When is ultrasound done in pregnancy

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , there have been no reports of documented negative effects on the fetus from diagnostic ultrasound procedures.

But, the ACOG discourages the use of ultrasounds for nonmedical purposes because while there are no confirmed biological effects caused by scans, there's always a possibility that some could be identified in the future. Most healthy women receive two ultrasound scans during pregnancy. Search Submit Search. Find a Doctor. 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.

There are a number of factors that will increase this risk especially a close family history. Read more on HealthEngine website.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.

If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. For more information, please visit the links below:. You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly. There is a total of 5 error s on this form, details are below. Please enter your name Please enter your email Your email is invalid.

Please check and try again Please enter recipient's email Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again Agree to Terms required. Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Your name: is required Error: This is required. Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. 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. Eating about an hour before your appoinment — especially something sugary — will also get your baby moving around.