1. Question: [Tuesday, 6th Sivan, 5781]

I am late in my pregnancy and the doctors would like to do a transvaginal ultrasound to make sure everything is okay, as I spotted some blood. The blood I saw was too small of an amount to make me a Nida, although I want to know if the ultrasound itself can make me a Nidda?

Answer:

In general, a transvaginal ultrasound does not make one a Nida, as it does not penetrate the cervix. However, this only applies in the event that no blood was seen during the examination, if however the woman saw blood, or the doctor told her that there is blood, then if the blood is not the result of an external injury and has possibly flowed from the cervix, then it is a problem and a Rav is to be contacted.

Explanation: The question, and consequential debate among Poskim, as to whether an internal examination makes a woman a Nida, is only in the event that it penetrates the cervix, and thus enters us as to the question of “Ein Pesichas Harechem Beli Dam,” however, if it does not penetrate the cervix then all agree that it is allowed. Nonetheless, this is only in the event that blood was not seen during the examination, as explained above.

Sources: See Igros Moshe O.C. 3:100; Beir Moshe 4:66; Nitei Gavriel Nidda 80:4; Otzros Hatahrah p. 75 in name of Rav SZ”A and Rav Elyashiv; See regarding the general rule of internal examinations: Admur Y.D. 188:8; Shaareiy Deah 149; Tiferes Lemoshe 188;  Shoel Umeishiv 2:40; Eimek Hasheila 31; Mahrshag 2:196;  Nodeh Beyehuda 120; Chasam Sofer 179; Shiyarei Taharh 194; Kinas Sofrim 73; Beis Shlomo 39; Kreisi Upleisi; Avnei Nezer 224; Family Purity page 16; Taharah Kehalacha chapter 7:2 footnote 12