Ultrasound in the OB/GYN practice is a necessary tool for both pregnancy management and for diagnosing and managing multiple gynecological symptoms encountered by our patients. At Madison Women’s Health, we are able to offer state of the art ultrasound imaging in our clinic which is key in providing quality, efficient and convenient patient care.
Our ultrasonographers have specialized training and experience in OB/GYN ultrasound. They are certified as Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS) and are certified through the Fetal Medicine Foundation to perform Nuchal Translucency ultrasounds, which is the essential part of the First Trimester Screen.
Our ultrasound machines do have the capability of 3D/4D imaging, which we do use frequently for both obstetrical and gynecological purposes.
Ultrasound during pregnancy
During your pregnancy, you can expect to receive at least 2 ultrasounds performed by our registered ultrasonographers here at our clinic. The following is a general idea of what to expect in the way of ultrasounds.
“First OB” Dating Ultrasound.
This ultrasound is performed around the 8th week using a transvaginal approach and allows us to accurately measure the baby, as well as evaluate your uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound is ordered as a part of your initial first obstetrical visit and the scan itself takes about 15 minutes.
First Trimester Screen.
We offer a few options for non-invasive genetic testing during your pregnancy. Check out Testing for Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders. The two most frequently ordered options also involve an ultrasound for the assessment. These ultrasounds are done during the 12th and 13th week of development and are scheduled for 1 hour. During the ultrasound, we will measure the amount of fluid behind the baby’s neck, as well as document the nasal bone. We will also document other anatomical features that we can see at this stage of development.
Please check with your insurance company before scheduling this appointment. The entire First Trimester Screen involves both an ultrasound and a meeting with our Genetic Counselor, which may or may not be paid for by your insurance. For more information on the First Trimester Screen and the approximate costs for this procedure, please call us at 608-729-6300.
Targeted Ultrasound (“20-week”)
At the 20th week, you will have a detailed ultrasound performed
at the Perinatal Clinic at UnityPoint Health-Meriter. This ultrasound is a comprehensive look at the baby. You can expect the ultrasound to take around 1 hour. Learn more about the Targeted (20 Week) Ultrasound here.
“Growth” and other evaluation Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds may be needed at other times during your pregnancy also, due to a variety of reasons. Your doctor will discuss those as needed and we are typically able to provide those for you here at the clinic.
Gynecological (non-obstetric) Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasounds are very frequently ordered for such gynecological symptom types as the following:
- Irregular or painful menstrual bleeding
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- IUD surveillance
- Fibroids
- Infertility
Pelvic ultrasounds performed in our office typically take 30 minutes. We need patients to arrive with a full bladder for the first portion of the test, which includes a trans-abdominal (lower abdomen) approach.
The bladder should be filled by drinking around 32 ounces of water one hour before the exam.
The second portion of the test is performed by inserting a transvaginal ultrasound probe into the vagina. Seeing the pelvic structures from this approach provides very helpful detail to the exam and is typically not uncomfortable for the patient.
Our OB/GYN physicians read all of our ultrasound exams and are able to get results to their patients in a timely manner, as well as direct further follow up care as needed.
