Diagnostic Medical Sonography
OB / GYN Sonography :
The Second Patient
One of the most common types of ultrasounds performed on women is the imaging of the fetus while in the womb . This specialization , referred to as obstetric sonography , is a field focused on looking for normal growth and development as well as abnormalities and pregnancy complications .
While many people think of an ultrasound procedure during pregnancy as primarily monitoring and focusing on the fetus , an OB / GYN sonographer also carries the responsibility of focusing on the mother . The gynecological aspect of sonography uses transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound scans to examine the female reproductive system , including the ovaries , fallopian tubes , uterus and vagina . During these scans , a technician is confirming health , disease or a potential issue for the woman and her pregnancy . Though some resolve with birth and time , some can be more fatal , but all can be detected with the help of sonography .
So , what are some the possible medical diagnoses an OB / GYN sonographer looks for ?
Placenta Previa - this is a condition in which the placenta covers part or the entire cervix opening in the uterus . Preterm birth , shock , hemorrhaging and death are the highest major risks factors .
Preeclampsia - a condition marked by high blood pressure that can cause damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys , as well as preterm labor , seizure , and in rare instances , death . The newer involvement of sonography in this diagnosis has shown earlier detection can be made by measuring blood flow in uterine arteries .
Placental Abruption - is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall too early in the pregnancy . This can cause bleeding , and in more severe cases , shock and fetal death .
Fibroids - are muscular tumors that have grown on the uterine wall . Though this condition is usually harmless , yet painful , some complications such as placenta previa , breech birth and preterm labor can occur .
With no known evidence of long-term health effects , sonography has proven to be very effective in obstetrics and gynecology . It is one of the least harmful diagnostic procedures for both fetus and mother . As shown here , sonography plays a vital role for both mother and baby during pregnancy .
Erin Robinson
Intern