In words:
What are Ultrasounds for Newborn Infants?
An ultrasound of a newborn infant uses high frequency sound waves to create a live image from inside of the newborn’s body. It is a painless test that is very commonly used in the medical field today. An ultrasound is also sometimes referred to as a sonogram, diagnostic sonography, or ultrasonography. The medical professional that performs an ultrasound is called a sonographer.
As an ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is regarded as being a safe scan. Because of this, it is the preferred method to use during pregnancy.
An ultrasound diagnoses problems with internal organs, blood vessels, and soft tissue structures within the body. Although generally associated with being used during pregnancy, an ultrasound is used to examine many other parts of the body including the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, and many other internal structures.
Reasons for a Newborn Infant Ultrasound:
Ultrasounds are used for a multitude of reasons. A physician may order an ultrasound of a newborn infant to check for abnormalities of the internal organs.
A newborn infant’s ultrasound can be used to guide doctors or surgeons during a procedure, such as a biopsy. They are important in planning for certain types of therapy and surgery, as well as in the aftermath to determine whether treatment is working.
Ultrasounds can be used to detect cysts, obstructions, and infections in the body. They can also measure blood flow in the arteries to detect blockages.
An ultrasound may be used to check for certain cancers in various different ways including to detect abnormal tumors, growths or lumps.
A Newborn Infant Ultrasound may help diagnose (find):
An ultrasound of a newborn infant may help check for abnormalities in the brain. A cranial ultrasound can evaluate an infant’s large or increased head size and detect infection in or around the brain.
An infant’s ultrasound is often requested after a premature birth to check for complications including bleeding in the brain.
A newborn infant ultrasound may be used if the infant was in the breech position.
Ultrasounds of a newborn infant are used when physicians suspect a hip deformity called developmental dysplasia of the hip.
In pictures:
Above: Patient receiving an ultrasound test.
