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TDAP Vaccine

OB-GYN of West Alabama offers the Tdap vaccine in our office. The Tdap vaccine protects against pertussis, or “whooping cough”, and one adult booster is recommended for anyone who is, or will be, in regular contact with an infant under 12 months old.

Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ultrasound is a tool that is used to collect images of organs within the body. Unlike a CT scan or an X-Ray, ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside portion of the body part being examined. Ultrasound also allows us to evaluate the body in “real time”, like watching your baby stretch and move during an obstetric ultrasound. Depending on what information your healthcare provider is looking to obtain your ultrasound may be either vaginal or abdominal. We perform both gynecology and obstetric ultrasounds at both offices

Ultrasound is used throughout pregnancy to help provide the best care possible for you and your baby. Not only is seeing an image of your baby for the first time an incredible experience, it is also very important for verifying the health of your developing baby. Ultrasound during pregnancy is safe and does not involve any radiation exposure to you or your fetus.

First Trimester Ultrasound

Because the baby is still very small at this point, this ultrasound is usually done through a vaginal approach. Ultrasound in the first trimester is used to:

  • Verify that a pregnancy is within the uterus
  • Evaluate the ovaries
  • Evaluate bleeding in early pregnancy
  • Confirm the number of fetuses
  • Confirm the age of the pregnancy

Second Trimester Ultrasound

This is the “big” ultrasound and is considered a fetal evaluation. It is performed between 18 and 20 weeks. This usually requires about 30 minutes. The primary purpose of this ultrasound is to ensure that the baby is structurally normal. Specifically we evaluate:

  • Multiple different portions of the fetal brain
  • Kidneys
  • Arms and Legs
  • Face
  • Bladder
  • Placental location
  • Structure of the fetal heart
  • Umbilical cord
  • Cervical length
  • Stomach
  • Spine
  • Fetal Gender (at patient request)

Third Trimester Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are generally not necessary in the third trimester; however, your pregnancy may have reasons for which you need closer evaluation of your baby. Limited ultrasounds allow us to evaluate:

  • Fetal size
  • Location of placenta
  • Presentation of twins
  • Amount of amniotic fluid
  • Presentation of the baby

The third trimester (28 to 32 weeks) is also a great time to have a 3D/4D ultrasound done, if you wish. These are considered elective and are performed for an additional charge.