Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan (TVS) During Pregnancy – Purpose, Procedure and Results

Pregnancy is a sensitive time for a woman, and extreme care needs to be taken to ensure that the mother and the baby are doing fine. Among various tests conducted to check the well-being of the pregnant woman and the baby, a transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) is one of the most reliable tests in today’s time. A transvaginal ultrasound is a type of scan which helps doctors examine the female reproductive organs and determine how the baby is developing. If you are pregnant, read on to learn more about the transvaginal scan and why it is performed.

What Is a Transvaginal Scan?

All ultrasound tests use high-frequency sound waves to project as-is images of the pregnant woman’s internal organs. These tests help doctors diagnose abnormalities, if any. The same principle is applied in a transvaginal ultrasound in pregnancy. This is an internal examination of the organs where the doctor inserts an ultrasound probe into the vaginal canal, and the sound waves help create an image of the foetus inside. During the TVS test for pregnancy, the doctor examines female reproductive organs like ovaries, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The doctor will identify any abnormalities or inconsistencies when the image is magnified.

When Is a TVS Ultrasound Needed?

Doctors usually suggest conducting a TVS scan within the first six to ten weeks if there is a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy or if the pregnant woman is in pain, is bleeding, or has undergone infertility treatment (5). This test is also carried out after ten weeks until the end of the term. A TVS scan also becomes necessary if the mother-to-be has a history of preterm labour; in this case, it becomes essential to check her cervix. It can also be recommended if the mother-to-be is overweight and the images are not clear during regular scans.

How Much Time Does it Take to Perform a TVS?

It takes about 30 to 60 minutes to perform a transvaginal scan, which also includes the time to prepare the mom-to-be for the test. It is conducted when the doctor wants to look at the foetus’s growth during the early stages of pregnancy, i.e. before ten weeks. A transvaginal scan allows the doctor to see the baby, as it is not possible to do so through abdominal scans since the baby is tiny and sits low in the mother’s abdomen.

Why Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound Performed?

This test lets the doctor listen to a baby’s heartbeat and detect any abnormalities. Among other benefits of the transvaginal ultrasound test, the doctor can eliminate any possibilities of ectopic pregnancy and ensure that the pregnancy is going along well (3). It also helps find out whether the woman is carrying twins or triplets. If she notices abnormal bleeding or spotting or has pain in the lower abdomen, the doctor uses this test to determine the cause of the pain.

How to Prepare for a TVS?

Since the test requires undressing from below the waist, it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing, such as slacks or a salwar kurta, while going for the test. A TVS is carried out by doctors or technicians, who can be of either sex. So, if you prefer a female to conduct the test, inform the clinic in advance. Many women find the TVS more comfortable than an abdominal scan since it doesn’t require a full bladder. An empty bladder is better to easily get a clear picture of the baby.

TVS Ultrasound Procedure

You should know about the procedure if you are going for a transvaginal scan. So here’s what you will be asked to do. After undressing from the waist down, you will be asked to lie on your back with your legs spread out and bent at the knees. The nurse will cover your lower half with a sheet. The doctor will insert the probe about two to three inches into the vaginal passage. The probe is covered with a latex sheath with gel to allow easy entry. You might feel uncomfortable initially, but you should try to take a deep breath and relax for a quick and pain-free test (4).

What Happens After the Scan?

If you feel tensed during the scan, your muscles might feel sore. You might feel uncomfortable initially and even notice spotting right after the scan. This generally happens if the tiny blood vessels around the cervix burst. However, this is normal unless and until the bleeding is followed by lower abdominal cramps, in which case you must inform your doctor.

Risks and Side Effects of Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan

As there is no radiation involved while performing the transvaginal scan, it is considered safe for both the mother and the baby by the medical fraternity. There are no risk factors involved in this kind of imaging technique. However, inform the doctor immediately if you feel extremely uncomfortable during the test (7).

What Do the Results Show?

A radiologist analyses the results of the TVS and then sent to the doctor. These results help the doctor in diagnosing conditions like fibroids, cysts, cancer, pelvic infection, miscarriage, low-lying placenta, ectopic pregnancy, and routine pregnancy.

How Much Does the Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan Cost?

The cost of a TVS scan, while it may vary from city to city and depending on the medical centre, is generally affordable. On average, a TVS scan is priced between Rs 700 and Rs 1100, making it a cost-effective option for prenatal care.

FAQs

1. Can a TVS cause miscarriage?

As long as a trained professional conducts the transvaginal ultrasound at a known facility, there will be no risk of a miscarriage. Like any other pregnancy ultrasound, a TV scan for pregnancy is considered safe, and there is no need to worry (2).

2. Is TVS ultrasound painful?

While the TVS scanning in pregnancy can be uncomfortable, it is generally a pain-free experience (6). If you find it painful, it’s recommended that you relax and take deep breaths before and during the test. However, if the discomfort persists, it’s best to consult your doctor immediately.

3. What can a TVS detect that an abdominal ultrasound might miss?

A TVS in pregnancy can provide more precise and detailed images of the uterus and pregnancy structures than an abdominal ultrasound, especially in early pregnancy. It can better detect a fetal heartbeat, early developmental issues, and conditions like ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy (1).

Although you may experience minor discomfort and feel awkward during the transvaginal ultrasound when pregnant, its results are reliable and available within 24 hours. This risk-free test is highly recommended to get a clear picture of the fetus and the mother’s internal organs.

References/Resources:

1. Transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) in early pregnancy; Cambridge University Hospitals; https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/transvaginal-ultrasound-scan-tvs-in-early-pregnancy/#

2. Levmore-Tamir. M, Tsafrir. A, Boldes. R, et al.; Early second trimester transvaginal ultrasound anomaly scan does not cause adverse perinatal outcome; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25706319/

3. Condous. G, Okaro. E, Khalid. A, et al.; The accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy prior to surgery; Oxford University Press; https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/20/5/1404/2356748; May 2005

4. Transvaginal ultrasound scan; Cancer Research UK; https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/tests-and-scans/transvaginal-ultrasound-scan

5. Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy with ultrasound; The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust; https://ectopic.org.uk/diagnosing-an-ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosing-ectopic-pregnancy-with-ultrasound

6. Ultrasound scan; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ultrasound-scan/

7. Transvaginal ultrasound scan; Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/transvaginal-ultrasound-scan

Also Read:

Dating Scan when Pregnant
Anomaly Scan while Pregnant
Vaginal (Internal) Examination in Pregnancy
3D and 4D Ultrasound Scan During Pregnancy

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