The Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound is a test offered to pregnant women of any age during their first trimester pregnancy. A nuchal translucency ultrasound (commonly called a “NT scan”) is an ultrasound performed between 11.5 and 13 weeks 6 days gestation. The nuchal translucency ultrasound is normally evaluated with specific blood tests. Nuchal translucency ultrasound alone can also provide this risk assessment, but it is not as accurate as the blood samples that can be collected from the pregnant mother’s arm.

The NT ultrasound examination involves measuring the amount of fluid on the back of the baby’s neck. This normal accumulation of fluid is known as the Nuchal translucency ( NT ) measurements; baby’s with Down Syndrome have an increased amount of fluid. With the NT scan, clinicians can identify those babies that have an increase in the amount of fluid. It is essential that this measurement be accurate, therefore it should always be performed by a clinician that has proper certification.

The fetal anatomical ultrasound scan is normally performed around 20 weeks of pregnancy. With the anatomy scan, an ultrasound is performed to evaluate the developing fetus’ size, organs, placental location, amount of amniotic fluid, and cervical length. To measure the developing fetus, measurements are taken of the fetus’ head (BPD and head circumference), abdomen, and femur. With these measurements, the clinician can determine the weight of the fetus. Other structures that are assessed include the fetus’ bladder, cord insertion, kidneys, 4 chamber heart, brain structures, spine, and abdominal organs.

A pelvic ultrasound is the evaluation of the female reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries. Pelvic ultrasounds are ordered by your health care provider due to complaints of pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or to evaluate a mass in the pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound may help to determine if there are any ovarian cysts, or endometrial disorders, masses, or fibroids in the pelvis. Ultrasound studies are considered safe, painless, and are typically performed within 20-30 minutes. Two methods to perform a pelvic ultrasound include a trans-abdominal and endo-vaginal ultrasound to provide the most accurate information.

Follicular study ultrasounds are performed to aid in determining ovulation for patients wanting to conceive. During this test, follicles are counted and measured to provide patients with the ideal moment for conception. Exams are considered safe, painless, and are typically performed within 20 minutes. Exams may include a trans-abdominal and endo-vaginal ultrasound to provide the most information.

Breast ultrasounds are used to provide information regarding the health of your breasts. Ultrasounds can help to find the location of a breast cyst, and/or a mass and nodule within your breast tissue. Breast ultrasounds are commonly ordered after a mammogram has shown an inconclusive or questionable diagnosis. Ultrasounds are also used for women younger than age 35 or that are breast feeding to evaluate palpable masses or areas of tenderness. Breast sonograms are considered painless, safe, and are typically performed within 15-20 minutes.

Our office offers pregnant mothers-to-be 3D/4D ultrasounds. Although our office offers these elective services, it is not a covered benefit from your health insurance plan. It is also important to remember that 3D 4D ultrasounds are completely optional and never replace prenatal care. For this reason, Advanced Healthcare for Women require patients to have their regular prenatal check-ups and ultrasounds that the healthcare providers recommend in our office. 3D 4D ultrasounds are optional at our office and are simply available for you to enjoy your baby if you desire to see your baby in a 3D4D ultrasound setting.