Detecting Fetal Anomalies Using Ultrasound Birth defects can have life-threatening consequences for the fetus. Many birth defects can be detected during pregnancy using an ultrasound. Some of these anomalies include abdominal wall defect, orofacial cleft, anencephaly, and Down syndrome. Although ultrasound is currently the safest way to view a fetus, there are still risks. the uterus (“Ultrasound during pregnancy”, n.d.). Some of the many names for an ultrasound include pregnancy ultrasound, babi, obstetric ultrasound, and obstetric ultrasound. The ultrasound can be performed in a hospital, doctor's office, or clinic ("Pregnancy Ultrasound," n.d.). Ultrasound can be performed transabdominally or transvaginally. A transabdominal ultrasound is performed on the woman's abdomen and usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. A transvaginal ultrasound is when the transducer is inserted into a woman's vagina and typically takes 15-30 minutes. A transducer is a portable instrument also called a probe. This is placed against the mother's abdomen and helps create an image of the fetus during a transabdominal ultrasound. During a transavigal ultrasound this probe is inserted into the woman's vagina (“Fetal Ultrasound,” n.d.). The test is performed using a water-based gel and a probe, or transducer, to transmit sound waves. The sound waves hit the baby and in return create an image. A full bladder is often used to create a good image. The only discomfort for the mother would be when pressure is put on her... center of the card... r Disease control and prevention. (November 6, 2013d). Facts about Down syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html Contact a family. (2012). Abdominal wall defects. Retrieved from http://www.cafamily.org.uk/medical-information/conditions/a/abdominal-exstrophies/ Fetal ultrasound. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/baby/fetal-ultrasound Pregnancy ultrasound. (2010). In the online MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003778.htmRodgers, Carolne. (2006). Questions about prenatal ultrasound and the alarming increase in autism. Midwifery Today, 80. Retrieved from www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasoundrodgers.asp Women's Ultrasound Melbourne. (n.d.). Detection of Down syndrome by ultrasound at the 12th week of pregnancy. East Melbourne, United States: author.