What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is most often used during pregnancy to check the baby’s development. Ultrasounds are considered to be safe for both the mother and the baby. You can get an ultrasound in Hong Kong for a pregnant structural ultrasound scan if you are in Hong Kong.
What are ultrasounds used for during pregnancy?
Ultrasounds are a type of medical imaging that use sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. They’re used to looking at a baby during pregnancy and checking for problems.
Ultrasounds can be done externally, on the abdomen, or internally, vaginally. They’re usually done during the second trimester, but can be done earlier or later in pregnancy, depending on the reason for the ultrasound.
Ultrasounds are used to:
- Confirm the due date
- Check the size of the baby
- Look for multiple babies
- Look for birth defects
- Look at the placenta and umbilical cord
- Look at the baby’s position
- Check for fluid in the baby’s abdomen
- Determine if the baby is a boy or a girl
Ultrasounds are generally considered safe for both the mother and baby. There’s no radiation involved, so there’s no risk of exposure. There are some risks associated with internal ultrasounds, but they’re rare and usually minor.
How are ultrasounds performed?
Ultrasounds are medical procedures that use sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. They are used to examine the organs, blood vessels, and tissues, and can be used to detect problems such as tumors or blockages. Ultrasounds are painless and have no side effects.
The procedure is performed by a trained technician called a sonographer. The sonographer will apply a special gel to the area of the body being examined. The gel helps the sound waves travel through the body and produce clear images.
A small hand-held device called a transducer is then placed on the gel. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the organs and tissues. The echoes are then converted into electrical signals that are displayed on a monitor as images.
The sonographer will take pictures of the organs and tissues being examined. The doctor will then review the images to look for any abnormalities. Ultrasounds are often used to examine the fetus during pregnancy. They can be used to check the baby’s size, and position, and to look for any problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
What are the risks associated with ultrasounds?
Ultrasounds, or sonograms, are diagnostic tools that use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. While generally considered safe, there are some risks associated with ultrasound procedures.
One potential risk is that of heating. The sound waves used in ultrasound can cause tissue to heat up, and this can lead to burns in some cases. Another potential risk is that of cavitation. This is when the sound waves cause bubbles to form in the body, and these bubbles can rupture blood vessels and cause damage to tissues.
Overall, the risks associated with ultrasound procedures are considered to be low. However, it is always important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor before undergoing any procedure.