Ultrasound Specialist
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Donna Richey, MD & Julie Oates, CNM
Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Torrance, CA
A pregnancy ultrasound is your first opportunity to see your developing baby. Board-certified OB/GYN Donna Richey, MD, has an excellent ultrasound technician on staff who performs in-office procedures at her practice in Torrance, California. For a high-quality ultrasound with print-out pictures you can take home to cherish forever, call or book an appointment online today.
Ultrasound Q&A
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your internal organs, including your uterus, ovaries, and developing baby.
The sound waves pass through your skin from a handpiece called a transducer. The waves bounce off your organs and create an image on a monitor.
Why would I need an ultrasound?
Routine ultrasounds are a part of your prenatal care during pregnancy. Aside from pregnancy, ultrasounds help Dr. Richey and her team diagnose and evaluate problems with your pelvic organs, such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.
How often do I get ultrasounds during pregnancy?
Usually, you get at least two ultrasounds during pregnancy, one in the first trimester and another in the second. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need additional ultrasounds.
First-trimester ultrasound
Your first ultrasound typically takes place around 6-8 weeks. Your baby only looks like a tiny bean at this stage, but the ultrasound confirms a heartbeat and determines the number of fetuses. This ultrasound also helps Dr. Richey and her team confirm your estimated due date.
Second-trimester ultrasound
This ultrasound usually takes place around the middle of your pregnancy, between weeks 18 and 22. The second-trimester ultrasound is more exciting because it gives you a sneak peek at your baby and may reveal the sex (if you want to know). Dr. Richey and her team use state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment so you can treasure your first baby picture.
What happens during an ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are painless and noninvasive procedures that occur right in Dr. Richey’s office. You lie on your back on the exam table while the ultrasound technician applies a gel to your abdomen. This gel helps the sound waves travel through your skin and wipes off easily after your test.
Then, Dr. Richey’s ultrasound technician places the transducer on your abdomen. They move it gently back and forth to capture images of your uterus and developing fetus, which is displayed on a screen. If you wish, they can print out a picture for you to take home.
To schedule your in-office ultrasounds, call Donna Richey, MD, or book an appointment online today.
