An ultrasound is a radiation-free imaging procedure that uses sound waves
to create images of the body’s internal structures on a nearby monitor.
Though best known for its use during pregnancy, an ultrasound can be used
to perform many diagnostic procedures, such as:
Gallbladder disease diagnosis
Cardiovascular health assessment
Image-guided biopsies
Joint inflammation assessment
Metabolic bone disease examination
Assessing the health of the thyroid and parathyroid glands
Ultrasounds are painless, noninvasive procedures. Before the test, a doctor
or nurse will rub a gel over the area that is to be examined. A wand attached
to an electronic device will then be rubbed over this area. This wand
releases sound waves, which echo into the body and feedback into the machine
which creates images of the body’s insides based on the information
it receives.
Obstetric Ultrasounds
General obstetric exams should be performed periodically during your pregnancy.
The first ultrasound is performed during the first trimester around the
8-week mark. This will allow the doctor to check the baby’s heartbeat
and start planning an estimated due date. The second test takes place
in the second trimester between weeks 18 and 20. The doctor can now examine
more of the developing baby’s organs now that they have formed.
The final ultrasound takes place week 20, although this one is usually
only needed if there are some extenuating risk factors to your pregnancy.
Our OB hours for ultrasound are Monday & Tuesday 8:00am to 1:00am (closed
11:00-11:30 for lunch), Wednesday & Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm (closed
11:00-11:30 for lunch), and Friday 8:00am to 2:30pm (closed 11:00-11:30
for lunch). To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call or stop
by. We can be reached at (760) 499-3820.
Biophysicals
A fetal biophysical is a comprehensive health assessment of a developing
baby using an ultrasound. These tests are done late in the pregnancy,
usually after week 32, if the doctor believes you have a high-risk pregnancy.
This ultrasound will allow your doctor to assess the baby’s health
and take intervention if there are any complications such as low oxygen
supply or damage to the fetus.
You may need a biophysical during your pregnancy if you have any of the
following risk factors:
You are over 35 years old
You are obese
You have high blood pressure
You have diabetes
Your pregnancy has gone on two weeks past the due date
You have had complications during previous pregnancies
There are potential growth problems with the fetus
Though it can be nerve-wracking to learn that your doctor wants to perform
a biophysical, rest assured that these tests are important so that your
medical team can intervene to protect you and your developing baby if needed.
To schedule an appointment for a biophysical at RRH, please call at (760)
499-3702. Our hours are Sunday 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Thursday 8:00am
to 6:00pm, Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm.
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