Do I need to arrive early for my appointment?
We eagerly look forward to meeting you at your appointment and ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time so that we have time to prepare paperwork for your ultrasound or consultation.
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
We ask that you download our registration forms and complete them prior to the day of your appointment. In addition to your registration materials, bring a picture ID, insurance card and referral form provided to you by your obstetrician (if they have not already faxed it to our office).
I have heard I need a full bladder for my ultrasound – is that true?
With older ultrasound equipment, a full bladder was often necessary. However, with our state of the art equipment this is no longer needed.
How many people can I bring to my appointment?
We also ask that you limit the number of people present for your ultrasound to yourself and one additional person and respectfully ask that you do not bring any children to your appointment. We do encourage you to bring someone to your appointment. Each of our ultrasound rooms is equipped with a large flat screen viewing monitor for you and your invited guest to enjoy. Everyone is required to wear a mask at all times when in our office. Bandanas and gators are not allowed as they are not functional masks.
Why are children not allowed at my appointment?
Although you expect your ultrasound (or consultation) to be a fun experience (and we hope it is as well), too often, problems are recognized that require lengthy discussions or even additional time for a diagnostic procedure. Combined with the length of time (sometimes hours), and the tears that are often shed – it has been our experience that this situation is too stressful when children are present, and compromises our ability to provide the highest level care possible in a timely manner.
If I am coming to Diablo Valley Perinatal for a 3-D ultrasound – can I bring children?
Unfortunately, while COVID-19 is still an issue – children are not allowed in our office.
Why is an ultrasound exam so important in pregnancy?
During the first trimester, a fetal ultrasound accurately assigns the gestational age of a pregnancy. It is also the time when the health of an early pregnancy can be evaluated with the measurement of the nuchal translucency – a precise measurement of a “translucent” area on the back of the developing fetal neck (performed between 11-14 weeks). This measurement, when performed in combination with a first trimester and second trimester blood test, provide a risk assessment for the most common chromosome abnormalities
During the second trimester, a detailed anatomic survey rules out most birth defects when done by a specialized perinatal center. During that exam, stringent parameters are followed, established by the American Institute in Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM) regarding anatomic structures that must be evaluated – assuring to the limitation of ultrasound itself, you baby is thoroughly examined.
During the third trimester, a fetal ultrasound evaluates the size of the developing baby and identifies pregnancies with abnormal growth. In the event of a growth abnormality, advanced imaging techniques including evaluation of blood flow velocities and wave forms through specific blood vessels in the brain, heart, liver and umbilical cord can be undertaken. In addition, biophysical parameters such as fetal breathing, tone and movement can also be used to determine the health of the developing baby in combination with a fetal non stress test.
FACTS:
Why is an ultrasound exam so important in pregnancy?
— During the first trimester, a fetal ultrasound determines the health of an early pregnancy with the measurement of the nuchal translucency.
— During the second trimester, a fetal ultrasound rules out most birth defects with a comprehensive evaluation of the fetal anatomy.
— During the third trimester, a fetal ultrasound evaluates the size of the developing baby and identifies pregnancies with abnormal growth.