Question 1

why would my doctor order an abdominal ultrasound instead of pelvic one if 36 weeks pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Better visualization: At 36 weeks pregnant, it is very difficult to see any of the anatomy of the baby or of your uterus through a pelvic ultrasound.  The baby and the uterus is predominantly in the abdominal area.

Question 2

i know it's a long list (probably) but what are the main things that an abdominal ultrasound look for/treat?

Accepted Answer

Abd ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasound is most commonly use to diagnosis gallstones or acute cholecystitis. It can also help diagnose appendicitis, cysts, inflammation of the bowel wall, liver/spleen enlargement or masses, and pancreatic enlargement or masses.

Question 3

what does a barium -abdominal/ ultrasound show?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: There is no such thing as a "barium abdominal ultrasound."

Question 4

could an abdominal ultrasound at 8 weeks be mistaken for a 12 week fetus?

Accepted Answer

No: Any quality ultrasound in the first trimester should be accurate +\- 1 week.

Question 5

what does an abdominal ultrasound show?

Accepted Answer

A lot: Ultrasound evaluates the liver, gallbladder, spleen, aorta, inferior vena cava, kidneys and pancreas. It can detect fluid in the abdomen and often will demonstrate enlarged lymph nodes. Abnormal bowel loops from crohn's disease, appendicitis, and colonic diverticulitis can also be seen. Best results can be had when the ultrasonographer is given info about what is most suspected clinically.

Question 6

what does an abdominal ultrasound rule out?

Accepted Answer

Many things: It depends what is being scanned.  You can see liver mass, gallstones, kidney stones, fluid, and many other things.

Question 7

how come i can't eat prior to abdominal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Poor quality scan.: In order for the ultrasound to see deep organs such as the pancreas and aorta, the beam needs to pass through your stomach.  If your stomach has food and (invariably also) gas in it, the sound beam cannot penetrate to the deep organs. 
 When you eat, your gallbladder contracts.  The gallbladder is best evaluated when it is distended with bile, which takes eight hours to accumulate after eating.

Question 8

can i smoke two hours before an abdominal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Consult your dr: Why would you want to? If youre having an ultrasound- there must be a reason. I don't think smoking added to that scenario is a good idea. However, consult with your physician who knows the reason for the ultrasound and your particular history.

Question 9

what organs are covered under an abdominal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Solid Organs: An ultrasound of the abdomen is an excellent way of looking at solid-(liver, kidney, uterus, ovaries, spleen) and fluid-filled (gallbladder) organs; "not so much" for hollow ones such as the intestine.  A ct scan often provides complimentary and/or corroborating information and is better for some solid organs (pancreas).

Question 10

can i eat spicey food the day of an abdominal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

No: The answer is not spicy.  You should be instructed to not eat at all.  There may be exceptions but i would check your specific instructions.

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Doctor answers about:

Order abdominal ultrasound

A member asked:

Why would my doctor order an abdominal ultrasound instead of pelvic one if 36 weeks pregnant?

A member asked:

I know it's a long list (probably) but what are the main things that an abdominal ultrasound look for/treat?

A member asked:

What does a barium -abdominal/ ultrasound show?

A member asked:

Could an abdominal ultrasound at 8 weeks be mistaken for a 12 week fetus?

A member asked:

What does an abdominal ultrasound show?

A member asked:

What does an abdominal ultrasound rule out?

A member asked:

How come i can't eat prior to abdominal ultrasound?

A member asked:

Can i smoke two hours before an abdominal ultrasound?

A member asked:

What organs are covered under an abdominal ultrasound?

A member asked:

Can i eat spicey food the day of an abdominal ultrasound?

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