What is a sonogram?

Sonogram is a medical procedure that uses ultrasonic waves to create a picture of something that happens in the body of the person. It is a very common pregnancy procedure and is what it produces black and white fetal images that so many new parents proudly depict friends and family. However, doctors use this technology for a number of conditions, including cancer biopsy and organ evaluation. The images generated from sonograms give experts a relatively clean look into the body to understand what is happening without having to perform surgery or other invasive procedures.

How does it work

Sonogram machines make sound waves, often known as ultrasonic waves , which are reflected from organs, bones and muscles. The machines are able to calculate the distance between the waves to create a very accurate image that appears on a specialized computer screen.

In most cases, the waves are sent and accepted from a wand-like tool known as converter . TrainedUsually gently touches the wands to the skin above the area of ​​interest. Jelly or lubricants are often used first, both to slip and amplify the sound waves and create a clearer and more accurate picture. Most Sonogram sessions result in pictures from many different angles that technicians and medical experts look in order to get an idea of ​​what is happening internally.

Used during pregnancy

Doctors and medical teams in many parts of the world use sonogram technology as a way of monitoring pregnancy. Sonogram images can help identify the basic anatomy of the developing fetus and can often detect congenital defects and abnormalities very soon. This technology can also usually identify the sex of a growing child.

Standard Sonogram converters cannot always detect the signs of very early pregnancy. If there is a reason to check progress fetusIn the first few months of development, medical experts must usually use a so -called transvaginal converter a very narrow wand that must be placed in a vagina of a pregnant woman. Once in place, the converter is usually able to detect the presence of fetal growth - and can often even capture the child's heart rhythm.

other medical uses

medical doctors commonly use ultrasonic technology to explore unknown causes of internal pain, as well as diagnosis and monitoring of unusual growths such as tumors. Pictures made of sound waves can help experts get a clear visual visual visual visual amount of what is happening inside the body. This technology can identify malformations of organs, bruises or other internal injuries. Getting a good picture before surgery or other treatment can help medical experts give the best and best recommendations.

possible risks

sonograms are widely considered lowIzic and are usually classified as "non -invasive". However, this does not mean that they are always completely safe. The sound waves used were known to heat body tissues slightly and can also create small gas pockets in rare cases. Although this does not necessarily have to be harmful, these effects sometimes cause complications, especially when it comes to blood vessels and bone density - heated gases in these areas can cause discomfort, blood clotting and structural weakening.

To alleviate the potential risks for a developing child, most medical experts use sonograms only occasionally during pregnancy. Although parents often want to see pictures of their growing child at each doctor's visit, it is usually not allowed if there is no legitimate medical need. Restricting the number of sonograms administered is one of the ways that healthcare professionals protect children from possible risks. Listening to a fetal heart rhythm and moninting the mother's blood is often equally effective in ensuring that the child remainsAlo healthy as a real -time picture.

Preparation for procedure

Sonograms are usually very easily performed and patients usually do not have to do anything special to prepare. Wearing free garment is usually a good idea because technicians often need to move or move clothing around to place the converter on the skin. Otherwise, only the remaining calm is and deeply inhaled is usually the best way to prepare.