Prenatal Ultrasound

In early pregnancy ultrasound provides very accurate dating of the pregnancy, even more accurate than menstrual history dating. In addition, twins can be diagnosed early, abnormalities of the uterus and ovaries can sometimes be seen, and some abnormalities of the embryo can be detected. A scan at about 12 weeks will give us the opportunity to determine the nuchal translucency. With modern ultrasound machines, we can see a great deal of detail in the 12 week fetus.

Later in pregnancy, around 20-22 weeks, we can do a physical exam on the fetus, looking at the heart, brain, kidneys, etc. Also we make various measurements of the baby to determine its gestational age or growth. If we have done a previous ultrasound, we can see if the baby is growing appropriately.

You will be able to bring a few visitors to your exam if you wish. A prenatal scan takes one half to one hour, and small children get bored. Please do not bring a small child without bringing someone to watch the child. We have a monitor for you and your visitors to watch, so you will see what we see

For our records we document the examination on SVHS video tape. We will make a DVD for you if you wish.

At the end of the examination Dr. Worrall prepares the report with a computer program called BABE. The report is printed out and kept in the computer.  If you have more than one examination during a pregnancy, the software evaluates the growth of the baby, and can print graphs of the estimated fetal weight, and the various measurements we make. Graphing the measurements of two or more examinations is a very good way of showing that the growth of the baby is normal.

We work closely with Alaska Perinatal Associates in Anchorage. This is a group of perinatologists who provide consultation services to the obstetrical providers of Fairbanks, as well as the entire State of Alaska. These are the specialists we turn to when we have a prenatal ultrasound that we are not sure of: I send them the appropriate segments of the SVHS video, and they let me know what they think. If necessary, we can arrange for the mom to go to Anchorage to see the perinatologist.

There is a wealth of information on prenatal ultrasound on the WWW. Here are four places to start:

• Joe Woo's Comprehensive Ultrasound Site Everything you could possibly want to know about prenatal ultrasound, with lots of images and links. 
  
• Dr. Gregory DeVore's Site Information about the value and purpose of screening prenatal ultrasound, and information about triple marker screening for Down syndrome and neural tube defects.
  
• OBGYN Net A very comprehensive site on all obstetrical and gynecological matters, with many sections. I am involved with the Ultrasound Section. A good place to find information or ask questions on any ob/gyn subject.
  
• St George's Hospital, London, Fetal Medicine unit. Information about prenatal diagnosis from one of the most prestigious prenatal diagnosis centers in the World. 

We are very interested in prenatal ultrasound and would be glad to talk to you about it or answer your questions. Please contact my nurse at (907) 451-3302, or Dr. Worrall at (907) 451-4225, or e-mail jworrall@alaska.net For appointments please call (907) 451-4258.