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Information on Sonograms
Sonograms are an important tool during pregnancy. They can determine if you are having an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, more than one baby, for cases of fetal surgery and a sonogram is even used as a part of an infertility assessment. They are mostly used to check your baby's progress starting between the 16th and 18th week.
If you are in an emergency situation, your doctor will administer a saline solution pack intravenously. Otherwise, if you have a scheduled appointment for the ultrasound scan, you will be asked to drink a pint of water, and not urinate prior the scan takes place. Although this may be uncomfortable, it is necessary. A full bladder helps provide a clearer view of your baby.
Once you are undressed and wearing the gown the doctor or hospital has provided, you will be asked you lay down. A solution composed of oil, water and other components will be put on your belly. This solution prevents any air from blocking transmission of the sonogram.
The technician will maneuver the handheld transducer over your belly in different directions, searching for the baby. All this really does is send sound waves through your belly to bring up an image. These waves are low in intensity and do not harm you or your baby. This whole procedure takes about 10 minutes and is painless. You will begin to see your baby on the monitor for the first time.
© Copyright 1999 Anai Rhoads.
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