Name of the Procedure:

Ultrasound, Pregnant Uterus, Real-Time with Image Documentation, Limited (e.g., Fetal Heart Beat, Placental Location, Fetal Position and/or Qualitative Amniotic Fluid Volume), 1 or More Fetuses

Summary

This ultrasound procedure is a non-invasive imaging test for pregnant women that allows healthcare providers to see a real-time image of the uterus and fetus. It specifically evaluates limited but critical aspects such as the fetal heartbeat, position, placental location, and approximate amniotic fluid volume.

Purpose

This test helps in monitoring the health and development of the fetus, ensuring the fetus's heartbeat is strong, determining its position within the uterus, locating the placenta, and assessing the amniotic fluid volume.

Indications

• Checking for fetal heartbeat
• Determining fetal position
• Assessing the location of the placenta
• Evaluating amniotic fluid volume
• Monitoring a high-risk pregnancy

Preparation

• Typically, no special preparation is needed.
• The patient may be advised to drink water to have a full bladder, as it can improve the clarity of the ultrasound images.
• Other diagnostic tests are usually not required beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will lie down on an examination table, and a special gel will be applied to the abdomen to facilitate sound wave transmission.
2. A transducer (a handheld device) will be moved over the gel-covered area by the technician/sonographer.
3. The transducer sends sound waves into the uterus, which bounce back to create real-time images of the fetus on a monitor.
4. The technician will capture images of the fetal heartbeat, position, placenta, and amniotic fluid volume.
5. The entire process is painless and non-invasive.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes.

Setting

Most commonly performed in an outpatient clinic, a diagnostic imaging center, or a hospital’s radiology department.

Personnel

• Ultrasound technician (sonographer)
• Radiologist or obstetrician may interpret the results

Risks and Complications

• This procedure carries minimal risk as it is non-invasive.
• Rarely, allergic reactions to the ultrasound gel can occur.

Benefits

• Provides crucial information about the fetus's well-being.
• Allows early detection of potential complications.
• Reassures the expectant mother about the health of the pregnancy.

Recovery

• No special recovery is needed.
• The patient can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Alternatives

• MRI: Provides detailed images but is more costly and less accessible.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Specifically assesses blood flow, often used in high-risk pregnancies.
• Obstetric visits with manual assessments: Less detailed but part of routine prenatal care.

Patient Experience

• The procedure is generally comfortable and pain-free.
• The gel might feel slightly cold and sticky.
• The patient can see the images in real-time, often providing reassurance and excitement.
• Minimal or no discomfort is experienced, and there is no downtime needed.