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How does Ultrasound work? |
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 We use a tool called a transducer or probe to produce and receive
the ultrasound. These come in different shapes and sizes, depending on
which type of scan we need to do. The transducer is placed gently in
contact with the maternal abdomen - contact jelly is applied to the
skin prior to this. You may feel some pressure on your abdomen as the
operator moves the transducer.
The sound waves produced by the
transducer are reflected by the internal organs and transformed into an
ultrasound image instantly. The sound waves are registered by the
transducer and ultrasound machine to display 2D images and 3D/4D
volumes. The images are seen on a monitor in real time. The probe is
moved over the maternal abdomen to look at different parts.
Ultrasound provides a wealth of information and is indispensable in current medical practice.
A
vaginal ultrasound is where an ultrasound probe transducer is gently
placed inside the woman's vagina (but outside her cervix), covered by a
plastic sheath similar to a condom. This method is often used during
early pregnancy because it allows the ultrasonographer to look more
closely and give a clearer picture.
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