TVS Scan vs Abdominal Ultrasound: What’s the Difference?

TVS scan vs abdominal ultrasound is a common question for many women when a doctor suggests an ultrasound. Both these tests use sound waves to see inside the body but they are done in different ways. An abdominal ultrasound is done on the stomach area from outside and a TVS (transvaginal scan) is done through the vagina to get a closer look at the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic parts.

In this blog, we will explain everything about TVS scan vs abdominal ultrasound. We will also include what they are, how they are performed, their benefits, and more. This will help you to understand the role of each scan and more.

What is an Abdominal Ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound is very simple and safe, which uses sound waves to take pictures of the organs inside the stomach area, like the liver, kidneys, bladder, and pancreas. A small device called a probe is moved over the skin with the help of gel to get clear images.

Doctors suggest this scan if someone has stomach pain, swelling, or to check for any problems inside. It is also often done during pregnancy to see the baby’s growth. Since it does not use radiation and it is completely safe.

What is a TVS (Transvaginal) Scan?

A TVS scan is also called a transvaginal ultrasound. It is a test that helps doctors to see the female reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tubes. In this scan, a thin probe is gently placed inside the vagina. This gives clearer and closer images than an abdominal ultrasound.

Doctors often suggest a TVS scan to check reasons for irregular periods, infertility, pelvic pain, or early pregnancy health. It is a safe test, does not use radiation, and usually causes little or no discomfort.

Abdominal Ultrasound Procedure

In an abdominal ultrasound, the doctor uses a device called a transducer to look at the organs inside the belly, such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, and uterus. The patient is usually asked to lie down on a bed, and a water-based gel is spread on the stomach. This gel helps the sound waves to travel better and also gives clear pictures.

The doctor then moves the transducer over the stomach area and the images appear on a screen in real time. The test is painless, takes only a few minutes, and does not use any harmful radiation.

TVS Scan Procedure

In a TVS scan, a small ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the vagina to get a clear view of the uterus, ovaries, and nearby areas. The patient is usually asked to lie on the examination bed with knees slightly bent. A thin layer of gel is put on the probe and it is covered with a protective sheath before use.

The doctor then carefully places the probe inside the vagina and the images appear on a screen in real time. This scan is safe, does not cause much discomfort and also helps to detect even small changes that may not be visible in an abdominal scan.

Abdominal Ultrasound in Pregnancy

An abdominal ultrasound in pregnancy is a common test that helps doctors to see the baby growing inside the womb. In this scan, the mother is asked to lie down while a gel is spread on her stomach. A small device called a transducer is then moved over the belly and it shows live images of the baby on a screen.

This test is completely safe because it uses sound waves. It helps doctors to check the baby’s heartbeat, movement, growth, and position, along with the health of the uterus and placenta. Abdominal ultrasound is usually done at different stages of pregnancy to make sure the mother and baby are doing well.

TVS Scan in Pregnancy

A TVS (Transvaginal Scan) in pregnancy is a type of ultrasound where a small probe is gently placed inside the vagina to get clearer pictures of the uterus, ovaries, and early pregnancy. This method gives more detailed images, especially in the first few weeks when the baby is still very small.

The test is safe, does not cause harm to the baby, and usually takes only a few minutes. Doctors often suggest a TVS scan to confirm early pregnancy, check the heartbeat, measure the gestational sac, or find out the reason for bleeding or pain. It helps in understanding the pregnancy better and in making sure everything is progressing normally.

Pros & Cons of Abdominal Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound is a common test which is done during pregnancy and for checking other internal organs. It is very helpful but like any procedure, it has both advantages and risks. So, it’s very important to know about TVS scan vs abdominal ultrasound depending on the stage of pregnancy.

*Pros of Abdominal Ultrasound*	*Cons of Abdominal Ultrasound*

Non-invasive and painless	May not give clear images in very early pregnancy
Safe for both mother and baby (no radiation)	Image quality can be affected if the bladder is not full
Helps to monitor baby’s growth, heartbeat, and movements	Sometimes less detailed than TVS scan
Useful for checking placenta, amniotic fluid, and uterus	May miss very small structures in the first weeks
Quick and easy procedure	Sometimes requires follow-up with TVS for better clarity

Pros & Cons of TVS Scan

A transvaginal (TVS) scan is an ultrasound done through the vagina. It gives a closer and clearer view of the uterus, ovaries, and early pregnancy development. Doctors often compare TVS scan vs abdominal ultrasound to decide which method will give the best details at a given stage. But like any other test, TVS also has its own advantages and disadvantages.

*Pros of TVS Scan*	*Cons of TVS Scan*

Provides clearer and more detailed images, especially in early pregnancy	Some women may feel discomfort during the procedure
Useful for detecting early heartbeat, ectopic pregnancy, or small growths	Not usually preferred in later pregnancy stages
Does not depend on a full bladder for clear images	Can feel more invasive compared to abdominal ultrasound
Helps to check the cervix length and any signs of early labor	May cause slight anxiety due to the method of scanning
Can guide doctors in fertility treatments and gynecological issues

Difference Between TVS Scan and Abdominal Scan

Abdominal and transvaginal (TVS) scans are used to check reproductive health and pregnancy. The main difference between TVS scan vs abdominal ultrasound mainly differs in how the scan is done and what details it shows. Below we have made a simple table showing the difference between TVS scan and abdominal scan:

*Point of Difference*	*Abdominal Ultrasound*	*TVS (Transvaginal) Scan*

*How it is done*	Probe moved over the stomach with gel	Probe inserted into the vagina
*Comfort*	Painless and non-invasive	Slight discomfort, more invasive
*Best use*	Later pregnancy stages, checking baby’s growth and position	Early pregnancy, uterus, ovaries, cervix details
*Bladder requirement*	Often needs a full bladder for clear images	No need for a full bladder
*Image clarity*	Good for larger organs and later pregnancy	Clearer for early pregnancy and small structures
*Use in fertility care*	Basic checks	Detailed fertility and gynecological checks

Closing Line

TVS scan and abdominal ultrasound are safe and useful tests that help doctors to understand a woman’s reproductive health and pregnancy in a better way. In this blog, we explained what an abdominal ultrasound is, what a TVS scan is, their procedures, uses in pregnancy, pros and cons, differences between TVS scan vs abdominal ultrasound, and more. So, it’s important to know about these methods for mothers and families to feel more prepared during pregnancy or fertility treatment.

At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, our Senior IVF Specialist and Gynecologist, guides mothers and couples with the right care and diagnosis to ensure a safe and healthy journey. If you would like to know more or consult our team, you can email us at [email protected] or call us at 95555 44421 / 22 / 23. We are always here to support you.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is a TVS scan painful?

No, it is not painful. Some women may feel a little discomfort because the probe is inserted, but it is safe and gentle.

Which scan is better in early pregnancy?

A TVS scan gives clearer pictures in the early weeks of pregnancy, while abdominal ultrasound is more common in later months.

Do I need a full bladder for these scans?

Yes, for an abdominal ultrasound you usually need a full bladder for better images. For a TVS scan, a full bladder is not needed.

Are TVS scan and abdominal ultrasound safe for the baby?

Yes, both scans are safe as they use sound waves and not harmful radiation.