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What Kind of Ultrasounds Are There?

There are several different ultrasound exam types. Each ultrasound is the same in that they use high-frequency sound waves to create a picture. Most often it is used to scan a woman's abdomen to detect or monitor a baby during a mother's pregnancy, although there are other medical situations in which an ultrasound is used.

  1. Transvaginal Ultrasound

    • A transvaginal ultrasound is a specially designed probe that is used to generate sonogram images. Transvaginal means across or through the vagina; this type of ultrasound is used within the vagina. Although this type of ultrasound is typically only used in the earliest stages of pregnancy, it can also be used to aid a doctor in detecting ovarian cancer or cancer of the uterus.

    Standard Ultrasound

    • A standard ultrasound is a traditional type of ultrasound that uses a transducer device over the abdomen area. The standard ultrasound provides 2D images of a developing fetus. This type of ultrasound is often used to help doctors evaluate blood flow through major arteries and veins of the arms, legs and neck, which can show blood blockages and other medical issues.

    Advanced Ultrasound

    • The advanced exam is similar to the standard ultrasound but is designed to target suspected problems. In addition, the advanced ultrasound uses more sophisticated equipment than the standard ultrasound and is sometimes used on the breast to detect changes in breast tissues associated with breast cancer.

    Doppler Ultrasound

    • A Doppler ultrasound is used to measure slight changes in the frequency of ultrasound waves as they bounce off moving objects like blood cells. This is a noninvasive test that is used to measure things like blood flow and blood pressure. Whereas a regular ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images, a Doppler ultrasound can show blood flow.

    3D/4D Ultrasounds

    • A 3D or 4D ultrasound uses specially designed probes and software that generate three-dimensional images of a developing fetus. The 4D ultrasound differs in that it can provide a live look at the face and body movements of a baby as they happen.

    Fetal Echocardiography

    • This type of ultrasound uses special waves to assess a baby's heart anatomy and function. It is often used to assess suspected congenital heart defects in a baby. This test can be done in conjunction with a standard ultrasound to get a limited view of a baby's heart.

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