Our practice offers our patients the convenience of an ultrasound examination performed in our office and conforms with the guidelines established by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Our ultrasound examinations are performed by registered diagnostic medical sonographers, specially trained in first, second and third trimester ultrasound examinations and then reviewed by an obstetrician on our staff.

A 20 week old fetus showing the lens of the eye and an open mouth.		A fetus at 31 weeks in profile view showing a wide open mouth, either swallowing amniotic fluid or yawning.

In the first trimester of pregnancy (from 5 to 11 weeks), transvaginal ultrasound scanning is used to confirm that the early pregnancy is developing, to confirm that the fetus is viable, to assess the number of fetuses in cases of multiple gestation and to estimate the date of delivery.

In the second trimester (20 to 21 weeks) we assess the growth and development of the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. By carefully surveying the fetal body organs, those patients at risk for birth defects or abnormalities can be recognized. When a problem is found, careful attention can be directed to the unborn child and at times, consultation and referral to perinatal specialists may be pursued for specialized consultation and testing.

In the third trimester (beyond 27 weeks), ultrasound is used to follow the growth of the fetus in high-risk patients. Measurements are used to assess fetuses who may be larger or smaller than average due to diabetes or hypertension. The amount of amniotic fluid is evaluated as this may indicate a problem with the pregnancy. It is becoming more common to evaluate fetal behavior in high-risk patients and those beyond their due dates to confirm that the intrauterine environment is still safe for the fetus.