Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ultrasound scanning? Is it safe for
the mother and the baby?
Sound waves which we can hear are in the range of 20Hz
to 20KHz. Electro-magnetic waves in the frequency range
of 2MHz to 12MHz are called ultrasound waves, shriller
than normal sound waves. Ultrasound waves are absorbed/reflected
by body tissues depending upon their type. In ultrasound
scanning, a probe emits ultrasound waves directed
at the body being examined and a detector captures the
reflected waves. Based on the intensity of the received
waves, an image of the tissue under examination is created.
Ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive
procedure. It is a simple procedure conducted on the examination
table. Unlike X-rays which are contra indicated during
pregnancy, ultrasound scanning
is safe for the mother and the growing fetus.
Repeated ultrasound scans pose no problems
to either the mother or the fetus.
A jelly like substance, the ultrasound gel, is applied
on the surface to create a good transmission medium between
the probe and the human body. It is mostly composed of
water and is totally harmless to the patient. It might
feel a little cold just when applied, but it is in no
other way uncomfortable. After the procedure, the gel
is wiped with tissue paper.
- Sometimes patients are asked to take in lot
of water and not pass urine before ultrasound scanning.
Why is this?
The female reproductory organs are positioned
in the body in such a way that when the bladder is full,
ultrasound waves get conducted through
the water filled bladder and provide a clear imaging of
the organs. In the absence of the water in the bladder,
ultrasound waves get diffused and imaging
becomes difficult. Hence patients are asked to come with
a “full bladder”.
- Why do patients experience delays in appointments
for ultrasound scanning?
The doctor has to take images at several critical positions
of the fetus to take measurements so that she can assess
the well being of the fetus. A fetus is in its own world
in the mother’s womb and many times it does not keep still
to enable such measurements. Taking critical sections,
therefore consumes a lot of time of the doctor. In some
extreme cases, appointments might be rescheduled because
the fetus might never present itself in the right position
to be scanned. This behavior of the fetus is beyond the
control of the doctor and this invariably results in delays.
