Ultrasound?

Question

I was wondering if anyone has had a transvaginal ultrasound? I am scheduled to get one in a couple of weeks and my doctor didnt let me know it was a tranvaginal one she just said I need to go for another ultrasound so I was wondering what it is and does it hurt while they are doing it?

I was also wondering is there a chance of misscariage like amniositesis there is a small percentage of a chance you can have a misscariage from it?

I am 5 months, they are giving it to me because they say that they didnt get a picture of the spine & cord insertion.

Answer 1

I am a sonographer and the transvaginal evaluation is often used to visualize fetal anatomy that can not be seen through the transabdominal approach. However at 5 months most of the anatomical structures can be visualized through the transabdominal approach. Transvaginal scans are performed most of the time on early gestations and transabdominal is often used as the pregnancy progresses. They should attempt to capture the cord insert and the spine through the abdominal approach next time before using the vaginal method. It is completely safe. It should not cause you any more pain than a regular pap smear. If you have any discomfort during the exam then tell the sonographer immediately so they are aware and will attempt to make it more comfortable.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I am not at all sure why doctors will perform this one but I did have one performed for my first son when I was about 10 or more weeks along and I thought it was normal until I told my friends.

I am now pregnant with my 3rd child and have not had that one performed for these 2 so it might all just depend on your doctor.

It will first feel like you are having a pap smear and after a second it should not even bother you, that or the pain goes away because you are anxious to see your baby.

When in doubt you should always ask your doctor and just make sure you are made aware of any risks that can happen from this procedure.

Good Luck to you.

Answer 3

I've had several.

There is no risk to the baby with a transvaginal ultrasound. Basically, where they would use a mouse-like device for the abdominal ultrasound (normal ultrasound) to see inside your belly, they will be using a wand-like device to see everything from a different angle. It might be uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt.

They will put a condom (yes, an actual condom) on the wand, along with a little lube. They will insert it into your vagina. More likely, though, they will hand it to you and tell you to insert it yourself. And then it's just a regular ultrasound.

The baby will be in no danger from this type of ultrasound.

Good luck.

Answer 4

It doesnt hurt at all. They do those when you're very early along and they cant get a good view of the uterus and cervix with a conventional ultrasound.

They use a much thinner ultrasound wand (about the diameter of a thick tampon) and jsut insert it maybe an inch into the vagina. Its not painful at all.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61931273@N00/267118552/

Theres the results of mine, at 8 weeks. if you're around there thats what you're gonna see. They had to do a vaginal ultrasound because I was so thin, and so early on in pregnancy :)

They also might do a vaginal ultrasound if they need a very close up view of the cervix. But generally its just for those who are early along in pregnancy.

Answer 5

Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of imaging the genital tract in women. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off body structures to create a picture.

With the transvaginal technique, the ultrasound transducer (a hand-held probe) is inserted directly into the vagina. It is therefore closer to pelvic structures than with the conventional transabdominal technique (with the probe on the skin of the abdomen), providing superior image quality. This test can be used during pregnancy. (See also pregnancy ultrasound.)

You will be lying down on a table. The transducer is a long probe, covered with a condom and a sterile lubricant, that is inserted into the vagina. The health care provider will then move the probe within the vaginal cavity to scan the pelvic structures.

The examination is done with your bladder empty. Sometimes, a transabdominal ultrasound is done just before a transvaginal ultrasound to look at organs in your abdomen.

If so, you may be asked to drink several glasses of water without voiding before the transabdominal exam. Then, you will be asked to empty your bladder after the transabdominal test and before the transvaginal exam.

There may be mild discomfort from the pressure of the vaginal probe.

Transvaginal ultrasound is also used during pregnancy to identify normal intra-uterine pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy; fetal heartbeat; and many abnormalities of the uterus, placenta, and associated pelvic structures that are incompletely seen with conventional transabdominal ultrasound.
.
Some of the abnormalities that may be found in pregnant women include:

Ectopic pregnancy and potential miscarriage
Multiple pregnancies
Fetal death
Placental abnormalities including placenta previa and placental abruption
Tumors of pregnancy including gestational trophoblastic disease


There is no documented biologic effect on patients and their fetuses with the use of current ultrasound techniques. No ionizing radiation is involved.

Answer 6

I just had a transvaginal ultrasound last week, and it does not hurt. There is some slight discomfort if the person is pushing the probe around in there too rough, but it doesn't hurt. There's no chance of miscarriage. An amnio can cause miscarriage or complications because of the needle. Don't worry, your doc wouldn't suggest it if it wasn't good.

Answer 7

I had a few vaginal ultrasounds...they take a probe (looks like a vibrator) its a long wand that they insert into your vagina...and look at yuor uterus through your cervix. ITs a way more accurate way of getting an ultrasound than the one across your abdomen. Tehre is no risk to you or the baby. You can only do it up to a certain month(I can't remember wheich month..ask the technician) It doesn't hurt at all...tehy put a condom over the probe and i slides right in...its not even as thick as a penis...its fine...just relax.

Answer 8

I had one with my 3rd pregnancy and it is not painful at all. There is no risk for miscarriage either. When you are in the early part of a pregnancy the transvaginal is the only way to perform an ultrasound as the baby and your uterus are too small to pick up with the conventional ultrasound.

Answer 9

well first of all congrats ive had a transvaginal ultrasound there really nothing to be afraid of its a long stick that will be inserted into the vagina and it will be able to see what the regular ultrasound is not getting unlike amino where they use a needle and risk of breaking the placenta this will only be inserted into the vagina just like as if you were having sex so dont be scared

Answer 10

It doesn't hurt and there is no risk for miscarriage. They have a probe that is long and thin, with a little wider part on the end. They add some lube and it goes where the sun doesn't shine. It's not a big deal, and many women have them done now. They are more accurate in early pregnancy. I have one done with each pregnancy. Good Luck