Ultrasounds are becoming more and more popular as people become more interested in their own health.
An ultrasound is a diagnostic scan that is performed for personal reasons, such as to check on the health of a fetus or to look for abnormalities. The scan is usually performed by a sonographer in a clinic or private hospital.
Whether you are an expecting parent or someone with other health concerns, you may have considered this service recently. Today, we are going to cover private ultrasounds in-depth to help you determine if they could be a valuable resource for you.
Explaining the Ultrasound Process
1: Scheduling and Preparing for an Ultrasound
When you book an ultrasound, you will likely need to provide some basic information about yourself. This may include your name, date of birth, and contact information.
You will also need to specify the reason for your scan. This helps the sonographer prepare for the exam and know what to look for. They may also ask if you currently take any medications or supplements as well as ask questions about your personal or family medical history – including items like surgeries, cancers, and heart conditions.
2: The Ultrasound Appointment
On the day of your scheduled ultrasound appointment, you should arrive a few minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork. Once this is complete, the sonographer will call you back to the exam room and have you lie down on the exam table.
At this point, they will apply some gel to your skin and use a transducer – a small handheld device – to scan your body. The gel helps to create a smooth surface for the transducer to glide across and also eliminates air pockets that could distort the image.
As the transducer moves, it emits sound waves that bounce off internal structures and create an image on the monitor in real time. The sonographer will be looking at this image closely to look for any abnormalities.
3: After the Ultrasound
Once the ultrasound exam is complete, the sonographer will wipe off the gel and you will be free to get dressed and go about your day.
You should receive your results within a few days, depending on the provider. These results will be interpreted by your doctor to determine if further appointments or treatment is required to address any points of concern in the data.
Is an Ultrasound Right for You?
Ultrasounds can be a helpful tool for anyone with concerns about their health. If you are pregnant and want to get an early glimpse of your baby, or if you have other health concerns, ultrasounds may give you the answers you are looking for. It is important to remember that private ultrasounds are not always covered by insurance, so be sure to check with your provider before scheduling an appointment.
Can Ultrasounds Harm a Fetus?
Ultrasounds are considered to be safe for both mother and baby. The sound waves used in the exam are also used in obstetric ultrasounds, which are performed frequently during pregnancy.
Ultrasounds can generate heat in the body. This may pose a risk to a developing baby if they are overexposed. However, modern ultrasounds are performed with a high awareness of safety and the developing fetus’s wellbeing in mind. This means that the sonographer will take care to limit the amount of time the transducer is in contact with your skin and may advise you on the appropriate amount of time to take between appointments.
Schedule an Ultrasound in Idaho Falls
At OB/GYN Associates of Idaho Falls, we provide comprehensive women’s healthcare services to residents of Southeast Idaho. If you are looking to schedule your own ultrasound appointment, contact us today to request an appointment.
