Fetal Ultrasound

Obstetric Ultrasound, Pregnancy Ultrasound, Sonogram, Fetal, Ultrasound, Fetal, Ultrasound, Obstetric, Ultrasound, Pregnancy

Results

A fetal ultrasound scan uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of your fetus, the organ that nourishes your fetus (placenta), and the liquid that surrounds your fetus (amniotic fluid).

You may not receive information about the test right away. Full results are usually available in 1 or 2 days.

Fetal ultrasound

Normal:

The fetus is the size expected for its age. The heart rate and breathing activity of the fetus is normal for its age. If the test is done late in the pregnancy, the fetus is in the head-down position. The placenta is the size expected for the stage of the pregnancy and does not cover the cervix. The uterus contains an adequate amount of amniotic fluid. No birth defects can be seen. (Many minor defects and some major defects are not easily seen. Also, birth defects do not always show up early in pregnancy.) See ultrasound images of a normal fetus .

Abnormal:

The fetus is growing more slowly than normal, is small, or is underdeveloped for its age. The fetus is abnormally large for its age. If this test is done late in the pregnancy, the fetus is in the buttocks-down (breech) position . Birth defects, such as absent kidneys or anencephaly, are present. The placenta covers the cervix (placenta previa). The uterus contains too much or too little amniotic fluid. The fetus is developing outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). The scan shows abnormal tissue instead of a normal fetus (molar pregnancy). The fetal heartbeat is not present. This can indicate fetal death.

Many conditions can change fetal ultrasound results. Your health professional will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your medical history.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 28, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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