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What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is safe and painless. It produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging is also called ultrasound scanning or sonography. It uses a small probe called a transducer and gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from the probe through the gel into the body. The probe collects the sounds that bounce back. A computer uses those sound waves to create an image.

Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (as used in x-rays). Since images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs. They can also show blood flowing through blood vessels. This is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Benefits of Ultrasound:

  • Most ultrasound procedures are noninvasive.
  • Ultrasound is widely available and easy-to-use
  • Ultrasound imaging does not use radiation.
  • Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images.

Obstetrical Ultrasound

Gunnison Valley Health uses obstetrical ultrasounds to confirm that you are pregnant. This type of ultrasound can be performed at any time during your pregnancy, but the earliest an embryo is usually visible with a heartbeat is approximately six weeks gestation. Throughout your pregnancy, an ultrasound will be used to monitor the growth of your baby’s health.

Are obstetric ultrasounds safe?


Obstetric ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of a baby (embryo or fetus) within a pregnant woman. It provides a clear picture of the uterus and provides a lot of important information about your pregnancy.

Ultrasound imaging is noninvasive and doesn’t use radiation. It has been used to evaluate pregnancy for nearly four decades and there has been no evidence of harm to the patient, embryo, or fetus.

Benefits of an obstetrical ultrasound:

  • Ultrasound is the preferred method for the monitoring of pregnant women and their unborn babies.
  • Ultrasound has been used to evaluate pregnancy for nearly four decades and there has been no evidence of harm to the patient, embryo or fetus.
  • Ultrasound allows the doctor to see inside the uterus and provides important information about your pregnancy.

For more information, speak to your physician or contact Gunnison Valley Health's Diagnostic Imaging Department at (970) 641-7253.

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