Frequently Asked
An ultrasound scan can take about 10–15 minutes, sometimes longer, depending on the type of ultrasound being done.
No, fasting is not required for most of the ultrasound scans. But for some, like abdominal ultrasounds, your doctors might ask you to fast for a few hours to get clear pictures of your organs.
Ultrasound is not harmful in pregnancy because it uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissues and fluids in the body, not harmful ionizing radiation.
You can use the following tips to prepare for an ultrasound scan:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that can be exposed in the midsection.
- Fill your bladder before the test by drinking water unless advised otherwise.
- For some scans, a period of fasting is necessary.
- Remove extra jewelry and accessories.
- Follow the instructions of the radiologists as they perform the scan.
For an ultrasound scan, you are made to lie on the examination table and expose the part for the scan. A cold gel is put over the part that needs to be examined. The ultrasound probe is then moved over that part by the radiologist at different angles and positions to get various views of the organ. For a better view via the probe or transducer, they might ask you to turn to your side or move your limb. Once the scan is done, the gel is wiped with tissue, and then you can proceed to move out of the examination cubicle.
Although the terms sonogram and ultrasound are commonly used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. Ultrasound is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body’s internal components. However, a sonogram is the actual image produced by the ultrasound instrument