Ultrasound what do the numbers mean

Cisterna Magma CM - measures the space between vault at the back of the skull and the cerebellum. Keeping track of these measurements is very important to doctors watching for issues that might develop as the baby grows. If the baby stays within acceptable parameters, the fetus is healthy. If their measurements are off, it may indicate a larger issue.

The markings on an ultrasound that have a random string of letters and numbers are markings indicating the kind of ultrasound machine that was used and the setting the machine was on when it created the image. Since ultrasounds use sound waves to make an image, the frequency hz , heat, type of machine and setting the machine scanned on is important information for trained professionals to know.

The best way to understand your ultrasound reading is to go over it with your doctor. There will be plenty of time to gaze at that ultrasound picture and envision your child. Ask questions when you have the chance. Usually, a doctor will tell you if something concerns them, but not always, so take control of your pregnancy and ask for clarification of the ultrasound markings. Sometimes you can even see the baby move.

All of this helps you bond with your child, so even if the ultrasound measurements indicate possible issues, you have a sense of who your baby is and can make more informed decisions about their care. My name is Veronica Mitchell. The color differences come from the differences in the densities of the materials that the sound passes through. Solid tissues, like bone, will appear white because the outer surface reflects more sound.

Tissues that are filled with liquid, such as the amniotic fluid in the uterus, will appear dark. Determine the visible side of the body. Most ultrasound images are mirrored, meaning you see the left side of the body on the left side of the image.

If you have a transvaginal ultrasound, though, it uses a straight shot. A straight shot will show the left side of the body on the right side of the image. Watch for common visual effects. Since ultrasound uses sound to create images of the inner structures of your body, the images are not crystal clear. Some of the most common visual effects to watch for include: [5] X Research source Enhancement. This is when part of the structure being examined appears brighter than it should due to an excess of fluids in the area, such as in a cyst.

Also known as shadowing, this effect causes the area being scanned to appear darker than it should. This effect has to do with the angle of the probe.

For example, holding the probe at a right angle to some tendons would cause the area to appear brighter than normal, so it is necessary to adjust the angle of the probe to avoid this effect.

Method 2. Identify your womb. You can identify the outline of your uterus by finding the white or light grey line around the edges of the ultrasound image. Just inside of this area, there should be a black area. This is the amniotic fluid. The technician may have positioned the probe in a way that centered the image on your baby.

Even if you only see white or grey lines along one or two sides of the image, this is probably the outline of your womb.

Spot the baby. Your baby will also look grey or whitish and will be located within the amniotic fluid the dark area inside of the womb. Look at the area within your amniotic fluid to try to make out the outline and features of your baby. The details that you see in the image will depend on the stage of your pregnancy. For example, at eight weeks, the fetus will look something like a gummy bear or a baked bean; at 12 weeks, you may only be able to identify the head of your baby; while at 20 weeks, you may be able to see the spine, eyes, feet, and heart.

A visual effect may create or obscure the image of a penis on an ultrasound. Consider a 3D or 4D ultrasound. If you are interested in seeing more details of your baby than a traditional ultrasound can provide, then you may want to ask your doctor about a 3D ultrasound. Keep in mind that these scans can be quite expensive and may not be covered by your insurance unless there is a medical reason to have one done, such as to investigate an abnormality.

Lacy Windham, MD. Measurements will be taken at the time of ultrasound, depending on the gestational age. Early gestations are measured by the crown-rump length, and later gestations are measured by an algorithm using head, abdomen and femur measurements. Determining an accurate gestational age is also dependent on how far along the pregnancy is.

If you are dated by measurements that show you to be 6 weeks pregnant, this is extremely accurate. If you are measuring when you are close to your due date, this is extremely inaccurate. Not Helpful 25 Helpful If you are having a single pregnancy, it just refers to the baby. If you are having twins or triplets, it is a way to keep track of which baby is being measured.

Not Helpful 21 Helpful How do I determine if a baby will be a boy or a girl based on a five-month scan? The week scan 5-month scan is the best way to determine fetal development and growth. At this time, your healthcare provider can see the images of your baby to help determine if you are having a boy penis is present or a girl no penis.

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy. It creates an image of the baby in the mother's womb uterus. Standard ultrasound. The test uses sound waves to create 2-D images on a computer screen. Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasound uses an electronic wand called a transducer to send and receive sound waves. No radiation is used during the procedure. The transducer is moved over the abdomen, and sound waves move through the skin, muscle, bone, and fluids at different speeds.

The sound waves bounce off the baby like an echo and return to the transducer. The transducer converts the sound waves into an electronic image on a computer screen. Fetal ultrasound is a routine part of prenatal care in the U. A routine prenatal ultrasound can check for defects or other problems in the unborn baby.

The following can be examined:. In some cases, an ultrasound may appear to show a problem that is not there called false-positive. The test can also miss a problem that is there called false-negative. In some cases, additional testing may be needed after a fetal ultrasound.

Fetal ultrasound is sometimes offered in nonmedical settings. This is done as a way to give keepsake images or videos for parents.