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Q: I recently had my ultrasound, and the fuzzy images look nothing like the nice photos in my books. The doctor moved so fast. What was he looking for? Other than the possibility of twins, what does a normal ultrasound rule out?
A: During an ultrasound, the number of babies, the amniotic fluid, the placenta and the position of the baby are examined, as well as your anatomy to exclude problems with your uterus or ovaries.
When looking at the baby, the technologist measures body parts such as the skull, the abdomen and the bone in the thigh. This allows your healthcare provider to estimate the fetal age and a probable due date.
The healthcare provider then tries to evaluate each major organ system to look for any abnormalities. Such things as head/face anatomy, trunk, spine and limbs are all looked at carefully.
Though ultrasound is not a perfect test for picking up a birth defect, a normal scan should be reassuring to you and your family.
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