Ultrasound vs. Sonogram: Quick Answers
What's the difference between an ultrasound and a sonogram?
Is ultrasound and sonogram the same thing?
According to the American Pregnancy Association: An ultrasound exam is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to scan a woman's abdomen and pelvic cavity, creating a picture (sonogram) of the baby and placenta. Although the terms ultrasound and sonogram are technically different, they are used interchangeably and reference the same exam.
What ultrasounds do you offer at UH?
We offer Perinatal OB services, including ultrasound, high-risk consultation, and intervention, starting at 6 weeks through post term (past a baby's due date). We are equipped with the latest cutting edge ultrasound technology.
Routine obstetric ultrasound exams include:
• Dating and Viability exams – performed as early as 6 weeks to assess pregnancy.
• Routine/Anatomical exams – Complete examination of anatomy, biometry, and gender.
• Biophysical Profile, checks fetal well-being usually ordered once a week until delivery – 28 to 42 weeks.
Advanced exams and procedures include:
• Detailed/Targeted Exam: In depth assessment of fetal anatomy for high-risk pregnancies.
• First Trimester Screening/Nuchal Translucency Test - tests for Downs Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) – 11 to 14 weeks.
• Fetal Echocardiography – Examines fetal heart in-depth when there is concern over cardiac defects.
• Amniocentesis – the sampling of amniotic fluid using a hollow needle inserted into the uterus, to screen for developmental abnormalities in a fetus.
What does perinatal mean?
- It designates a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialty. UH is one of the leading groups in the region that offers perinatal OB ultrasounds. We work closely with the Fetal Health Center at Children's Mercy both referring patients and receiving referrals for genetic counseling, inpatient care, fetal surgery, and interventional procedures.
- UH is accredited in First Trimester, Second Trimester, Third Trimester and Detailed screening exams by the AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine).
How do I get a sonogram at UH?
Only through a physician referral. Call 816-404-4966 or visit this page for additional information.
Who performs ultrasounds at UH?
- Our sonographers are perinatal sonographers with some of the highest ratings available.
- All of our sonographers are ARDMS registered with advanced training in high-risk perinatal ultrasound.
- Our sonographers have advanced training and certification in fetal echocardiography.