If you are pregnant, your provider will recommend that you have an ultrasound. Ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is a test using sound waves to take images of your body. We have four certified ultrasonographers at WSNM who perform fetal ultrasounds at each of our three offices.

Obstetrical Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds can help us answer questions about your pregnancy, including:

  • How far along you are in the pregnancy.
  • If you carry twins.
  • If there is enough fluid around the baby.
  • How well the baby is growing.
  • If the baby is head down.
  • Where the placenta is located.
  • This is information that can significantly help your provider to take better care of you and your baby.

Ultrasound can also detect some birth defects; however, it is not capable of detecting all birth defects. If there is a reason to suspect birth defects due to a family history or abnormal screening test, you may be referred to a center for targeted ultrasound examination looking for that specific defect. Unfortunately, birth defects can occur without any reason for suspicion; therefore, even if today’s examination is perfectly normal, we cannot give you a guarantee of a perfectly normal baby.

Obstetric patients receive ultrasounds for pregnancy viability, dating, location, anatomy, fetal growth, fetal wellbeing/assessment, and fetal position. Obstetric procedures include Amniocentesis.

In performing the ultrasound we may be able to learn the gender of your baby. However, this is not the reason for the exam and we cannot guarantee we will be able to determine this for you. Even if we are able to make a guess on gender, it is important to remember that ultrasound, like any other test, is not 100% accurate.

A detailed report and pictures of your ultrasound will be sent to your provider.  Interpretations of all Obstetric U/S images are performed by our Board Certified Obstetricians.  Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have with her or him.

No special preparation (no full bladder) is required for your ultrasound examination.

Gynecological Ultrasounds

An ultrasound is used for gynecologic issues such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts, IUD location, fibroids, pelvic masses, and uterine anomalies.

We offer gynecologic procedures using ultrasound which include the Saline Infusion Sonohysterogram (SIS) and ultrasound guided IUD removal.

Interpretation of all gynecologic ultrasounds is performed by Board Certified Gynecologists Gileen Elder, M.D.  and Mary Cunnane , M.D. This provides the unique clinical input of a gynecologist in the reading of all pelvic ultrasounds.

WSNM is recognized as an Accredited Ultrasound Practice in Gynecologic Ultrasound.

WSNM is very proud to announce that our Ultrasound Department has been accredited by the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) in Gynecologic Ultrasound. AIUM is a multidisciplinary professional association dedicated to advancing safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine. Practice accreditation is a voluntary peer review process that allows medical practices to demonstrate that they meet or exceed nationally recognized standards in the performance and interpretation of diagnostic ultrasound exams. Achieving accreditation exhibits WSNM’s commitment to clinical excellence and the highest quality patient care. Congratulations to our sonographers, physicians and staff for their dedication to their profession and our patients.

Questions? Want to schedule an appointment? Please call 505.843.6168

Links & Resources

Additional information about OB ultrasounds and screening tests can be found:

obstetric ultrasound

Comprehensive guide to OB ultrasounds and their use
during pregnancy.

aium

aium2

Learn more about our accreditation by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).