Ultrasounds

What are ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are diagnostic tests that use soundwaves to create images of your internal structures.

This painless procedure is noninvasive, and a handheld transducer delivers the sound waves through the surface of your skin, without harming nearby tissue.

Why would I need an ultrasound?

The team at Women’s Health Care Center of Houston offers state-of-the-art ultrasound technology in-office for diagnostic purposes and to monitor the growth and development of a baby during pregnancy.

You might need an ultrasound if you have unexplained symptoms like:

• Pelvic pain
• Irregular bleeding
• Abdominal swelling
• Signs of infection

If you’re pregnant, you can expect at least one ultrasound during your pregnancy to evaluate your reproductive system and monitor the growth and function of your baby’s major organs, including their brain. The medical team can also use ultrasound technology to determine the sex of your child.

What can I expect during my ultrasound?

The Women’s Health Care Center of Houston team performs an ultrasound in an office environment, and you lie comfortably on an exam table. Your provider applies a gel to your abdomen, which helps the handheld transducer glide smoothly across your skin.

The transducer delivers the soundwaves in through the skin, which bounce off your inner structures and produces real-time images on a computer monitor. Your provider watches the monitor throughout your test to identify any abnormalities.

Ultrasounds are painless, but you may have some discomfort if the technician needs to press down on a specific area to obtain a clearer image.

During a pregnancy ultrasound, you’ll be able to watch your baby’s movements, and your Women’s Health Care Center of Houston provider will take measurements of your baby, such as their head circumference and length.

How do I get results from ultrasounds?

Immediately after your ultrasound, your Women’s Health Care Center of Houston physician can review the images that ultrasound technology captures of your organs or your fetus and discuss results with you.

If any abnormalities are present, your provider may recommend additional diagnostic testing. Otherwise, you can expect to go back to your usual routine without any limitations right after your appointment.

If you need diagnostic testing for unexplained symptoms or a pregnancy ultrasound, schedule a consultation at the Women’s Health Care Center of Houston by calling the office nearest you or by requesting an appointment online today.