The Types and Uses of Sonogram Technology

Last updated 3 months ago

While many women are familiar with sonograms during pregnancy, they may not know that sonogram technology has a wide range of applications in the field of female health. In addition to monitoring your pregnancy and fetal development, sonograms can be used by your gynecologist for the detection of disease or other potentially problematic conditions.

How a Sonogram Works

Sonograms use sound waves to form images of soft tissues. The sound waves bounce off tissues and structures and are then interpreted by a machine to produce detailed images. This is usually done with a transducer that is placed on top of the abdomen. To obtain images of certain areas of the body, the transducer may be inserted transvaginally. Sonogram waves cannot penetrate bone or gas, so their use is limited to areas of soft tissue between bones. This safe procedure does not emit radiation, so there is no possible damage to mother or baby.

Types of Sonograms

Medical professionals use different types of sonography depending on their needs. Below are a few varieties of sonograms that your gynecologist may use:

Standard ultrasound: A standard ultrasound is the most common ultrasound procedure. It creates 2-D images of tissue.
Advanced ultrasound: This type of sonogram employs the same basic technology as a standard ultrasound but examines a smaller area to create more detailed images.
Transvaginal ultrasound: Used mostly in the early stages of pregnancy, this sonogram technique involves inserting a transducer into the vagina.
Doppler ultrasound: A Doppler ultrasound is best for viewing moving structures, like blood within vessels.
3-D ultrasound: Using special probes, a 3-D ultrasound develops a moving three-dimensional image of tissue or a fetus.

At Women’s Integrated Healthcare, we combine the latest in technology in obstetrics and gynecology with compassionate care for women throughout the Grapevine, Keller, and Alliance areas. For more information about the ob-gyn services and care we provide, please visit us online or call us today at (888) 870-5671.

Our patients come to us from around the DFW metroplex, including Grapevine, Keller, Alliance, Southlake, Highland Village, Lewisville, Irving, HEB, Arlington, Grand Prairie, and the surrounding areas.