When you are pregnant, your obstetrician may use an ultrasound to check on your developing baby's health. Sometimes called a sonogram, this is a painless, non-invasive exam that gives doctors pictures of a fetus in the mother's womb. The following guide looks closer at this tool and what you can learn from it.

What to Know About Pregnancy Ultrasounds

How does an ultrasound work?

A sonographer or doctor uses a handheld scanner that sends out high-frequency sound waves and glides it across your abdomen. As the sound waves reflect off the organs in your body, they create two-dimensional real-time images that you and your doctor can see on a video screen as movements occur.

What does a sonogram show?

Sonograms provide doctors a wealth of information, including how many babies are in your uterus, their sizes, anatomy, positions, heart rates, and movements. The exams also show how far along you are in the pregnancy, so your obstetrician can determine the due date. Exam pictures also reveal conditions such as Down syndrome, increased fluid behind the baby's neck, and potential heart defects in the fetus.

When do I get ultrasound exams? 

Generally, you undergo the first ultrasound between six and nine weeks to confirm your pregnancy. Between 16 and 20 weeks, you will have a more detailed exam, called an anatomy scan. At that time, the baby will typically be grown enough for your OB-GYN to determine their gender and evaluate their limbs and organs' sizes and condition. If there are complications, you may need additional sonograms.

Does an ultrasound guarantee my baby is perfectly healthy?

No, it does not. Ultrasounds can detect some, but not all, congenital disabilities. Some problems with organ systems may be harder to see because of the way the fetus is positioned, the mother's size, or may not appear until later in the pregnancy term. Keep your obstetrician informed of any concerns you have with your pregnancy so that they can monitor your situation.

If you are pregnant and need an obstetrician to help you and your developing baby stay healthy, trust Innovative Women's Health Specialists in Chattanooga, TN. OB-GYN Dr. Shevonda Sherrow heads a skilled and compassionate team of medical professionals dedicated to caring for women before, during, and after their pregnancies. They offer a full range of services, including ultrasounds, Pap smears, and laparoscopy, in a relaxed and supportive environment. Visit the clinic website for more about how they will help you. To schedule an appointment, call (423) 771-9680.