound Day
An ultrasound is an outpatient examination that is typically performed in our office by our ultrasound technician. You may be asked to drink several glasses of water an hour before your test. A full bladder helps to create a good image. You should not urinate before your test. Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your ultrasound.
You will lie on your back on an examination table for the procedure. A warm conducting gel will be placed on your skin. An ultrasound usually causes only slight or no discomfort.
For a transvaginal ultrasound, you will undress from the waist down and use a sheet for coverage. You will lie on your back on an examination table and place your feet in stirrups to position your pelvis. The conduction wand is gently inserted into your vagina and positioned to produce the best images. You may feel temporary slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
If your doctor performs your ultrasound, your results may be discussed at the time of your test. Our ultrasound technician may perform your test, but is not qualified to diagnose or discuss your results with you. In this case, one of our doctors will review your images shortly after your test. Your doctor will contact you with the results
For pregnancy ultrasounds, please bring a DVD +RW if you would like a digital copy of your ultrasound.
How do I Figure Out My Due Date?
The best way to determine your due date is to ask your physician. We will be happy to review what is your accurate due date and how it was established. At Lee OB/GYN, we use the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) guidelines for establishing your due date. This method uses a combination of your stated last menstrual period and an ultrasound-generated due date to determine the most accurate date to use. If you have had multiple ultrasounds, each may show a different due date. We will let you know if any of these ultrasounds change the due date that was established early in your pregnancy.
Ultrasounds:
An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, is an imaging test that is used to create pictures of internal organs and structures. An obstetric ultrasound is used to monitor a pregnancy. The majority of women will only have one or two ultrasounds in their pregnancy. Additional scans are only performed for specific indications. A transvaginal ultrasound uses a transmitting device that is placed in the vagina to provide more detailed images and is typically used early in your pregnancy.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images. It uses a small conduction device that is placed on skin or a conduction wand that is inserted into the vagina. The device transmits sound wave information that is translated into pictures on a monitor. Particular images may be saved in the computer or printed out. There are no known risks associated with ultrasound. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not involve radiation.
During pregnancy, an ultrasound may be used to monitor fetal growth and the pelvic organs. An ultrasound may show a baby’s heart beat or sex. It may be used to check for Down’s Syndrome or other fetal developmental abnormalities. An ultrasound is useful for diagnosing a multiple pregnancy, miscarriages, placenta problems, tumors, and ectopic pregnancy - an abnormal pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus.
What to Expect on Ultrasound Day
An ultrasound is an outpatient examination that is typically performed in our office by our ultrasound technician. You may be asked to drink several glasses of water an hour before your test. A full bladder helps to create a good image. You should not urinate before your test. Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your ultrasound.
You will lie on your back on an examination table for the procedure. A warm conducting gel will be placed on your skin. An ultrasound usually causes only slight or no discomfort.
For a transvaginal ultrasound, you will undress from the waist down and use a sheet for coverage. You will lie on your back on an examination table and place your feet in stirrups to position your pelvis. The conduction wand is gently inserted into your vagina and positioned to produce the best images. You may feel temporary slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
If your doctor performs your ultrasound, your results may be discussed at the time of your test. Our ultrasound technician may perform your test, but is not qualified to diagnose or discuss your results with you. In this case, one of our doctors will review your images shortly after your test. Your doctor will contact you with the results
For pregnancy ultrasounds, please bring a DVD +RW if you would like a digital copy of your ultrasound.