Ultrasound Exam

Our physicians and ultrasound technicians (sonographers) specialize in obstetrical ultrasound. We use the most advanced ultrasound equipment. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has accredited Sacramento Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Sac MFM) in obstetrical ultrasound since 2001.

A pregnant woman may be referred to Sac MFM for an ultrasound exam for the following reasons:

• To estimate the due date of her pregnancy
• As part of a maternal-fetal medicine or genetic counseling appointment
• As part of prenatal screening/testing (e.g. first trimester screening, chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis)
• A family history of genetic condition or birth defect(s)
• History of exposure that may be associated with an increased risk of birth defect(s) (e.g. certain medications, x-rays, drugs/alcohol, certain infections)
• A possible birth defect(s) seen in an ultrasound exam
• To monitor a pregnancy that is at increased risk of the fetus/fetuses not growing normally (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, twins, triplets)

So that we can obtain the best possible images of your pregnancy, we request that you have a full bladder at the time of your appointment. Initially, one of our ultrasound technicians will see you. After the initial ultrasound evaluation by the technician, a maternal-fetal medicine physician will scan you and then discuss the results of your ultrasound examination. A report is sent to your healthcare provider.

Our ultrasound technician will obtain a few ‘memento’ photos for you during your ultrasound exam; one of them may be a 3D photo. Our ability to obtain a 3D photo depends on several factors and will not always be possible.

You should plan on being at our office for approximately 45 minutes.

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