PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS - High Resolution 3D Ultrasonography

One of the first steps in your evaluation at the IMFH is a complete ultrasound examination by a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image on a TV screen for your doctor and you to see. It is very important to know the number of fetuses, fetal size, weight and gestational age, location of the placenta, appearance of the cervix, amount of amniotic fluid and any abnormalities of the uterus or ovaries. We will look closely at your baby’s heart, face, brain, stomach, spine, kidneys, bladder, arms, legs, hands, feet, umbilical cord, and gender. Ultrasound also allows us to examine the baby’s liver, spleen, adrenal glands, intestines and lungs along with blood flow in various blood vessels. Specialized 3-D and 4-D imaging is available as well. Depending upon complexity, the examination may take 15-30 minutes or even longer. Usually, you will be able to watch the entire examination on a separate TV screen.

If a problem is suspected, your doctor will explain the findings to you and make specific recommendations. Further tests might be needed, such as amniocentesis, blood tests or MRI. You may need to see a specialist in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology, genetics, neonatology or fetal surgery. During your visit with us, our care coordinator will work with you to arrange all additional tests and appointments that might be required.

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