Ultrasound

Expecting parents are familiar with the ultrasound that gives them the first view of their baby, but ultrasound is also frequently used to diagnose gynecologic and obstetric problems. The board-certified doctors at Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates offer in-house ultrasound procedures, including specialized techniques, such as saline-infusion sonography. To schedule an ultrasound, call one of the offices in Lake Bluff or Grayslake, Illinois, or use the online booking feature.

How does ultrasound work?

Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and other structures inside your body. A device called a transducer sends out sound waves, the waves bounce off organs and tissues, such as blood vessels, then return to the transducer. The transducer transmits the information to a computer, which turns the sound wave echoes into detailed images.

How is ultrasound performed?

The team at Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates perform several types of ultrasound, depending on the reason for the procedure:

Transabdominal Ultrasound

Your sonographer applies ultrasound gel to your abdomen, which helps the sound waves travel through your skin, places the transducer against your skin, and moves it around your abdomen.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is performed using a narrow transducer that’s placed in your vagina. It produces a clearer image of pelvic organs compared to a transabdominal ultrasound because the soundwaves don’t have to go through your skin.

Saline-Infusion Sonograpy

SIS is similar to a transvaginal ultrasound with one additional step: saline (sterile salt water) is injected into your uterus. The saline holds the walls of the uterus apart, so your doctor gets a better view of problems inside the uterine cavity.

How is ultrasound used for gynecologic evaluations?

Ultrasound is an invaluable diagnostic tool that allows your doctor at Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates to determine the cause of symptoms, such as pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. Gynecologic conditions that are often evaluated using ultrasound include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometrial cancer
• Ovarian cancer

A transvaginal ultrasound is most often used for gynecologic evaluations. However, SIS is beneficial for diagnosing problems inside your uterus, such as polyps.

How is ultrasound used for obstetric evaluation?

Obstetric ultrasounds are performed using the transabdominal method. An ultrasound may be performed any time during your pregnancy if your doctor determines it’s needed to evaluate your baby’s development. However, ultrasounds are routinely done during your second trimester, when your baby has grown large enough to evaluate their development and identify problems.

You may learn the gender of your baby during the second-trimester ultrasound, depending on the baby’s position.

When you need a gynecologic or obstetric ultrasound, you’ll receive high-quality images at Westmoreland OB/GYN Associates. To schedule an appointment, call or use the online booking feature.