You may be asked to put on a gown. Gel is applied to the skin to improve contact between the skin and transducer (a handheld plastic probe which sends and receives the reflected sound waves that forms the image).  The transducer is moved slowly over the abdomen to acquire images of the baby and pelvic organs in different planes. The images are displayed on a computer monitor for interpretation. Ultrasound is painless but discomfort from transducer pressure may be experienced if your bladder is full. 

You may be asked permission to perform an internal (transvaginal) examination if a more detailed examination of the cervix is required.  You will be asked to wear a gown after emptying your bladder and undressing from the waist down.  A sheet will cover your lower abdomen. A sterilized and covered transducer coated with gel is placed carefully into the vagina where it lies closer to the cervix.

How long does it take?