How is it performed? of Ultrasound scan

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In preparation for the scan, the patient may be asked to refrain from eating or to drink some water, depending on which part of the body is to be scanned.

Gel is put on the skin around the area that is going to be scanned. This helps the scanner to move smoothly over the area and to remain in continuous contact with the skin.

As the scanner is moved, waves of ultrasound pass through the body, and a picture is formed on a computer screen. This should be a painless procedure.

Sometimes in early pregnancy, doctors use a small ultrasound scanner that is inserted into the vagina, to carry out a scan. This gives them a good picture of the womb.