FAQÕs
General Ultrasound Questions
Who will be doing my ultrasound?
There is a team of sonographers at
Paragon that provide ultrasound services for the entire practice. Paragon
sonographers are certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical
Sonography (ARDMS).
Is Paragon Health Associates an
accredited practice?
Paragon Health Associates, LLC is
recognized as an Accredited Ultrasound Program in the areas of Obstetric and
Gynecologic Ultrasound by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
(AIUM). This recognition means that the practice has met voluntary standards
set by the diagnostic ultrasound profession. The ultrasound department has been
accredited since 1998 and is dedicated to upholding high standards.
Why may I need to go to another
site to have my ultrasound?
Ultrasound services are available at
four of the six Paragon sites. We try our best to accommodate your needs with
appointment times that fit your schedule and are at a site that is as close to
you as possible. Not all sites have ultrasound services available every day of
the week.
Can I video tape my ultrasound?
No, it is against our policy to
videotape ultrasounds. Pictures of your baby are given to you to keep at the
end of the exam.
Is it safe to have an ultrasound?
Although ultrasound is considered
safe for the sonographer, patient, and fetus, it should only be done when there
is a valid medical reason.
How many ultrasounds will I get
during my pregnancy?
In most instances, in our practice,
an ultrasound for dating and fetal anatomy is done ideally between 19-21 weeks.
Since ultrasound should only be done with a valid medical reason, it would
depend on individual symptoms throughout the progression of the pregnancy to
determine if additional ultrasounds would be necessary.
GYN (Pelvic) Ultrasound
Will I have a transabdominal or
transvaginal GYN Ultrasound?
Your provider will decide which test
you should have. The scheduler will give you any instructions that are
necessary.
Do I need to fill my bladder for
my transabdominal GYN Ultrasound Examination?
Yes, you will need to drink three
eight ounce glasses of water an hour and a half before your appointment time.
Do not go to the bathroom (urinate) until after the procedure.
What should I expect when I have
transabdominal Ultrasound?
Once you get into the exam room, you
will be asked lie back on the exam table and lower your garments below your
hips. Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin of the lower abdomen and an
instrument (called a transducer) moved around while ultrasound images are
obtained.
Do I need to fill my bladder for
my transvaginal Ultrasound Examination?
No, a full bladder is not necessary.
In fact, you will be asked to empty your bladder before the exam.
Why will I have transvaginal
scan?
It provides very good detail of
specific structures and is a comfortable procedure.
What should I expect when I have
transvaginal ultrasound?
Once you get into the exam room, you
will be asked to undress from the waist down and cover up with a sheet. Once
the sonographer comes into the room, you will lie back on the exam table and
put your feet in stirrups. An instrument (called a transducer) is inserted
vaginally and moved around slightly while ultrasound images are obtained.
Can I be on my period and have a
transvaginal ultrasound?
A transvaginal scan can be done when
you are on your period. ItÕs your choice. The only exception is a procedure called a SIS
(Saline Infused Sonohysterogram). Please call the office to reschedule if you are on your period and are scheduled for a SIS.
When will I get the results from
my ultrasound?
You will receive final results from
your provider in about a week. Some preliminary information may be given at the
time of the scan.
Can I bring my child with me when
I have the ultrasound?
Use your discretion. Due to the
nature of the scan (transvaginal) you may want to refrain from bringing
children. This is a medical exam and child care will not be provided. If you
are bringing children, please bring another adult to assist them while you are
having the testing done.
How long will my exam take?
We allow a 30 minute
appointment time for this type of ultrasound.
If my ultrasound results are
"normal", what does that mean?
It means that the structures
evaluated; the uterus and ovaries, appear normal on ultrasound. It is important
to note that ultrasound cannot detect all pelvic or GYN abnormalities and
normal findings cannot guarantee the absence of a problem.
SIS – Saline Infused
Sonohysterogram/GYN Pelvic Ultrasound
What is a SIS – Saline
Infused Sonohysterogram?
This is an ultrasound procedure that
complements a regular GYN (pelvic) ultrasound. It looks specifically at the
cavity inside the uterus. It is performed by the sonographer and a provider.
First, an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries is done. Then, the provider
inserts a speculum into the vagina (like a pap smear) and a small catheter
(tube) is inserted into the uterine cavity. The speculum is removed leaving the
catheter in place. The ultrasound probe (transducer) is again inserted into the
vagina to visualize the uterine cavity. The provider slowly instills saline
(fluid) into the uterine cavity as ultrasound images are obtained.
How long will this exam take?
The procedure itself (inserting the
catheter) takes only a few minutes. However, we do allow an appointment time of
an hour for the initial ultrasound, provider performing the procedure, set up,
and clean up.
Is this procedure painful?
This is different for everyone. Most
people experience only a mild cramping that lasts only a short time. If you
feel it would make you more comfortable, you may take any over the counter
medication that you would normally take to alleviate menstrual cramps before or
after the procedure.
Will I be able to go back to work
or drive after this procedure?
Yes, you should be able
to go back to your normal activities right after the procedure.
Obstetrics (OB) Ultrasound
OB Ultrasound Exam in the first
13 weeks of pregnancy
Will I have a transvaginal or
transabdominal ultrasound?
A transvaginal
ultrasound will be done until about 12 weeks.
Can I bring my child/family with
me for the ultrasound?
Consider carefully who you
bringÉyour husband or significant other is appropriate. You may want to refrain
from children or other family members due to the unknown results or possibility
of a potential miscarriage.
What if I have bleeding following
the ultrasound?
In pregnancy, any internal exam may
result in vaginal spotting. This does not increase your risk for miscarriage.
How long will my exam take?
We allow a 30 minute appointment time for this type of ultrasound.
Obstetrics
(OB) Ultrasound
First
Trimester Screening Down’s Syndrome Screening:
Nuchal
Translucency (NT)
It is a combination of an ultrasound exam and a blood test. The ultrasound demonstrates a fetal heart beat and establishes gestational age. Then, the thickness of the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck is measured. This is called the Nuchal Translucency or NT. In addition to the Ultrasound measurement, a blood sample is obtained by doing a finger stick. The blood specimen is analyzed for two chemicals found in all pregnant women’s blood: free Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (free Beta) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). The NT measurement will be combined with the results of the blood test to estimate a specific risk for Down’s syndrome and trisomies 13 & 18.
This is performed between 11w1d and 13w6d when the size of the fetus is between 45-84 mm.
This is a normal area of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck that can be measured by Ultrasound.
In most cases, a transabdominal ultrasound will be done.
Depending on the stage of your pregnancy, the ultrasound may be rescheduled to another day hoping the fetus will be in a better position at that time. If the gestational age of the pregnancy is close to the cutoff of 13w6d, a provider will speak to you about other testing options that are available.
OB Ultrasound Exam done at 19-21
weeks of pregnancy
Anatomic Evaluation
Will I have a transvaginal or
transabdominal ultrasound?
You will have a transabdominal
ultrasound. However, there are occasions that a transvaginal ultrasound may be
necessary to complete the exam.
How long will my exam take?
We allow a 45 minute
appointment time for this type of ultrasound.
How many people can I bring with
me for my ultrasound?
Please use your discretion and limit
the number of people you bring. Keep in mind the sonographer needs to be able
to concentrate as they evaluate your fetus. This is a medical exam and child
care will not be provided. We suggest children be over 5 years old. If you are
bringing children with you, please bring another adult to assist them while you
are having the testing done. If your guests cause too much distraction, they
will be asked to leave the exam room.
What is the purpose of the second
trimester (19-21 weeks) ultrasound?
This is an evaluation of the
important structures of the fetus. Measurements of the fetus are taken to
confirm or to establish your due date. In addition, the patient's uterus,
ovaries, and placenta are evaluated. At this time, the sex of the baby may be
able to be identified.
Will I know the sex of my baby?
The sex of the fetus is documented
if identified and will only be revealed to you or your family if desired. If
the sex cannot be identified, this is not a reason to repeat the ultrasound.
If my ultrasound is "normal"
does that mean that my baby will be "normal"?
It is important to note that
ultrasound cannot detect all fetal or genetic abnormalities and a normal
ultrasound cannot guarantee a normal outcome.
OB Ultrasound Exam done at later
stages of pregnancy
Will I have a transvaginal or
transabdominal ultrasound?
You will have a transabdominal
ultrasound. However, there are occasions that a transvaginal ultrasound may be
necessary to complete the exam.
How long will my exam take?
We allow a 45 minute
appointment time for this type of ultrasound
How many people can I bring with
me for my ultrasound?
Please use your discretion and limit
the number of people you bring. Keep in mind the sonographer needs to be able
to concentrate as they evaluate your fetus. This is a medical exam and child
care will not be provided. We suggest children be over 5 years old. If you are
bringing children with you, please bring another adult to assist them while you
are having the testing done. If your guests cause too much distraction, they
will be asked to leave the exam room
What is the purpose of an
ultrasound in later stages of pregnancy?
Measurements of the fetus are taken
to evaluate fetal growth and estimate fetal weight. Fetal position is
determined and amniotic fluid volume is assessed. The important structures of
the fetus are evaluated and any abnormalities previously noted are
re-evaluated. In addition, the patient's uterus, ovaries, and placenta are
evaluated. At this time, the sex of the baby may be able to be identified.
Biophysical Profile
Will I have a transvaginal or
transabdominal ultrasound?
You will have a transabdominal
ultrasound.
How long will my exam take?
We allow a 30 minute
appointment time for this type of ultrasound
What is a biophysical profile?
This is an ultrasound assessment of
fetal well being. It is based on a scoring system where several components are
observed over a 30 minute period. The components are: amniotic fluid volume,
non-stress test, fetal breathing movements, gross body movements, fetal tone
(limb or trunk extension with return to flexion). These responses are observed
and if present a score of 2 is given, if absent a score of 0 is given with 10
possible points.
How many people can I bring with
me for my ultrasound?
Please use your discretion and limit
the number of people you bring. Keep in mind the sonographer needs to be able
to concentrate as they evaluate your fetus. This is a medical exam and child
care will not be provided. We suggest children be over 5 years old. If you are
bringing children with you, please bring another adult to assist them while you
are having the testing done. If your guests cause too much distraction, they
will be asked to leave the exam room