What is an Ultrasound in Pregnancy?

A prenatal ultrasound, or sonogram, is a test done during pregnancy to check your baby's health and development. Obstetricians, nurse midwives, and ultrasound technicians (sonographers) perform these tests for different reasons. Sometimes, they use ultrasounds to track your baby's growth, or they may order one if they notice something that needs a closer look.

During an ultrasound, a device called a transducer sends sound waves through your abdomen or vagina. These waves bounce off your baby and other organs, creating images on a screen for your provider to review. Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds do not use radiation to show your baby.

Ultrasounds during pregnancy are considered safe, but they should only be done when needed for medical reasons. If there is no medical reason for an ultrasound, your insurance may not cover the cost.

Your provider will talk with you about when to expect ultrasounds during your pregnancy, based on your medical history. These tests may be called fetal or pregnancy ultrasounds.

Why is a fetal ultrasound critical in pregnancy?

An ultrasound is one of the only ways your prenatal care provider can see and hear your baby. It helps them figure out how far along you are in pregnancy and whether your baby is growing right or if there are any problems with the pregnancy. Ultrasounds can occur at any point in pregnancy based on what the provider is trying to look for.

How many sonograms can you expect in pregnancy?

Most people have one or two ultrasounds during pregnancy, but the number and timing can change based on your provider and your health. If you are high-risk or if your provider has concerns about you or your baby, you may need more ultrasounds.

How many weeks pregnant do you have your first prenatal ultrasound?

When you have your first ultrasound depends on your provider. Some people have an early ultrasound, called a first-trimester or dating ultrasound, as soon as seven or eight weeks into pregnancy. This early test is usually done through the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). Early ultrasounds can:

Confirm a pregnancy by identifying a heartbeat.
Check for multiples.
Measure the size of the fetus.
Assists with confirmation of gestational age and due date
Some providers may schedule your first ultrasound around 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Anatomy scan-20-week ultrasound

You will typically have an ultrasound between 18 to 20 weeks of gestation, known as the anatomy or the 20-week ultrasound. During this ultrasound, your healthcare provider can determine your baby's sex (if the baby is positioned appropriately to view their genitals) and detect potential birth disorders, such as cleft palate, as well as serious conditions affecting the brain, heart, bones, or kidneys. If your pregnancy is progressing normally without complications, this 20-week ultrasound may be the only one you have during your pregnancy. However, if any issues are identified during this ultrasound, your provider may recommend additional ultrasounds.

When can you get to see your baby on ultrasound?

Providers can usually see the embryo on an ultrasound at six weeks of pregnancy. Around the eighth week, the embryo becomes a fetus.

If your last period date is not accurate, it might be too soon to detect your baby's heartbeat.

Which ultrasound is most important during pregnancy?

Every ultrasound during pregnancy is important. Your provider uses them to gather key information about your pregnancy.

What are the two primary types of pregnancy ultrasounds?

There are two main types of pregnancy ultrasounds: transvaginal and abdominal. Both use the same technology to create images of your baby. For a transvaginal ultrasound, your provider inserts a wand-like device into your vagina. For an abdominal ultrasound, the device is placed on the skin of your belly.

Transvaginal ultrasound

During a transvaginal ultrasound, your provider inserts a device into your vaginal canal, similar to how you would use a tampon. This test is especially helpful early in pregnancy to detect a heartbeat and find out how far along you are. The images are usually clearer than those from an abdominal ultrasound at this stage.

Abdominal ultrasound

For an abdominal ultrasound, your provider presses a transducer against your belly to get images of your baby. Sometimes, they need to use a little pressure for a clearer view. Abdominal ultrasounds are usually done after about 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Most ultrasounds are 2D, but 3D and 4D ultrasounds can give clearer images. These are used when your provider wants a detailed look at your baby's face or internal organs. Not all providers have the equipment or training for 3D or 4D ultrasounds.

Your provider will also suggest other ultrasounds. Some examples of additional ultrasounds are:

Doppler ultrasound: This kind of ultrasound will check how the blood in your baby's vessels flows. Most Doppler ultrasounds are done later in pregnancy.
Fetal echocardiogram: This type of ultrasound examines the size, shape, functioning and structure of your baby's heart. Your provider might use it If there is a suspicion that your baby may have a congenital heart condition if you have another child with a heart condition, or if you possess certain health issues that necessitate a further evaluation of the heart.

Preparation needed for the test:

You usually do not need to prepare for an ultrasound. Some providers may ask you to have a full bladder, which helps them see your baby better. You can bring a support person, but children are not encouraged since the test needs your full attention.

You may have to change into a hospital gown, but this is hardly ever necessary to do for the abdominal ultrasound procedure. If a transvaginal ultrasound by your provider is administered during your first trimester of pregnancy, then you will dress in a hospital gown or else undress at the waist.

What's going to occur during a prenatal ultrasound?

For the test, you will lie on a padded table. Most ultrasounds are done in a dark room so the sonographer can see the screen clearly. The sonographer will put a small amount of water-based gel on your belly. The gel is safe, does not stain, but may feel cold. It helps the sound waves travel better.

The sonographer then puts a transducer on your skin above your abdominal area. Sound waves are released from the transducer into your body, which in turn bounces off the inside structures, like your baby, and returns to the screen as pictures. Your sonographer will use the images to record important measurements for your baby, like head circumference and length. Sometimes you may observe them drawing lines on the screen or clicking the button to freeze certain angles.

There is hardly any discomfort during a prenatal ultrasound. You may just feel a little uncomfortable if you must pee. The ultrasound test will take you about 30 minutes to complete.

If you undergo a transvaginal ultrasound, then the process is only different in that the transducer will be placed inside your vagina and not on your belly.

What happens after a pregnancy ultrasound?

After an abdominal ultrasound, the sonographer will wipe the gel off your belly. They will also print a few pictures from the scan for you to take home.

Usually, the sonographer does not discuss what they see during the ultrasound. If your obstetrician does the scan, they may explain what they notice as they go.

If a sonographer does your ultrasound, an obstetrician will review the images and share his findings with you at your next appointment. Most offices schedule your appointment immediately following your ultrasound, so you receive your results the same day.

What are the risks of prenatal ultrasounds?

Research shows that ultrasounds are safe during pregnancy. They do not cause harm to you or your baby.

Is it safe to have an ultrasound every month during pregnancy?

Though it is safe on you and the baby, many major medical professional organizations believe the pregnancy care providers should perform a sonogram only as medically indicated during pregnancy. It is unnecessary and not needed with normal ultrasounds or even uncomplicated pregnancy or low risks.

What kind of results might you have at a pregnancy ultrasound?

Your ultrasound results could be normal or abnormal. It means that pregnancy care providers might not find some problems, as your baby can grow and develop the way it has to. An abnormal result means there is something irregularly noticed by providers. If such is the case, your provider will order a few more ultrasounds and diagnostic tests.

Sometimes, an ultrasound may not be complete if the technician has difficulty visualizing all the necessary structures. Your baby's position or movement can make it challenging to see everything that your provider needs to assess. In such cases, you may need to have a repeat ultrasound to get better images.

Additionally, there are some limitations to ultrasounds, meaning that certain abnormalities may not be detected until after the baby is born.

What are some reasons you might need more ultrasounds during pregnancy?

There are several reasons why your pregnancy care provider may request additional ultrasounds during your pregnancy. These include:

Abnormalities in the ovaries, uterus, cervix, or other pelvic organs.
Concerns that your baby is measuring small for their gestational age or that your provider suspects intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Issues related to the placenta, such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
Multiple pregnancies, such as carrying twins, triplets, or more.
The baby is in a breech position.
You have an excess of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).
You have a deficiency of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios).
Conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Your baby has a congenital disorder.

Remember, normal ultrasound results can look different from person to person. In general, a normal result means your baby appears healthy and nothing unusual was found.

Why do some healthcare providers schedule ultrasounds during pregnancy differently?

The number and timing of ultrasounds can vary depending on your provider. Each practice is different, and your provider may adjust the schedule based on your health history or symptoms.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Pregnancy Ultrasound in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital provides safe and accurate ultrasound services during pregnancy in Lucknow, India. Our advanced ultrasound technology helps monitor the baby’s growth, position, heartbeat, and overall development at every stage. Experienced radiologists and obstetricians ensure precise reporting and clear explanations for parents. From early pregnancy scans to anomaly and growth scans, all tests are done under one roof. With timely reports, affordable cost, and expert guidance, Tender Palm ensures complete care throughout pregnancy.