Pregnancy Ultrasound
Pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the developing fetus and the uterus. At Magnolia Women Medical Center, ultrasound may be used as part of prenatal care to help monitor pregnancy development and provide important information about the health and progress of your pregnancy.
Understanding pregnancy ultrasound
An ultrasound examination, also called an obstetric ultrasound or sonogram, uses sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. During pregnancy, ultrasound allows an obstetrician-gynecologist or other qualified health professional to view the fetus inside the uterus.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy and the reason for the examination, ultrasound can provide information about fetal growth and development, heart rate, movement, position, amniotic fluid, placenta location and the number of fetuses.
Your healthcare provider will determine which type of ultrasound is appropriate based on your pregnancy, medical history, symptoms, examination findings and other clinical information.
Ultrasound can answer different questions.
The type of pregnancy ultrasound performed depends on the clinical reason for the examination and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Standard Obstetric Ultrasound
A standard ultrasound can evaluate fetal development, estimate gestational age, assess fetal position and movement, evaluate heart rate, estimate fetal size, assess amniotic fluid and identify the location of the placenta.
First-Trimester Ultrasound
An ultrasound during early pregnancy may be used when clinically appropriate to help estimate gestational age, assess the number of fetuses, evaluate fetal heart activity and assess the location of the pregnancy.
Detailed Anatomy Ultrasound
A detailed examination may provide a closer evaluation of fetal anatomy when indicated. The examination may be recommended because of specific findings, risk factors or other clinical considerations.
Limited Ultrasound
A limited ultrasound is performed to answer a specific clinical question. Depending on the situation, this may include evaluating fetal position, fetal heart activity, placenta location or another pregnancy-related concern.
Fetal Growth Assessment
When there is concern about fetal growth or another pregnancy issue, ultrasound may be used to track fetal growth over time and provide additional information for pregnancy management.
Specialized Ultrasound
Specialized ultrasound techniques may be considered when particular findings or risk factors require additional assessment. Your provider can explain why additional imaging may be recommended.
Important information about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy ultrasound can provide information that helps your obstetric provider monitor the pregnancy and make informed clinical decisions.
Fetal Development
Ultrasound can be used to evaluate fetal development and anatomy appropriate for the stage of pregnancy.
Gestational Age
Ultrasound may help estimate gestational age and can be used with other information to establish pregnancy dating.
Fetal Heart Rate
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, ultrasound may allow evaluation of fetal cardiac activity.
Placenta
Ultrasound can provide information about the location of the placenta and its relationship to the uterus.
Amniotic Fluid
The amount of amniotic fluid can be evaluated as part of appropriate obstetric ultrasound examinations.
Fetal Position
Ultrasound can show the position and presentation of the fetus at the time of the examination.
Number of Fetuses
Ultrasound can identify the number of fetuses present and help evaluate multiple pregnancies.
Pregnancy Concerns
Depending on the circumstances, ultrasound may help evaluate bleeding, pain, growth concerns or other pregnancy-related questions.
Timing depends on your pregnancy.
There is no single ultrasound schedule that is right for every pregnancy. Your provider will determine the appropriate timing based on your individual pregnancy and clinical needs.
First Trimester
An early ultrasound may be recommended when appropriate to assess pregnancy location, estimate gestational age, determine the number of fetuses and evaluate fetal heart activity.
Anatomy Examination
A standard ultrasound is commonly performed around 18–22 weeks of pregnancy. It can evaluate fetal development and screen for many major congenital anomalies.
Additional Monitoring
Additional ultrasound examinations may be recommended when there are specific clinical concerns, including questions about fetal growth or other pregnancy findings.
What to expect
The exact process depends on the type of ultrasound being performed and how far along you are in pregnancy. Your healthcare professional will explain the examination before it begins.
- You may lie comfortably on an examination table.
- A small amount of ultrasound gel may be placed on the abdomen for a transabdominal examination.
- A handheld transducer is moved over the abdomen to create images.
- Some early-pregnancy examinations may use a transvaginal ultrasound when clinically appropriate.
Understanding your images
Ultrasound images are interpreted in the context of your pregnancy, medical history and other clinical information. An ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool, but it cannot detect every possible condition.
Your healthcare provider can explain what was evaluated, whether additional testing is recommended and how the findings fit into your overall prenatal care plan.
- Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
- Keep your prenatal appointments even when an ultrasound is reassuring.
- Follow your provider's recommendations for additional imaging or testing.
Ultrasound and pregnancy safety
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there is currently no evidence that medically indicated ultrasound is harmful to a developing fetus.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that ultrasound has an excellent safety record when used prudently by appropriately trained healthcare providers. Because ultrasound energy can have biological effects, medical organizations recommend appropriate, medically indicated use rather than unnecessary exposure.
Learn more from ACOG's Ultrasound Exams resource and the FDA's Ultrasound Imaging guidance .
Questions about pregnancy ultrasound?
Here are answers to common questions about prenatal ultrasound examinations.
What is a pregnancy ultrasound?
When is the anatomy ultrasound performed?
Can an ultrasound determine how far along I am?
Can ultrasound show the baby's position?
Can ultrasound show the placenta?
How many ultrasounds will I need?
Is pregnancy ultrasound safe?
Is a transvaginal ultrasound used during pregnancy?
Does every ultrasound detect every birth defect?
Should I get an ultrasound just for keepsake images?
Your pregnancy deserves thoughtful care.
If you are pregnant and have questions about prenatal imaging, ultrasound timing or your pregnancy care plan, speak with our office to learn more.