Ultrasound & Sonography

Ultrasound Sonography Accent Image
Menopause may be a natural part of growing older, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept the symptoms of menopause as unavoidable. At Unified Premier Women’s Care in Marietta, Georgia, a team of specialists offers unparalleled skill and training in all aspect of gynecology, including menopause care. If you’re beginning to notice changes that suggest menopause or are in its throes, schedule an appointment to explore available treatment paths. You can call to check appointment availability.
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Ultrasound & Sonography Q & A

When will I have an ultrasound during my pregnancy?

At Unified Premier Women’s Care, ultrasound schedules depend on individual patient needs. Your current health, age, baby’s growth, and other factors specific to you may impact your ultrasound schedule.

You may have an early ultrasound, around 6-10 weeks gestation, so your Unified Premier Women’s Care doctor can confirm and effectively date the pregnancy.

Most patients have an ultrasound at around 18-20 weeks gestation. You might know this ultrasound as the gender ultrasound, as your OB/GYN can sometimes determine whether you’re having a girl or a boy at this point.

Many women don’t have any further ultrasounds until the baby’s arrival, but your case may be different. High-risk pregnancies require more frequent ultrasounds. Your Unified Premier Women’s Care doctor will recommend the ultrasound schedule that’s most beneficial for you and your baby.

What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasounds?

Unified Premier Women’s Care offers both 3D and 4D ultrasounds, and they’re more alike than you might know. A 4D ultrasound is the same as a 3D ultrasound, except that the images are moving.

While a 3D ultrasound allows you to see an incredible level of detail, a 4D ultrasound allows you to see those details in motion. For example, you can see your baby’s face close up in a 3D ultrasound, but with a 4D ultrasound, you can actually watch your baby yawning or sucking their thumb in motion. With both a 3D and 4D ultrasound, you’ll get to keep images of your baby.

What are the other reasons I might need an ultrasound?

If you’re having problems like excessively heavy bleeding, severe cramping, unusually long periods, or difficulty conceiving, your OB/GYN may do an ultrasound to get a detailed image of your reproductive system.

An ultrasound can help diagnose:

  • Abnormalities in the uterine structure
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids, masses, or cysts
  • IUD position problems
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Fetal conditions

The ultrasound images can give your doctor the information they need to make a diagnosis and then begin treatment.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

If you’re having a diagnostic ultrasound or an early pregnancy ultrasound, you’ll need to have a full bladder. Drink 2-3 full glasses of water about an hour before your appointment. Your doctor may also recommend that you fast for 6-8 hours before your ultrasound. Be sure to closely follow prep instructions so your doctor can get the clearest and best images.

Call the Unified Premier Women’s Care office anytime to schedule your ultrasound.