Pregnancy Testing

From pregnancy testing, birth planning and high-risk pregnancy advice through to labor, delivery and beyond.

Fetal ultrasound has no known risks other than mild discomfort due to pressure from the transducer on the abdomen or in the vagina. No radiation is used during the procedure.

Transvaginal ultrasound requires covering the ultrasound transducer in a plastic or latex sheath, which may cause a reaction in women with a latex allergy.

Fetal ultrasound is sometimes offered in non medical settings to provide keepsake images or videos for parents. While the ultrasound procedure itself is considered safe, it is possible that untrained personnel may give parents false assurances about their baby’s well-being, or perhaps an abnormality may be missed. Having ultrasound done by trained medical personnel who can correctly interpret findings is recommended. Talk with your doctor or midwife if you have questions.