We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Fortunately for the curious and anxious alike, pregnancy ultrasounds are a very standard — and very welcome — part of prenatal care.
An ultrasound is a type of technology that uses sound waves to create images. During pregnancy, a transducer or wand is placed in your vagina or on top of your belly. The transducer then picks up these echos and translates them into the image of your baby that you see on the screen. Later, ultrasounds screen for fetal growth and placenta location, as well as a baby's general health and anatomy.
Toward the end of pregnancy, ultrasounds can be useful for checking the length of your cervix if there is any suspicion that you may be in preterm labor as well as verifying that your baby is in a heads-down position before labor. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG says that women should get at least one sonogram in the second trimester , between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy. You may also receive an additional ultrasound in the first trimester, before your 14th week of pregnancy.
Exactly when you get your first ultrasound exam may vary, however, if you have certain chronic conditions including asthma or obesity. An early ultrasound is often a routine part of prenatal care between 6 and 9 weeks of pregnancy, though it can happen anytime before week Most practitioners wait until at least 6 weeks to perform the first pregnancy ultrasound.
If your doctor does decide to perform an early ultrasound, it gives you a welcome first glance of your baby. This sneak peak is used to:. Midway through your pregnancy, between week 18 and week 22, a trained sonographer will perform a detailed anatomy scan called a level 2 ultrasound. The second-trimester ultrasound is reassuring and fun to watch. It also offers you and your practitioner a picture of the overall health of your baby and your pregnancy by:.
Routine second trimester ultrasounds are usually done in 2D. While ultrasound technology is considered very safe, practitioners prefer to be extra cautious and minimize intrusions into your womb. There are several reasons you may have additional ultrasounds during your pregnancy, including if:. Your practitioner may suggest an echocardiogram if you have certain risk factors, including:. Wondering how to prepare for a pregnancy ultrasound?
This makes it easier for your doctor or sonographer to see around or through your bladder. To time it right, some practitioners suggest emptying your bladder about 90 minutes before your exam. Then drink an 8-ounce beverage of your choice water, juice and milk are all fine about an hour before your appointment. Read on to learn more about these important prenatal scans.
During a pregnancy ultrasound, your doctor or a skilled technician uses a plastic transducer to transmit high-frequency sound waves through your uterus. These sound waves send signals back to a machine that converts them into images of your baby. Ultrasounds can provide your doctor with lots of valuable information—for example, they can monitor your baby's growth, detect abnormalities, predict your due date, determine whether you're carrying multiples , show the position of your placenta, and indicate the sex of your baby.
To prepare you for these important scans, we broke down the most common types of pregnancy ultrasounds week by week and when you should expect them. Your first ultrasound , also known as a baby sonogram, might take place when you're six to eight weeks pregnant. But not every woman will get this scan; some doctors only conduct it for certain high-risk pregnancy conditions like bleeding, abdominal pain, and history of birth defects or miscarriage. An early pregnancy ultrasound may be done transgvaginally so doctors get a clearer picture of your baby.
In this case, the OB-GYN will place a thin wand-like transducer probe—which transmits high-frequency sound waves through your uterus—into your vagina. The sound waves bounce off the fetus and send signals back to a machine that converts these reflections into a black and white image of your baby.
At six weeks' gestation, it's possible to see the baby's heartbeat. Your practitioner will also predict your baby's due date, track milestones, determine the number of babies in the womb, and see whether you have an ectopic pregnancy. Those who forgo the six to eight week ultrasound might have a "dating ultrasound" around weeks 10 to 13 of pregnancy. This gives parents the same type of information: due date, your baby's "crown-rump length" measurement from head to bottom , the number of babies in the womb, and fetal heartbeat.
Between 14 and 20 weeks, you may also have a nuchal translucency NT test to check for Down syndrome, heart defects, or other chromosomal abnormalities, says Joanne Stone, M.
Women should consider getting it if their screening test revealed a potential problem, they're 35 or older, or they have a family history of certain birth defects. In a nuchal translucency screening, the doctor will use an ultrasound to gauge the thickness at the back of the baby's neck they'll also measure hormones and proteins with a blood test.
A thicker neck may indicate an increased risk for birth defects like Down syndrome and trisomy This detailed pregnancy ultrasound, which generally happens between weeks 18 and 20 in the second trimester, lasts 20 to 45 minutes if you're having one baby and longer if you're having multiples.
It's the most thorough check-up your baby will have before they're born. Talk to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about any concerns you have. Having a scan in pregnancy is usually a happy event, but be aware that ultrasound scans may detect some serious health conditions, so try to be prepared for that information.
See What if a screening test finds something for more information on if a scan or other screening test suggests your baby may be more likely to have a condition. If you're well, it's really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. If you're pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure it's safe for you to go to appointments. They will advise you what to do. Most scans are carried out by sonographers.
The scan is carried out in a dimly lit room so the sonographer is able to get good images of your baby. The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy, which makes sure there is good contact between the machine and your skin.
The sonographer passes a probe over your tummy and a picture of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen.
During the exam, sonographers need to keep the screen in a position that gives them a good view of the baby. The sonographer will carefully examine your baby's body. The sonographer may need to apply slight pressure on your tummy to get the best views of the baby.
A scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. However, the sonographer may not be able to get good views if your baby is lying in an awkward position or moving around a lot.
If it's difficult to get a good image, the scan may take longer or have to be repeated at another time. There are no known risks to the baby or the mother from having an ultrasound scan, but it's important that you consider carefully whether to have the scan or not. This is because the scan can provide information that may mean you have to make further important decisions.
For example, you may be offered further tests, such as amniocentesis, that have a risk of miscarriage. The first scan is sometimes called the dating scan.
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