Obstetrical Ultrasound

Our experienced team is here to help guide you step by step throughout your pregnancy. Whether this is your first pregnancy or a new addition to your family, we are honoured to be a part of your journey.

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Purpose of an Obstetrical Ultrasound​

Obstetrical ultrasound is an important and non-invasive diagnostic imaging test used during pregnancy. Ultrasound is the leading diagnostic tool for obstetrics which uses safe sound waves to safely create real time imaging of your baby.

This exam allows us to examine the uterus and placenta, as well as the fetus. Early obstetrical ultrasounds focus on the location, size, and number of pregnancies. Later scans focus on the development and anatomy of the fetus and the other components of the pregnancy.

1 – Early Obstetrical Ultrasound (1st trimester)

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2 – Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound (2nd trimester)

A nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound is a screening test which assesses whether your baby is likely to have Down’s syndrome. A Nuchal Translucency ultrasound must be performed between 11 weeks and not later than 13 weeks plus six days of pregnancy. Before 11 weeks the ultrasound is technically difficult because the baby is so tiny and, after 14 weeks, any excess fluid may be absorbed by the baby’s developing lymphatic system. A Blood Test is required within 24 hours AFTER the ultrasound has been completed. We will provide you with a blood work form if your physician did not provide you with one.

3 – Detailed Obstetrical Ultrasound (2nd trimester)

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4 – Biophysical Profile & Growth Ultrasound (3rd trimester)

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Additional to the biophysicial:

3D Ultrasound

3D ultrasound allows you to view your baby on our high resolution monitor as it moves in real-time and produces life-like images of the fetus. 3D ultrasound is NOT part of a normal obstetrical ultrasound. Obstetrical patients are eligible for 3D between 26 to 36 weeks gestation. 3D cannot be done on its own without an already requested obstetrical exam. 3D will only be added at the end of your scheduled obstetrical exam if it is requested at the time of booking and the technologist is available. The 3D ultrasound is free, however if the technologist is able to get good pictures that you would like to keep each printed picture is $15.00 and a CD of all of the images it is $50.00.

After checking in you will be shown to a change room and asked to remove some or all of your clothing and put on gown. You may be asked to remove jewelry if it will interfere with the exam.

Your technologist will usually have you lie comfortably on a padded exam table. MSK patients will typically sit on a chair. The technologist will then place lubricating gel onto the area being examined. During the test the technologist will use a device called a transducer and make contact with your skin, moving firmly back and forth over the area being examined until they are able to capture the required images. In some ultrasound tests the transducer is attached to a probe and inserted into the body. Most obstetrical ultrasound exams last between 30 t0 60 minutes.

Once the exam is complete, you are free to leave and continue normally with your day. Your results will be sent directly from our radiologist to your referring physician.

Because most ultrasound exams require special preparation (i.e. fasting or water consumption), it is not usually possible to accommodate walk-in appointments. For emergency exams or procedures not having these requirements same-day appointments may be available. Please call to check availability. 

What to expect during your Obstetrics Ultrasound

For pregnancy ultrasounds one additional person can be accommodated in our exam rooms after the medical portion of the pregnancy ultrasound has been completed. These rooms are equipped with a television so that you are able to view the exam. Please do not bring children to your appointment as we do not have staff available to watch them during the exam. If you wish to know the sex of the baby, you will be provided a form to complete when you check-in. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that we will be able to make a gender determination during your exam if the baby is not positioned well enough to obtain an unobstructed image.

Step 1: Medical Exam

The mother to be will be introduced by herself to the ultrasound technologist (Sonographer). The partner is asked to stay in the waiting area. While we understand couples would like to share the entire ultrasound experience together, our policy is to limit the first portion of the exam between the mother and the Sonographer.

Why is this step important?

While it is a very exciting experience for couples, it is important for the Sonographer to first obtain all the vital information that is needed to ensure your doctor receives all the details accurately without any distractions. During this step, the Radiologist may also request additional imaging.

Step 2: Invite partners

When the medical portion of the exam is complete we are happy to bring your partner into the scanning room to see the pregnancy in real-time. Please note there are medical circumstances where sharing the ultrasound exam may not occur.

Thank you for understanding!

We appreciate your understanding of our policy for the best medical care of all our patients.

Pregnancy FAQs

Why can’t my spouse be in the room with me?
Alberta Health Services covers Obstetrical exams which are performed to asses your health and the health of the baby. That is our priority. Although pregnancy is an exciting time, our exam is not about showing off the baby to the expecting parents or family members: our exam is performed to determine the health of the mother and the baby. If you wish to have a full show of the baby before it is born, we recommend researching institutions such as U C Baby.

Why do I have to drink water?

A full bladder moves bowel out from your pelvis into your abdomen, helping visualization of the pregnancy, uterus and cervix. Your bladder should not be so full that it causes pain. If your bladder is very full and painful, you should empty a small amount so that you are more comfortable.

Why can’t you just check the gender of my baby without a requisition?
The gender of the baby is not of medical concern. The health of your baby is of medical concern and that is why the Obstetrical Routine exam is performed. We are happy to provide the gender of the baby to you IF it can be seen during the exam and you have signed the consent form. If we are not able to see the gender, we cannot book another exam strictly to find out the gender.

Vascular Ultrasound

  • Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to provide enough time to change and prepare for your examination.
  • You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam.
  • You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined.

Bladder, Pelvis or Pregnancy Under 28 Weeks 

  • Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to provide enough time to change and prepare for your examination.
  • The exam requires a full bladder.
  • Drink and finish 1 litre (4 cups) of water 1 hour prior to the appointment time.
  • DO NOT empty your bladder until after the examination.
  • If your bladder is not full, the examination may have to be rescheduled.
  • You may eat regularly prior to the exam.

Biophysical Profile or Pregnancy 28 Weeks and Over

  • Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to provide enough time to change and prepare for your examination.
  • The exam requires a partially full bladder. Drink and finish 500 ml (2 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to the appointment time. DO NOT empty your bladder until after the examination. If your bladder is not full, the examination may have to be rescheduled. Please eat 30 minutes prior to the examination.

Abdomen

  • Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to provide enough time to change and prepare for your examination.
  • DO NOT eat, drink, chew or consume anything by mouth 8 hours prior to the examination.
  • You may still take your medication with water.

Abdomen and Pelvis

  • Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to provide enough time to change and prepare for your examination.
  • DO NOT eat, drink, chew or consume anything but water 8 hours prior to the examination.
  • Drink and finish 1 litre (4 cups) of water 1 hour prior to the appointment time.
  • DO NOT empty your bladder until after the examination.
  • If your bladder is not full, the examination may have to be rescheduled.
  • You may still take your medication with water.

How to Book Your Exam

When you book your appointment you may be given special instructions to fast or consume large quantities of liquid before your exam. It is important to follow these instructions so our technologists are able to capture the best possible images for the radiologist to read.

  • Exams require a requisition form from your family physician.
  • You can book by phone by calling us during our regular business hours.
    West Edmonton: 780-705-9982
    Chappelle Crossing: 780-540-9066
    Spruce Grove: 587-461-2221
  • You can also conveniently book online.

Find a Family Physician in your area

  • If you do not have a family physician or need assistance with a requisition form or referral letter albertafindadoctor.ca can help you find a family doctor accepting patients in your area.