Types of ultrasound scans. Doctor performing abdominal ultrasound scan. Pregnancy ultrasound image on monitor. Pelvic ultrasound procedure at Meesha Diagnostics. Doppler ultrasound for blood flow analysis. Different Types of Ultrasound Scans and When You Need Them.
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When you hear the word ultrasound, you probably think of expectant parents smiling at a blurry baby picture. Fair enough — pregnancy scans are famous. But ultrasounds aren’t just for baby previews. They’re versatile tools for peeking inside your body without the drama of surgery or the expense of high-end scans. At Meesha Diagnostics in Mumbai, we perform various types of ultrasound scans— and here’s the reality check: you don’t need every scan your nosy aunt suggests. Let’s break them down.

Lets see Different Types of Ultrasound Scans

1. Abdominal Ultrasound

This one checks your internal organs — liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys. Got unexplained stomach pain or swelling? This scan might just solve the mystery. Bonus: it’s painless and quick.

Common Reasons: Persistent abdominal pain, suspected gallstones, liver issues.

2. Pelvic Ultrasound

Ideal for checking the uterus, ovaries, and bladder in women; and the bladder and prostate in men. No, it’s not just a “women’s scan” — men need it too in certain cases.

Common Reasons: Irregular periods, pelvic pain, fertility concerns, prostate checks.

3. Pregnancy Ultrasound

The celebrity of ultrasounds. Tracks your baby’s growth, checks the placenta, estimates due dates, etc.

Common Reasons: Pregnancy confirmation, trimester check-ups, anomaly scans.

Also Read: Things to Know Before Booking a Blood Test at Home

4. Doppler Ultrasound

This one looks at blood flow through your vessels. Think of it as Google Maps for your circulatory system — it tells the doctor if traffic (blood flow) is moving smoothly or there’s a “roadblock.”

Common Reasons: Suspected blood clots, varicose veins, monitoring blood flow to organs or fetus.

5. Thyroid Ultrasound

A non-invasive way to check if your thyroid gland has nodules, cysts, or anything suspicious.

Common Reasons: Swelling in the neck, abnormal thyroid blood tests, follow-up on thyroid nodules.

6. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Looks at muscles, ligaments, joints, and tendons. If you’ve injured yourself at the gym and are now limping dramatically, this could be your scan.

Common Reasons: Sports injuries, joint pain, soft tissue swelling.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Why a Full Body Check Should Be on Your To-Do List

So, When Do You Actually Need an Ultrasound?

Here’s the golden rule: you need it when your doctor says so, not because Google told you. Ultrasounds are safe, but they should be targeted — the right scan, for the right reason, at the right time.

Pro Tip: At Meesha Diagnostics, our radiologists don’t just scan — they explain. You leave knowing what was checked, what’s fine, and what needs attention. Plus, our machines are advanced enough to make your insides look HD.

Book your next Ultrasound Scan with Meesha Healthcare—trusted diagnostics, expert care, right at your doorstep. Book Now

FAQ’s

Q1. Is ultrasound safe for repeated use?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it is safe even if you need multiple scans.

Q2. How should I prepare for an abdominal or pelvic ultrasound?
For abdominal scans, fasting 6–8 hours is usually advise. For pelvic scans, a full bladder helps give clearer images. Follow the instructions your doctor provides.

Q3. How long does an ultrasound test take?
Most scans take 15–30 minutes depending on the area being examine.

Q4. What is the difference between an ultrasound and a CT or MRI scan?
Ultrasound is radiation-free, quicker, and cheaper. CT and MRI provide more detailed imaging for complex cases, but your doctor will decide which is appropriate.

Q5. Can men also undergo pelvic ultrasounds?
Yes. Pelvic ultrasounds are use for the bladder and prostate in men, not just for female reproductive health.

Q6. Do ultrasounds hurt?
No. Ultrasounds are painless. You may feel mild pressure when the probe is pressed on your skin, but it’s generally comfortable.