Facebook Pixel

Pregnancy Words: Ultrasound or Sonogram, So Which is Correct?

By
 
Rate This
Pregnancy related image Photo: Getty Images

When you are pregnant, you might be asked to come in for an ultrasound, and later on someone might ask you about your a sonogram. And you might wonder "are they the same thing? Which term is correct?"

Actually, they both are; even though ultrasound and sonogram technically are different, they are used interchangeably and refer to the same exam performed during pregnancy.

To be clearer, an ultrasound exam is used for prenatal diagnostics. It employs high-frequency sound waves to scan a woman’s abdomen and pelvic cavity. What is returned is translated into a picture (sonogram) viewable on an electronic monitor.

There are several different types of ultrasound procedures:
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Standard ultrasound
• Advanced ultrasound
• Doppler ultrasound
• 3-D ultrasound
• 4-D or dynamic 3-D ultrasound
• Fetal echocardiography

The type of ultrasound used is determined by the stage of pregnancy and reason for performing the exam. For instance, in early stages of pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound may be performed to rule out ectopic pregnancy. A standard ultrasound may be performed at 12 or 15 weeks of a pregnancy to view the fetus and take measurements of the developing fetus.

Do you have a question about pregnancy? Check out EmpowHER’s pages. Sign-up, post a question, share your story, connect with other women in our community and feel EmpowHERed!

Resource:
American Pregnancy Association: Ultrasound
EmpowHER: Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Abdomen
(Sonogram)

Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.

Add a Comment1 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I think it depends what country you're from :)
I'm from the UK and we don't use the term sonogram at all, although I know what it means. The person who performs the scan is the radiographer, and I don't really know why because there's no radiation with baby scans, unless it's because he also does X-rays, whereas in the US, you call him the sonographer, which is probably a more sensible term.

March 20, 2011 - 4:37am

This Comment

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment
Christine Jeffries
Empowered
View Profile

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.