The Ultrasound Scan

Anita goes for her first ultrasound scan. The radiologist shows her and Vikram the baby's heartbeat on the screen.

Meanings in Anita (mother-to-be), Vikram (father-to-be), Radiologist

Key words and phrases

ultrasounda scan that uses sound waves to see the baby inside the wombThe ultrasound showed the baby is healthy.

heartbeatthe rhythmic sound of the heart beatingWe heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time.

radiologista doctor who reads scan imagesThe radiologist explained the scan report.

wombthe organ where a baby grows before birthThe baby is growing well inside the womb.

scan reporta document describing what a scan foundPlease keep the scan report safe for the next visit.

gela smooth substance applied to the skin before a scanThe technician applied gel on Anita's belly.

gestationthe period of development of the baby in the wombShe is in the twentieth week of gestation.

healthyin good physical conditionThe doctor said the baby looks healthy.

positionwhere the baby is placed inside the wombThe baby's position looks normal for delivery.

screenthe display showing the scan imageLook at the screen, that's the baby's hand.

probethe handheld device moved over the belly to capture scan imagesThe radiologist moved the probe slowly over her belly.

fetusan unborn baby developing in the wombThe fetus is growing at a normal rate.

due datethe expected date of the baby's birthThe scan confirmed her due date.

measurementsthe recorded sizes of the baby's body partsThe doctor noted the baby's measurements carefully.

growththe process of the baby developing and increasing in sizeThe scan tracks the baby's growth every month.

amniotic fluidthe fluid surrounding and protecting the baby in the wombThe amniotic fluid level looked normal on the scan.

placentathe organ that connects the baby to the mother's blood supplyThe placenta is well positioned, the radiologist said.

appointmenta scheduled time to see a doctor or technicianThey booked their next appointment for a month later.

image printouta printed copy of the scan pictureThe clinic gave them an image printout to keep.

sonographera trained technician who performs ultrasound scansThe sonographer guided the probe carefully over her belly.

Useful sentences

Ask Can we see the baby on the screen?
Answer Yes, look here — this is the baby's head.
Ask Is the baby's heartbeat normal?
Answer Yes, the heartbeat is strong and normal.
Ask When will the scan report be ready?
Answer It will be ready in about an hour.
Ask Can you tell us the baby's position?
Answer The baby is in a normal head-down position.
Ask Is it painful to have an ultrasound?
Answer No, it is completely painless.
Ask Does this scan confirm the baby's due date?
Answer Yes, it confirms an early March due date.
Ask Is the placenta in a good position?
Answer Yes, it's well positioned and healthy.
Ask Is the amniotic fluid level normal?
Answer Yes, it looks completely normal.
Ask Could we get an image printout to take home?
Answer Of course, I'll print one for you right now.
Ask How many weeks of gestation is the baby at?
Answer The baby is at twenty weeks of gestation.

Dialogue

RadiologistPlease lie down, Anita. I'll apply some gel on your belly.

AnitaOkay. Can Vikram come inside too?

RadiologistOf course, come in, Vikram.

VikramWow, is that the baby's heartbeat we can hear?

RadiologistYes, and it's nice and strong.

AnitaThat's such a relief to hear.

RadiologistLet me also check the placenta and the amniotic fluid level.

VikramHow does everything look, doctor?

RadiologistEverything looks perfectly normal. The fetus is growing well, and the measurements match her due date.

AnitaThat's wonderful news. Could we get an image printout to keep?

Common mistakes

Saying "I did an ultrasound" instead of "I had an ultrasound" or "I got an ultrasound done."
Confusing "scan" and "screen" — the scan is the test, the screen is where you view the image.
Saying "the baby's heart beats" instead of "the baby's heartbeat."
Saying "my delivery date" instead of "my due date" when referring to the expected date of birth.
Saying "baby's fetus" instead of just "the fetus" or "the baby," since "fetus" already refers to the unborn baby.
Saying "give me photo of scan" instead of "could we get an image printout, please?" (use a polite, natural request).

Quick quiz

1. What does "heartbeat" mean?

2. An ultrasound uses ___ to see the baby.

3. Who reads and explains the scan images?

4. What term refers to an unborn baby developing in the womb?

5. What organ connects the baby to the mother's blood supply?

6. What is the fluid surrounding and protecting the baby in the womb called?

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