Role of transvaginal ultrasound in pregnancy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by MSc Ta Quoc Ban - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital
During the first trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women will have a transvaginal ultrasound, also known as a transvaginal ultrasound. At this stage of pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound will give more accurate results than an abdominal ultrasound. If you have any signs of pregnancy such as abdominal pain or bleeding, your doctor will recommend that you perform a transvaginal ultrasound to be able to pinpoint the exact cause.

1. What is a transvaginal ultrasound?

Transvaginal ultrasound (transducer ultrasound) is a pelvic ultrasound method, used to examine, diagnose and detect pathologies in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. and women's vaginas.
Transducer ultrasound allows detection of abnormal signs in the uterus, ovaries, adnexitis, tubal fluid retention, early pregnancy diagnosis, and especially this technique is valuable high level in the examination and treatment of infertility, infertility....

2. Effect of transvaginal ultrasound in pregnancy

When there are abnormal signs in the ovaries, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, thickness of the uterine lining, ovulation or egg development, the doctor will appoint you to perform present ultrasound probe.
For pregnant women, transvaginal ultrasound plays an extremely important role. This technique helps to detect early pregnancy and check if the fetus is in the correct position in the early stages or not. If performing an ultrasound of the abdominal wall in the early stages, it is difficult to detect the fetus because at this time the embryo is still very small, not showing images.


Transvaginal ultrasound checks the fetal heart rate and placenta, and indicates that cervical conditions such as a short cervix can increase the risk of preterm birth.
Transducer ultrasound also helps diagnose some other gynecological diseases. Depending on the purpose of diagnosis, your doctor will decide whether you should have a transvaginal ultrasound or an anal transvaginal ultrasound.
Transvaginal fetal ultrasound can evaluate tumors in the uterus and ovaries, and at the same time evaluate the fetal heart rate at 6-8 weeks, the status of tubal pus, fluid retention, and assessment of the origin of the mass. tumor in the pelvic cavity, the time of ovulation can be assessed through measuring egg size. Besides, transducer ultrasound plays an extremely important role in serving artificial insemination techniques.
Transvaginal pregnancy ultrasound is a meaningful diagnostic technique in preventing ectopic pregnancy complications such as fallopian tube rupture, abdominal infection...
Transducer ultrasound is often used for New mothers have signs of pregnancy, but when the fetus is large and the fetal head turns downward to obscure the sound waves. In this case, the doctor suspects that the pregnant woman has placenta previa, and performing a transducer ultrasound will help the doctor determine the position of the placenta.

3. Frequency of transvaginal ultrasound in pregnancy

During a transvaginal ultrasound, you will lie still on a table and the technician will insert a small lubricated transducer and move it into your vagina.
Transducer ultrasound won't hurt you, but it can make you uncomfortable and slightly uncomfortable. The technician will view the captured image on a monitor and adjust the transducer. This technique will take about 30-60 minutes to perform. Transvaginal ultrasound is safe for both mother and fetus.
Usually pregnant women will be ordered to have a transvaginal ultrasound (transducer ultrasound) only once during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your doctor may also order you to have a transvaginal ultrasound if there are any problems with the health of your baby during pregnancy.

4. When should a transvaginal ultrasound be performed?

When you notice the following abnormal signs, you need to have a transvaginal ultrasound:
Menstrual cycle disorder Painful pelvic area Need to check for ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids Determine the location of the IUD Monitor the fetal heart rate Diagnose the condition of the fetus Determine the cause of abnormal bleeding in the cervix Detect abnormal changes in the cervix Pregnant women in the early stages.

5. Does transvaginal ultrasound affect the fetus?

Because transvaginal ultrasound is a method of directly touching a sensitive place, so many women wonder if it will affect the fetus or not.
In fact, when performing transducer ultrasound, the doctor will only move the transducer around the pregnant mother's vagina, not touching the uterus, so it will not affect the fetus. Therefore, transvaginal ultrasound will not harm the fetus or affect the cervix or uterus.
However, for women with vaginal infections, the doctor will not appoint a transvaginal ultrasound method.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns receive comprehensive care.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.