At Midland Health, we understand that your child’s health is your top priority. As a parent, the thought of your child undergoing their first ultrasound can be daunting. However, rest assured that our experienced team is here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you can expect during your child’s first ultrasound at our private health clinic.
Why Your Child Might Need An Ultrasound
Paediatric ultrasounds are a common and essential diagnostic tool used to examine various parts of a child’s body, including the abdomen, hips, head, and heart. They are typically recommended for:
– Evaluating abdominal pain
– Assessing developmental abnormalities
– Diagnosing conditions like pyloric stenosis, hip dysplasia, or congenital heart defects
– Monitoring chronic conditions such as kidney or liver disease
Preparing For The Ultrasound
Upon arriving at Midland Health, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff and guided to the ultrasound room. Here’s what typically happens during the procedure:
1. Introduction and Explanation: Our experienced sonographer will introduce themselves and explain the procedure to both you and your child, answering any questions you might have.
2. Positioning: Your child will be asked to lie down on a comfortable examination table. The sonographer may place a small pillow or blanket under the area being examined to ensure comfort.
3. Applying Gel: A warm, water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area to be examined. This gel helps the ultrasound transducer (a handheld device) make secure contact with the body and transmit sound waves.
4. Conducting the Scan: The sonographer will gently move the transducer over the skin. Your child will feel a slight pressure, but the procedure is painless. The transducer sends sound waves into the body, which bounce back to create images on a monitor.
5. Interaction and Reassurance: Throughout the procedure, the sonographer will engage with your child, explaining what’s happening and providing reassurance. You can stay by your child’s side to offer comfort and support.
After The Ultrasound
Once the ultrasound is complete, the sonographer will clean off the gel from your child’s skin. You can then help your child get dressed. The entire procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Receiving The Results
The ultrasound images will be reviewed by a paediatric radiologist who specializes in interpreting scans for children. Once the images have been thoroughly analysed, the results will be sent to your child’s referring physician, who will discuss the findings with you and outline any next steps if necessary.
Why Choose Midland Health
At Midland Health, we prioritise your child’s comfort and health. Our team of highly trained and experienced sonographers and paediatric radiologists use the latest technology to ensure accurate diagnoses. We understand the importance of a compassionate approach, especially when dealing with young patients and their families.
Tips For A Smooth Ultrasound Experience
– Stay Calm: Children often take cues from their parents. Staying calm and positive can help your child feel more relaxed.
– Explain in Simple Terms: Use simple language to explain the procedure to your child. Let them know that it’s a painless process to help the doctor understand what’s happening inside their body.
– Bring Distractions: A favourite book, toy, or electronic device can help keep your child occupied and calm while waiting.
At Midland Health, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support throughout your child’s healthcare journey. If you have any questions or need further information about paediatric ultrasounds, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.