Ultrasound in Andrews, TX
Ultrasound is a technology/procedure that allows us to see inside your body and examine certain structures in real time. Also known as a sonogram, ultrasound helps us diagnose the cause of pain, swelling or infection in internal organs or examine a growing fetus in pregnant women.
We also use ultrasound to help guide certain ob gyn biopsies and image the breasts or guide the biopsy of breast cancer. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, does not use radiation and requires little to no special preparation. Conventional ultrasound displays images in thin, flat sections. Today’s more advanced ultrasound technology includes three-dimensional, or 3D ultrasound, that provides clearer 3D images.
While most practices still use 2D ultrasound for a standard prenatal test and obstetrics imaging at least once during pregnancy, many women prefer 3D ultrasound for clearer images that show their babies in the womb, or even the newest 4D ultrasound, which shows the baby’s movement in the womb. It’s like watching a movie of your growing fetus.
Why We Perform Ultrasound
We use ultrasound to check on several issues when you're pregnant, including:
- Your baby’s development
- Your baby's age
- Possible problems in uterus, ovaries, cervix or placenta
- Number of babies you’re carrying
- Problems you or your baby are having
- Your baby’s heart rate
- Your baby’s growth & position in your uterus
- Your level of amniotic fluid
- Signs of Down syndrome
Advantages & Disadvantages of Different Types of Ultrasound
There are advantages and disadvantages with each type of ultrasound. Most families seem to prefer 3D ultrasound because the images look closer to what they believe a baby should look like in real life rather than flat 2D ultrasound images. It is best to talk to your ob gyn, gynecologist, obstetrics specialist or midwife about the type of ultrasound they typically use and their reasons for using it. If your ob gyn or midwife doesn't offer 3D ultrasound or 4D ultrasound and you’d prefer one of those to a 2D ultrasound, ask them about it.
Call Rand Waddingham, MD at 432-523-6624 for ultrasound, or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. He welcome patients from Andrews TX, Goldsmith, Seminole, Lamesa, Midland, Odessa, Gardendale and nearby locations.
