Three-Dimensional (3D) Ultrasound
One of the first steps in your evaluation is a complete ultrasound examination by a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image on a television 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 three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) imaging is used as well. Depending upon the complexity, the examination may take up to an hour. Usually, you will be able to watch the entire examination on a separate television 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 magnetic resonance imaging (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.
