Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure used to help examine the developing fetus within the uterus. Ultrasound uses risk-free sound waves, which bounce off the body of the fetus. A computer interprets the sound waves to generate a two-dimensional image of the fetus. Ultrasound can provide useful information regarding the fetus to you and your obstetrician. For example, ultrasound can estimate the age of the fetus, determine if the fetus is alive, and how many fetuses are in the uterus. In addition, ultrasound is helpful in determining if the fetus appears to be growing and physically developing normally. Ultrasound cannot detect all structural abnormalities. Therefore a normal ultrasound does not absolutely mean a healthy or normal fetus. Sometimes ultrasound can detect “soft-signs” or “markers” that may indicate the fetus is at higher risk for a birth defect. These “soft-signs” do not mean the fetus has a birth defect, only that risks are increased and genetic counseling and further testing should be considered.

Our office at 216 North Broad Street, The Feinstein Building, also offers revolutionary 3-dimensional ultrasound (these ultrasounds are done only when medically necessary). 3-D ultrasound allows us to view the fetal body in 3 dimensions, seeing details of fetal development not possible with the standard 2-D ultrasound.  Photographic views of the fetus can provide more detail of a fetus’s anatomy. In cases where an anomaly is detected, 3-D  ultrasound may help clarify the extent of a suspected fetal structural abnormality that may be associated with genetic syndromes, which cannot be diagnosed by CVS, amniocentesis or standard 2-D ultrasound. With 3-D, a fetus can be examined with more detail as early as the first trimester.