Ultrasound imaging at Seven Hills Women's Health Centers The Seven Hills Women's Health Centers' ultrasound rooms are equipped with the latest Philips ultrasound technology and a 21” LCD Mother/Family viewing monitor so that you can watch as the test is being completed. The Seven Hills sonographers have significant training and experience which has allowed Seven Hills Women's Health Centers to be one of the few OB/GYN practices to provide both Level 1 and Level 2 In-Office ultrasound imaging.

Level 1 ultrasound exams
Scheduled Monday through Friday are available at the following Seven Hills facilities:

2859 Boudinot Ave Suite 101 Cincinnati, OH 45238

8899 Brookside Ave Suite 101 West Chester, OH 45069

2123 Auburn Ave Suite 300 Cincinnati, OH 45219

10495 Montgomery Rd Suite 29 Cincinnati, OH 45242

7595 State Rd Suite 300 Cincinnati, OH 45255

What's the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 ultrasound?
A Level 1 ultrasound can determine the number of fetuses, where they're positioned, size, placental location, amniotic fluid volume, and any grossly evident abnormalities. A Level 2 ultrasound is a more detailed examination that focuses closely on fetal anatomy with the specific aim of identifying any malformations. A perinatiologist will interpret all Level 2 ultrasound images with the patient during the test.

What is ultrasound?
Available today in every major hospital and in many doctor's offices, ultrasound is used in almost every field of medicine. This technology has become extremely valuable in the health care of women, both in gynecology - the overall health care of a woman's reproductive organs and breasts - and during pregnancy and childbirth. Ultrasound is a diagnostic exam that uses high frequency sound waves to visualize gynecological organs and fetal structures. The sound waves used are of a frequency too high to be heard by the human ear. By reflecting off internal organs and being "read" by scanners, the sound waves create pictures of the internal organs and, during pregnancy, the fetus. Ultrasound differs from X-rays in that it uses sound instead of X-rays, making it safer for the fetus as well as the mother.

Doppler and Vaginal ultrasound in pregnancy
In addition to the above uses, Doppler ultrasound is used in pregnancy to monitor the fetal heart rate before or during labor. The fetal heartbeat can indicate the well-being of the baby. Doppler ultrasound is also used to measure the flow of blood within vessels of the uterus, fetus, and umbilical cord, which connects the fetus and the placenta.

Vaginal ultrasound is sometimes used during pregnancy to find the cause of bleeding or pain. It can also be used to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy (in which the fertilized egg has begun to grow in a place other than inside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube), or to find certain types of birth defects in the fetus early in pregnancy.

Safety, Risks and Benefits
Although the effects of ultrasound will continue to be studied, no harmful effects to either the woman or the fetus have been found in over 20 years of use. The long-term risks of ultrasound, if any, are unknown, but there are many benefits. It does not involve harmful radiation, drugs, dyes, or chemicals, and it can detect certain problems accurately and often rapidly.

Combined with other tests and exams, ultrasound can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and determine proper treatment for certain problems, helping to promote your good health and well-being.