Longitudinal and Transverse Planes

Click on the links below and click to play the video.

To achieve the longitudinal plane, start with the probe in the midline of the patient's abdomen, and then start to angle the probe from right to left.

To achieve the transverse plane, start with the probe in the midline of the patient's abdomen, and then start to angle the probe from bottom to top.

Finding the ovaries

Finding the ovaries can be difficult. On the longitudinal scan above, it was possible to see the left ovary but not the right. And on the transverse scan, the right ovary could be seen but not the left. This is because the position of the ovaries is variable. In these examples, one ovary was shown lying next to the uterus and the other further towards the pelvic side wall. And they can move!

The position of the ovaries can change because of changes next to them – for example as the bladder fills.

How can we make sure we see the ovaries in most women? Once you have found the uterus it usually becomes easier.