Traditional ultrasound scans are
non-invasive. The doctor or ultrasound operator uses an instrument called a
transducer on the mother’s abdomen. The transducer emits soundwaves and
collects them as they reflect back at different speeds and frequencies. The
ultrasound software then translates this data into an image of the inside of
the patient’s abdomen. This creates a picture of the fetus growing inside the
uterus, and details like the sex, the position, and the heartbeat can be
clearly ascertained.
There is an additional form of ultrasound
that is more invasive, call Transvaginal Scan, or TVS. During TVS, the
transducer is inserted into the patient’s vagina, rather than pressed against
the abdomen. You may have heard about this form of ultrasound being required in
some states before the pregnancy can be terminated. Its association with the
politics surrounding abortion have made the procedure seem distasteful at best,
or scary and violating at worst. Leaving the politics aside, TVS can be an
important and useful tool as you progress through your pregnancy.
While TVS is more invasive than traditional
ultrasound, sometimes it is necessary to be able to determine important
information about the pregnancy; especially in the early stages. Traditional
ultrasound will only provide readable, useful images after about 10 weeks’
gestational age. Prior to that, the only way to see what is going on with the
embryo is with a transvaginal scan.
A scan in the early stages of pregnancy can
be very helpful. It can determine the viability of the fetus and how well the
embryo has implanted in the uterus. The scan can be used to date the pregnancy,
such as if the patient is unsure of the date of conception or their last
period, or if the patient has a history of irregular periods. Another reason
for an early ultrasound scan would be to check for multiples (twins, triplets,
etc.). These pregnancies can be risky all on their own, so it’s good to know if
you have multiples as soon as possible.
The truth of the matter is that a
transvaginal scan is a medical procedure, just like the traditional ultrasound
is a medical procedure. They both allow your doctor to observe the fetus
growing inside of you and provide you the best and most up-to-date information,
so that you can plan accordingly.
If your doctor recommends an invasive
ultrasound and you have concerns, be sure to voice them and have the doctor
talk you through exactly why he or she is recommending that particular
procedure. If you are still uncomfortable, remember that you are the patient
and you get to decide what happens to you, your body, and your baby. If you
feel uncomfortable, it is your right to seek a second opinion.
That said, again, the transvaginal scan is
an important tool in the prenatal toolbox. Doctors can use it to see things
that a traditional ultrasound can’t. If it is very early in the pregnancy and
you think there might be as issue, a TVS could be the way to go.
This post was written for My Sidekick and Me by Glenn
Josephik. Glenn is an account representative and the marketing coordinator at MedCorp LLC , the industry leader and premier business source for used
ultrasound systems. You can follow Glenn Josephik on Google+ .
