When to Expect and What to Know About Ultrasound Scans
Ultrasound scans are a common and essential part of modern healthcare. They offer a safe, painless way for medical professionals to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. This guide will explore when you might encounter ultrasound scans during your healthcare journey, and what to expect during the procedure itself.
During pregnancy, ultrasound scans play a vital role in prenatal care. Medically necessary ultrasounds are typically performed at various stages of pregnancy. Early ultrasounds can confirm pregnancy, determine due date, and check for multiples. Later ultrasounds assess fetal growth, development, and position, and can also screen for potential complications.
Ultrasound scans are not limited to pregnancy. They are also used in a wide range of other diagnostic procedures. For instance, abdominal ultrasounds can examine the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and other abdominal organs. Pelvic ultrasounds can assess the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Ultrasound scans can also be used to guide biopsies or other minimally invasive procedures.
