Ultrasound
OCWMG offers both the convenience and the latest advanced technology by providing in-office live motion ultrasound scans for both obstetrical and gynecological patients.
Our ultrasound department is equipped with highly skilled accredited A.R.D.M.S. certified sonographers on staff with many years of experience.
We currently offer ultrasound screenings at our Laguna Hills, Irvine, Tustin, Foothill Ranch, and Mission Viejo locations.
Our ultrasound department plays a significant role in our practice. Exams can often be scheduled the same day as your doctor’s appointment providing immediate clinical information for doctors and patients.
Ultrasound images help in the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases and conditions. During an ultrasound test, high-frequency sound waves are transmitted through body tissues using an instrument called a transducer. The transducer transmits the information to a computer that displays the information on a monitor.
Gynecological Ultrasound
Gynecological Ultrasound can be performed in 2 ways: transabdominal & transvaginally. Both procedures look at the whole pelvic area. Depending on the view needed, the ultrasound sensor is placed either on your abdomen (transabdominal) and/or in your vagina (transvaginal). The pictures of the pelvic organs can be clearly viewed on a screen in real time.
Pelvic Ultrasound may be ordered by your doctor to:
- Find out what is causing pelvic pain.
- Confirm a pregnancy and whether it is in the uterus.
- Find an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Look at the size and shape of the uterus and the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium).
- Look at the size and shape of the ovaries.
- Look for the cause of vaginal bleeding
- Check a lump found during a pelvic examination.
- Diagnose abnormalities (ovarian cysts of the uterus or ovaries and uterine fibroids)
Your ultrasound will require you to drink 24 oz. of water Finished One Hour Prior to your exam. Do not urinate after drinking your water. A full bladder is essential.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Obstetrical Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sounds waves to see how a baby is developing in the mother womb.
Obstetrical Ultrasound is used to:
- Confirm the presence of a normal pregnancy, and to determine gestational age & pregnancy due date
- Look for problems, such as ectopic tubal pregnancies or the chances for a miscarriage
- Determine the baby’s heart rate
- Look for multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Identify problems of the placenta, uterus, cervix, and ovaries
- Determine the baby’s age, growth, position, and gender
- Look at the placentas location, amniotic volume fluid, and umbilical cord
If you are scheduled for a NT test (Nuchal Translucency) your ultrasound will require to drink 12 oz. of water Finished One Hour Prior to your exam. The position of the baby is essential in this ultrasound, as we ask you to keep your bladder full while we check the babies position. Do not urinate after drinking your water.
If you are scheduled to have a Fetal Survey, you are required to drink 24 oz. of water Finished One Hour Prior to your exam. Do not urinate after drinking your water. A full bladder is essentiaI.
If you are scheduled for a General OB ultrasound and you are between 20 – 30 weeks you are required to drink 18 oz. of water Finished One Hour Prior to your exam
For various reasons, including safety, insurance requirements, courtesy to our other patients and the technical nature of your exam, the following stands will be strictly enforced:
- No more than 2 guest will be permitted in the ultrasound room
- No Children under 6 years of age will be permitted in the ultrasound room without another adult supervised
- No children are to be left unattended in the waiting room
- No videotaping or photo taking of your ultrasound exam
Failure to be compliant with these standards will result in the rescheduling of your ultrasound appointment.
Please note following:
- Most insurance plans have benefits that cover all or a portion of your ultrasound. It is advisable for you to check with your insurance company to ensure that the cost of an ultrasound is covered by your policy. The number to your insurance company is listed on the back of your insurance card
- As you may have heard through the news media, there has been some considerable debate over the importance and necessity for fetal survey ultrasounds. We, with the support of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist, recommend a fetal survey ultrasound for all patients at 20 weeks, as a screening for abnormalities