2D ultrasounds for obstetrics and gynecological care are safe, painless, non-invasive procedures offered at Colorado Obstetrics and Women’s Health. These ultrasounds create black and white images using soundwaves which can be immediately viewed on the monitor. Performed by a registered sonographer, 2D ultrasounds examine internal organs and tissue, look for abnormalities, and offer glimpses of a new baby in the womb.

Types of 2D ultrasounds:

• Obstetric/pregnancy ultrasounds
• Gynecological ultrasounds
  • Abdominal
  • Transvaginal
  • Pelvic

Obstetric Ultrasounds

Standard practice in obstetrics recommends having ultrasounds, also known as sonograms, during certain stages of your pregnancy. These procedures are meant to provide your doctor with vital information to ensure you and your baby are receiving the best possible care.

Obstetric ultrasounds are used to:

• Confirm pregnancy and location of the baby
• Determine viability
• Evaluate the baby’s growth, gestational age, and gender
• Examine placenta, cervical length, and amniotic fluid level
• Monitor for preterm labor risk
• Identify fetal and maternal abnormalities
• Assess blood circulation

When to have Pregnancy Ultrasounds

• Dating Ultrasound at 6-9 weeks—Determines confirmation of pregnancy, viability, gestational age, and due date. Usually performed transvaginally since the baby is as tiny as a blueberry and is difficult to see from an abdominal approach.
• First Trimester Screening (optional) around 12 weeks—If you opt for genetic testing, this specialized sonogram will measure early anatomy and can aid in determining the risk of genetic disorders such as Down’s Syndrome.
• Second Trimester Detailed Anatomic Screening at 18-20 weeks—The baby’s anatomy is evaluated and measured, including the head, heart, abdomen, arms and legs, and placenta. Gender can also be revealed during this procedure.
• Third Trimester Ultrasound—Evaluate baby’s growth and anatomy, as well as the cervical length or amniotic fluid level, which help determine the risk of preterm labor.

Gynecological Ultrasounds

Gynecological Ultrasounds are for non-pregnant women’s health needs such as pain and abnormal bleeding. These have two types of approaches: vaginal and pelvic.

• A transvaginal ultrasound is a vaginal approach used to examine reproductive organs closely, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix.
• The pelvic ultrasound examines the reproductive organs and is used for unexplained pelvic pain or masses felt by the doctor during an exam. This scan is performed abdominally or vaginally.

These 2D ultrasounds help diagnose gynecological problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, cancer, and ectopic pregnancies. They also help examine and measure masses such as fibroids, cysts, and tumors.

Benefits of 2D Ultrasounds

2D ultrasounds offer numerous benefits to the patient and the fetus. Ultrasounds are easy to perform and are typically done in the office. Most scans take 30 minutes or less and require minimal to no preparation. Some scans simply require a full bladder.

They are non-invasive, meaning they do not break the skin through injection or incision, and little to no discomfort is expected. Most other diagnostic tests cannot compare to their comfort, affordability, safety, and convenience.

Pregnancy ultrasounds add to these valuable benefits by providing a real-time view of your little one and offering to share with you your baby’s gender, if you want to know. Seeing the baby's movements, like a kick, stretch, or wave, can bring joy, happiness, and reassurance to you and your family. Afterward, moms-to-be can then take home keepsake photos from the ultrasound views to be cherished forever.

Make an appointment today with Colorado Obstetrics and Women’s Health or call us at (719) 634-8800. Let us know if you have questions about our 2D ultrasounds and services.