Having a baby? Congratulations! You are about to embark on another amazing adventure with your child and your partner—and your doctor’s ultrasound machine.
Ultrasounds have been around since 1970, and though they are used frequently by doctors and medical professionals, not everyone understands exactly how they work.
In recent years, ultrasounds have become a popular option for pregnant mothers who want to get a glimpse at their future bundle of joy. But did you know there are several different types of ultrasounds as well?
Here’s what you need to know about these machines.
Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is a medical procedure used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen. It is typically used to evaluate the health of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and abdominal aorta.
The test is also used to evaluate the cause of abdominal pain or to look for problems with the abdominal organs.
Point of Care Ultrasound
Also called point of care ultrasonography, point of care ultrasound or POCUS is performed by a doctor at the patient’s bedside and is considered a standard practice in obstetric, emergency, and musculoskeletal medicine.
In most cases, POCUS is used in detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Cardiac Ultrasound
One of the most common types of ultrasound is known as cardiac ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart.
It is used to diagnose heart conditions and to assess the heart’s function. Cardiac ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure.
Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound is a specific type of ultrasound that is used to image the blood vessels. This type of ultrasound is often used to diagnose problems with the arteries and veins, such as blockages or blood clots.
It can also be used to assess the health of the arteries and veins, and to monitor the progress of treatments for conditions such as arteriosclerosis.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
This type of abdominal ultrasound is used to evaluate the reproductive organs in women. It is performed by placing a transducer in the patient’s vagina.
The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the organs and structures in the abdomen. The sound waves are then converted into images that can be seen on a monitor.
Obstetric Ultrasound
As the term indicates, this is the type of ultrasound intended for pregnant women.
Obstetric ultrasound checks the baby’s development and screens for any potential problems. It can also be used to check the fetus’s heart condition, blood flow, and other vital processes.
An obstetric ultrasound also helps in determining the age of a fetus and to detect any problems while in the womb. This helps ensure that the baby is born into the world without complications.
Understanding the Different Types of Ultrasounds
Many types of ultrasounds can be used to view different parts of the body. Each type also has different benefits and uses. Speak with your doctor to determine which type of ultrasound is right for you.
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