OBSTETRIC ULTRASOUND (Pregnancy Ultrasound)

If you are around 30 weeks pregnant you may like a 4D ultrasound which shows 3D baby images in real time movement. Look at 4D ultrasounds for pregnancies.

Why have an Obstetric Ultrasound?

Obstetric ultrasounds give us important information on the presence or absence of one or more foetus. They can provide an estimated age and delivery date of the baby as well as show any abnormalities.

Ultrasounds emit no radiation and are completely safe for mother and baby.

Who performs the examination?

Ultrasounds are performed by specialist staff called sonographers. All X-RAY & IMAGING sonographers have a minimum of 10 years ultrasound experience.

What happens during the examination?

In most cases you will be required to remove clothing that obstructs your lower abdomen. Once in the ultrasound room you will be asked by the sonographer to lie on the bed whilst the sosgrapher applies a water based gel to your lower abdomen. The sonographer will then pass a marker pen shaped instrument over the gel. Images of the foetus should then appear on the screen in front of you.

Occasionally, in cases such as a threatened miscarriage, the sonographer may decide that it is necessary to perform a transvaginal ultrasound in order to gain the necessary images. In such a case the transducer is placed 5 to 8 cms into the vagina. You will be required to empty your bladder for this.

Once the sonographer is happy that the images are accurate the examination is over. The images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist and are printed for you to take with you to your next doctor's appointment.

In most cases the whole process takes less than an hour from entering the building and leaving with your results.

Is the examination painful or uncomfortable?

Normal Obstetric Ultrasounds are completely painless. Other than the initial cool feeling of the gel you should not feel any discomfort during the examination.

During transvaginal ultrasounds you may feel minimal discomfort as the transducer is placed in the vagina especially as the bladder begins to refill. This will only be minimal discomfort and only temporary.

What does it show?

Obstetric ultrasounds are designed to show the following information:

Presence of one or more living foetus
Size and estimated age of the foetus/ embryo
Position of the foetus and placenta
If there is any shortening or opening of the cervix
The amount of amniotic fluid around the foetus
The heart rate of the foetus

Do I need to do any preparation for an obstetric ultrasound?

You are required to have a full bladder for this examination. 90 minutes before your appointment start drinking a litre of water and try to hold it in your bladder until after your obstetric ultrasound has been performed.

You should try to wear lose fitting clothes that allow you to expose your lower abdomen. This will prevent you from having to remove some or all of your clothes for the ultrasound.

Where can I have this examination and how much does it cost?

You can have all obstetric ultrasounds performed at all X-RAY & IMAGING practices.

X-RAY & IMAGING bulk bill obstetric ultrasounds including the 4D ultrasounds to all patients entitled to Medicare and DVA cover who have a doctor's referral.

However, Medicare only allows bulk billing for one ultrasound every trimester of the pregnancy. Therefore X-RAY & IMAGING can only provide one ultrasound for weeks 12-16, one for weeks 17-22 and one for over 22 weeks of the pregnancy free of charge.

Additional ultrasounds to this will therefore have to incur a charge of $110; though it is unusual for a mother to require more than three ultrasounds for one pregnancy.

Do I have to book an appointment?

Yes. Ultrasounds appointments are often booked several days in advance so it is important to call as soon as possible to book your appointment. Call your nearest X-RAY & IMAGING practice to receive this examination bulk billed.

Caloundra (07) 5438 2011

Coolum (07) 5446 1599

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