Olivia Barredo
March 27, 2023

The marvels of technology never fails to amaze, but not everyone can truly say they know how they work. Ultrasounds, for instance, are one among the many things that have revolutionized the medical world, and it’s important–especially for women–to know how they work and why they’re used to gain a better understanding of what occurs when performing an ultrasound. In this article, we’ve made a brief explanation of how ultrasound scans are used and why they’re performed!

What is an ultrasound?

To put it simply, an ultrasound is a procedure that makes use of high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The device produces sound waves into the body and are reflected back via the echoes being made by the body tissues. This echo is then sent to a computer that uses them to create an image called a “sonogram”–the image produced from an ultrasound scan. 

Considering that ultrasounds produce sound waves instead of radiation, they are known to be much safer than X-rays. Many medical providers have used ultrasounds for more than 30 years and have not yet found any dangerous risks to using them, making them one of the safest, non-invasive, and most versatile procedures available.

In most government hospitals in the Philippines, ultrasounds cost around Php 700 to Php 900, while private hospitals usually cost around Php 1,000 to Php 4,000. Prices differ, of course, depending on the body part being scanned, but most ultrasounds fall under these prices.

Why are ultrasounds performed?

There are different types of ultrasounds meant for different purposes. It helps doctors in diagnosing a good number of medical issues, some of which include blood clots, gallstones, and abnormal growths like tumors or cancer. Body parts such as the heart, liver, and kidneys can also be checked and monitored by an ultrasound. 

However, detection of pregnancy is definitely its most common use. It greatly helps check the growth and development of the fetus, and aids the provider in determining just exactly when upcoming moms will be giving birth. It helps screen for any potential health risks or birth defects, and to check if the baby is in its correct position before birth. Moreover, it can also easily determine the gender of the baby. 

What are the different types of ultrasounds?

Contrary to popular belief, there are many types of ultrasound procedures. Depending on your provider, the ultrasounds may change depending on what needs to be checked and how far along patients are in the pregnancy. Here are the different types of ultrasounds:

• Transabdominal ultrasounds. The most common type, transabdominal ultrasound, examines the organs in the abdomen and is the fastest and most affordable way to assess the growth of a pregnant woman’s baby.

• Transvaginal ultrasounds. Also being one of the most common, transvaginal ultrasounds are done through the vagina and the birth canal. This is to check if there are any abnormalities in a woman’s reproductive system–from the uterus, to the cervix, to the fallopian tubes, and even the ovaries.

• Doppler ultrasounds. In more serious cases, doppler ultrasounds are used to check a baby’s blood flow. This type of ultrasound helps providers hear the baby’s heartbeat and is able to also measure the blood flow in the umbilical cord. 

• 3D ultrasound. This type of ultrasound takes multiple pictures that creates a 3D image that is almost as clear as normal photos. Providers use this ultrasound to ensure that the baby’s organs are growing normally, and can also check if there are any abnormalities in a baby’s face. 

• 4D ultrasounds. Similar to the 3D ultrasound, this type also clearly captures images of the baby, but this time in video.

In conclusion, ultrasounds are an invaluable tool for expectant mothers and their healthcare providers. It provides important information about the growth and development of the fetus, and can easily help identify whatever risks and abnormalities the fetus or perhaps even the expectant mother may have. Whether it's a standard transabdominal ultrasound or a 4D ultrasound, these procedures also surely allow parents to develop a deeper connection with their babies even during the pregnancy journey.