Medical imaging provides a crucial window into your health, offering vital information that guides your care. For expecting parents, it's the first glimpse of your growing baby. For women's wellness, it's a powerful tool for early detection and diagnosis. Having access to advanced imaging technology in a comfortable and supportive setting is essential for both peace of mind and effective medical care.
At Athens ObGyn, we are proud to provide state-of-the-art imaging services as a convenient part of our comprehensive care. Our Athens imaging center is fully staffed with three full-time ultrasound techs and three dedicated mammogram techs, operating three high-quality ultrasound machines. This commitment ensures you receive timely appointments and results. As members of the Piedmont Clinic, we invest in technology that supports our promise of "above and beyond" care for the women of Athens, GA.
Whether you're excited to see your baby on a 4D ultrasound or are here for your annual screening mammogram, our team provides a seamless and supportive experience. Our imaging services are integrated directly into your care plan, making it simple to get the answers you need. Schedule an appointment today to experience our commitment to innovative and compassionate care.
Our practice provides a convenient, one-stop shop for essential women's imaging services. We have invested in the latest technology to ensure you receive the highest quality diagnostic and screening services right here in our comfortable office. Our primary focus is on ultrasound imaging and mammography, tailored to both obstetric and gynecologic needs.
For our expecting mothers, we offer a full range of obstetric ultrasounds, including exciting 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging. For gynecological health, we use ultrasound to evaluate the pelvic organs and diagnose various conditions. Additionally, we are an advanced Athens imaging center for breast health, providing state-of-the-art 3D mammogram tests. Having these services in-house means your results are quickly delivered to your physician, ensuring continuity of care.
Ultrasound imaging is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is a cornerstone of modern obstetric and gynecologic care because it involves no radiation and provides real-time images. Our team of three full-time ultrasound imaging specialists, or sonographers, will perform your exam. They apply a special gel to your skin and move a small wand, called a transducer, over the area.
In obstetrics, ultrasounds are used to confirm a pregnancy, check the baby's heartbeat, monitor growth, determine the gender, and screen for developmental issues. In gynecology, an ultrasound can help your doctor evaluate pelvic pain, investigate abnormal bleeding, or examine uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. It is a versatile and invaluable tool for monitoring your health.
While traditional 2D ultrasound provides a flat, black-and-white image, 3D and 4D ultrasounds offer a more lifelike view of your baby. A 3D ultrasound compiles multiple images to create a three-dimensional, still picture, allowing you to see your baby's facial features. A 4D ultrasound adds the element of time, creating a live video effect where you can see your baby moving, yawning, or even sucking their thumb in real time.
These ultrasounds are typically performed between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. While they can provide some diagnostic information, they are often performed as an elective service to enhance the bonding experience for expectant parents. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with your baby before they are born.
A mammogram is a specialized X-ray of the breast used as a critical screening tool for detecting breast cancer, often before any symptoms are present. Early detection through regular mammograms is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for breast cancer. During a mammogram test, your breasts are briefly compressed between two plates to spread out the tissue, which allows for a clearer, more accurate image with a very low dose of radiation.
Our practice uses advanced 3D mammography (also called tomosynthesis), which takes multiple images of the breast from different angles. Our team of three dedicated mammogram techs ensures a professional and comfortable experience. This technology is particularly effective at finding cancers in dense breast tissue and reduces the number of "false alarms" or callbacks for additional imaging.
Scheduling your imaging services near you is simple. For obstetric and gynecologic ultrasounds, your physician will typically order the exam as part of your care plan, and our staff will schedule it for you. For screening mammograms, you can call our office directly to schedule your annual test.
We strive to make essential health screenings convenient and comfortable. Our team is here to answer any questions and ensure you are prepared for your appointment. We look forward to providing you with high-quality imaging care.
The number and timing of ultrasounds can vary, but a typical pregnancy includes an ultrasound in the first trimester to confirm the due date and a detailed anatomy scan around 20 weeks. Your doctor may order additional ultrasounds to monitor growth or other specific conditions.
Yes, ultrasound has been used safely in obstetrics for decades. It uses non-ionizing sound waves, not radiation, to create images, and there are no known harmful effects to the mother or baby when used properly by a trained ultrasound imaging specialist.
On the day of your mammogram, it's important not to wear deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breasts, as these can interfere with the image quality. It's also helpful to wear a two-piece outfit, as you will only need to undress from the waist up.
The process for the patient is nearly identical. You will notice the machine moves in an arc as it captures images from multiple angles, but the compression and positioning are the same as a traditional 2D mammogram. The entire procedure is still very brief.
Not at all. Gynecologic ultrasounds are essential for women's health at all ages. They are used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions, including the cause of pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding, and to monitor uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and the placement of an IUD.
Having our own Athens imaging center with full-time staff means greater convenience, faster scheduling, and seamless communication. Your images are reviewed promptly by your own doctor, who has a complete understanding of your health history. This integrated approach ensures efficient and cohesive care.