Ultrasound of Obstetric - Index

What Is an Obstetric Ultrasound Index Exam?

An obstetric ultrasound index exam is a routine or symptom-driven imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce clear, real-time images of all key urogenital structures associated with pregnancy. Unlike X-ray or CT imaging, this exam does not use ionizing radiation, and no contrast dye is injected at any point during the procedure, making it safe for use throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Clinical Applications for the Urogenital System

This exam is used to evaluate a wide range of urogenital and pregnancy-related health concerns, including confirming fetal viability and gestational age, monitoring fetal growth and anatomical development, assessing placental location, size, and function to rule out conditions like placenta previa or placental insufficiency, checking the cervix for shortening, dilation, or other changes that could signal risk of preterm labor, and evaluating the ovaries for cysts, fibroids, or other abnormalities that could impact pregnancy health. It is also commonly used to confirm fetal presentation prior to delivery and investigate symptoms including vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or reduced fetal movement.

What to Expect During Your Exam

The exam takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, requires no special preparation such as fasting or a full bladder unless your care team specifically instructs you otherwise, and carries no risk of claustrophobia as you will remain fully clothed from the waist up (or fully clothed if you wear a loose-fitting gown) and will not be enclosed in a tight scanning tunnel. A certified sonographer will apply a cool, water-based gel to your lower abdomen to help the handheld transducer (the small device that sends and receives sound waves) glide smoothly over your skin, and will capture multiple images of your pregnancy structures to share with your obstetric provider or radiologist for review.