Sonography in Norman, OK

Sonography provides a way to see the inside of your organs and tissues to be used for obstetric and gynecological evaluations. Our OB/GYN teams in Norman, Oklahoma use this powerful tool to help give your doctor a visual of the inside of your body.

How Does Sonography Work?

The sonography or ultrasound machine uses an instrument called a transducer to emit high-frequency sound pulses that develop images of what’s inside your body. These sound waves travel into your body and hit a boundary between tissues. Some of these sound waves reflect back, while others continue to travel forward until they hit a different boundary and then bounce back.

The echoed waves are recorded and help your OB/GYN determine the shape, size, and consistency of your organs and tissues. The Care for Women and Women’s Healthcare of Norman teams use sonography for both gynecologic and obstetric evaluation.

Sonography Q & A

What can I expect during sonography and evaluation?

Sonography or ultrasound gives your OB/GYN valuable information surrounding your pregnancy. It enables them to determine your baby’s due date, find out their anatomy, screen for congenital disabilities, and monitor the progress of your baby’s growth and development.

Obstetric ultrasound results are reviewed and interpreted by a team of OB/GYN physicians. They work hand-in-hand with their clinic's sonographers, providing the necessary information to give you and your baby the best care possible.

Care for Women and Women’s Healthcare of Norman both have teams of highly-skilled, registered sonographers with years of experience obtaining images of babies in the womb.

Your sonography and evaluation may include the following:

Ultrasound for gender determination: Ultrasound can help determine the gender of your baby, if you prefer, as early as your 15th or 16th week of pregnancy.
Gynecologic evaluation: Ultrasound can also be used in gynecology to evaluate the organs in your pelvis. These include your ovaries, cervix, uterus, and urinary tract organs, such as the bladder.

Norman Regional's imaging specialists use sonography or ultrasound to evaluate the cause of various gynecological symptoms, such as unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain.

Are there risks to having sonography?

Sonography or ultrasound imaging is generally safe and doesn’t use radiation. In some cases, the ultrasound might be uncomfortable temporarily but not painful.

Obstetric or standard diagnostic ultrasound doesn’t have any known harmful or severe side effects on humans.

How do I prepare for a pelvic ultrasound?

Preparation for a pelvic ultrasound depends on the type of scan you're receiving. In most cases, your OB/GYN will give you specific instructions in advance, but here are some general guidelines:

For a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound, you may be asked to arrive with a full bladder, which helps provide a clearer view of your pelvic organs. Drink several glasses of water about an hour before your appointment and avoid urinating until after the exam.
For a transvaginal ultrasound, no special preparation is usually needed, and your bladder should be empty. This type of ultrasound involves a small probe inserted into the vaginal canal to provide detailed images of the uterus, ovaries and cervix.

Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing to make it easier to access your lower abdomen or change into a gown if needed. Always follow any personalized instructions given by your OB/GYN prior to your appointment.

Expert Sonography Care Close to Home

At Norman Regional, we combine advanced imaging technology with compassionate care to support every stage of your reproductive health. Whether you’re scheduling an early pregnancy ultrasound or need evaluation for pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding, our experienced sonographers and OB/GYN teams are here to help.

Call Norman Regional Care for Women at 405-793-2229, or Women's Healthcare of Norman at 405-360-1264 to find out more about sonography and to schedule your ultrasound.