Ultrasound Specialist

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound, also called a sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain detailed images of the organs and other structures inside your body. During pregnancy, you can safely get pictures of your baby because ultrasound doesn't use radiation.

When performing an ultrasound, your provider uses a handheld device called a transducer that sends out sound waves. 

As they travel through your body, the sound waves bounce off structures and return to the transducer. The transducer transmits the information to a computer that converts the echoes into images.

What type of ultrasound might I need?

Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology performs three types of ultrasound. The type you need depends on the purpose of your imaging.

Transabdominal ultrasound

When pregnant women get an ultrasound image of their baby in the second and third trimester, they have a transabdominal ultrasound. First, your sonographer applies an ultrasound gel to your skin. Then, they place the transducer against the gel, gently press it against your skin, and move it around until they get the best image.

Transvaginal ultrasound

This type of ultrasound uses a narrow transducer that your provider inserts inside your vagina. Since the sound waves don't travel through skin, a transvaginal ultrasound produces better images of your pelvic organs, as well as the placenta and unborn baby.  

Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS)

This type of ultrasound uses the narrow transducer inside the vagina while fluid is pushed into the uterine cavity transcervically. Our providers can have an improved sonographic detection of endometrial pathology, such as thickened endometrium, polyps, leiomyomas, and adhesions. This test can also help our doctors determine if the fallopian tubes are open or occluded.

How is ultrasound used in obstetrics?

Your provider may perform an ultrasound any time during your pregnancy if they need to evaluate the health or growth of the baby. However, they most often do ultrasounds early in the pregnancy or in the second trimester.

An early ultrasound can confirm the number of babies, identify the baby's gestational age and due date, and determine if you have an ectopic pregnancy.

Our providers are commited to provided the best care, and refer all of our obstetrics patients to Georgia Perinatal consultants for the anatomic assessment around 19-21 weeks.

How is ultrasound used in gynecology?

Ultrasound is invaluable for determining the cause of symptoms such as abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain. You may need an ultrasound to diagnose conditions such as:

• Infertility
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Endometrial polyps
• Thickened endometrium

If you need to schedule an ultrasound, call Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology or book an appointment online today.