People may have ultrasounds for a variety of reasons, but pregnancy tests are the most common cause. If you've recently had an ultrasound and want to know what to do with the images on the ultrasound report, you can learn about the basics of ultrasound images. Sometimes you may want to know how to identify some features on an ultrasound during pregnancy, such as a baby's head, arms, or gender. However, it is important to remember that ultrasounds are more difficult to interpret, and it is best to turn to a doctor.
Method 1
Interpret the image
1
Ignore the text and numbers above the image. Most hospitals and ultrasound centers display the patient's name, hospital reference number, or ultrasound machine configuration in this section of the image. Because this part has little to do with the ultrasound image, it can be ignored. [1]
2
Start the interpretation from the top of the image. The top of the screen or printed image is where the ultrasonic probe is placed. In other words, the image you see is a side view of an organ or tissue, not a top view. [2]
For example, if you have a uterine ultrasound, you see the contours of the tissue above the uterus on the screen or printed ultrasound. Looking further in, you'll see deeper tissues such as the contours of the uterus, the inside of the uterus, and the back of the uterus.
3
Notice the difference in color. Most ultrasound images are black and white, but differences in black and white shadows can be seen on ultrasound scans. The difference in color is caused by the different densities of materials passed through ultrasound.
Solid tissue, such as bones, appears white because the outer surface reflects more sound.
Liquid-filled tissues take on a darker color, such as the uterus.
Ultrasound imaging is not suitable for gas, so organs filled with gas cannot usually be examined with ultrasound, such as lungs.
4
Pay attention to common visuals. Since ultrasound uses sound to build pictures of the internal structures of the body, the pictures are not very clear. Due to the different settings, angles, and density of the tissue being examined, many different visual effects occur. Some of the more common visual effects include:[3]
intensifier. Refers to the tissue examined that appears brighter due to too much fluid, such as the inside of a cyst.
attenuation. Also known as shadows, the scanned area is darker than it should look like.
anisotropy. This effect is related to the angle of the probe. For example, if the probe is at right angles to some tendons, these areas will appear brighter than normal, so the probe angle should be adjusted to avoid this effect.
Method 2
Interpreting pregnancy ultrasound
Identify the uterus. The contours of the uterus can be identified by a white or light gray line at the edge of the ultrasound. In that area, there should be a dark area, which is amniotic fluid. [4] [5]
Keep in mind that the uterine edge may not wrap around the entire image. The operator may place the probe in a fetal-centered position. You may see white or gray lines on one or both sides of the image, which may be the outline of the uterus.
Identify the fetus. On an ultrasound, the fetus may appear gray or white, located in the amniotic fluid (a dark area inside the uterus). Finding this area in the amniotic fluid can generally distinguish the contours and features of the fetus.
The details that can be seen on the image depend on the stage of pregnancy. For example, at 8 weeks, the fetus looks like a gummy bear or a sweet bean; at 12 weeks, only the head of the fetus may be recognized; by 20 weeks, you can see the spine, eyes, feet, and heart. [6]
Determine the sex of the fetus. Around 18 to 20 weeks, pregnant women undergo an ultrasound to assess fetal development, identify possible problems, and, if necessary, identify fetal sex. However, it should be remembered that this stage cannot accurately identify the sex of the fetus, and only when the fetus is born can it be truly determined. [7]
To determine the sex of the fetus, the operator or obstetrician looks for the penis or three lines representing the labia on an ultrasound. Keep in mind that this method of determining fetal sex is not 100% accurate. Visuals can be biased, resulting in gender misjudgments.
Perform 3D or 4D ultrasound. If you want to see more details about the fetus, you can choose to do a three-dimensional ultrasound. Three-dimensional ultrasound can show the facial features of the fetus and can even detect certain defects, such as cleft lip and palate. [8] Four-dimensional ultrasound and three-dimensional ultrasound imaging are the same, but four-dimensional ultrasound can perform short video recordings of fetuses in the womb. [9]
The best time to do 3D or 4D ultrasound is 26 to 30 weeks.
Three- and four-dimensional ultrasounds are more expensive, but more fetal features can be seen, helping to screen for defects.
Tips
Interpreting an ultrasound is a complex process, and it's hard to tell some of the details without a trained professional. If you go home and find something on the ultrasound that worries you, it's best to consult a professional doctor and let the doctor interpret it.
Before taking the ultrasound image home, ask the surgeon to explain it to you.