Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with anticipation, joy, and – understandably – a fair share of questions and concerns. One of those concerns is about the number of ultrasounds you can expect during pregnancy.
Understanding their purpose and timing can help demystify the process, making you feel more prepared and empowered. Let’s dive into the typical schedule and purpose of ultrasounds during pregnancy.
But first, let’s answer one of the questions we often get asked: What exactly is an ultrasound?
What Are Ultrasounds?
Ultrasound imaging is an invaluable tool in prenatal care, providing crucial insights into the health and development of your baby. It uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. This allows doctors to monitor your baby’s growth and detect any potential issues early on.
Throughout pregnancy, you’ll probably undergo several ultrasounds, each serving a specific purpose. We’ll look at the details of each now.
The First Trimester Ultrasound
The first ultrasound you’re likely to encounter is the viability and dating ultrasound, usually performed between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, and is often referred to as the 8-week sonogram. The goals of this are:
- Confirming the pregnancy and its location (to rule out ectopic pregnancy).
- Estimating the gestational age and establishing a due date.
- Checking for multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets).
- Assessing the baby’s heartbeat and initial development.
The ultrasound is typically performed transvaginally at this early stage, which provides a clearer image of the tiny embryo. The procedure is generally quick and painless – and seeing your baby’s first images can be a deeply moving experience.
Second Trimester Ultrasounds
The second trimester brings one of the most detailed and important ultrasounds, the anatomy scan, usually performed between 18 and 22 weeks. This is a comprehensive scan that:
- Looks at your baby’s major organs and structures, including the brain, heart, spine, and limbs.
- Identifies any congenital abnormalities.
- Determines the position of the placenta.
- Measures your levels of amniotic fluid.
- Checks your baby’s growth and development.
The doctor will generally perform this ultrasound abdominally. It can take 30 minutes to an hour. It’s the time for detailed examination, so you might see various parts of your baby’s body on the screen. Many parents also learn their baby’s sex during this scan – although that’s optional!
Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound
Some healthcare providers schedule an additional ultrasound around 24 weeks, especially if there are concerns or specific conditions that need monitoring. This 24-week ultrasound serves to:
- Monitor fetal growth and development.
- Reassess any previously detected anomalies or conditions.
- Evaluate amniotic fluid levels and placental position.
Third Trimester Ultrasounds
You can expect the growth ultrasound or growth scan in the third trimester, usually between 28 and 32 weeks. This will be for:
- Assessing the baby’s growth rate and estimated weight.
- Checking the baby’s position (head down, breech, or transverse).
- Evaluating the amount of amniotic fluid.
- Monitoring the placental position and function.
This abdominal scan is usually quick and straightforward, providing critical information about your baby’s readiness for birth. If your baby is in an abnormal position, your healthcare provider might discuss options for encouraging optimal positioning before labor begins.
Additional Third Trimester Ultrasound
In some cases, your doctor may have already recommended a 27 weeks pregnant ultrasound. This is typically similar to other, later, third-trimester scans and can be used to:
- Continue monitoring fetal growth and development.
- Check the baby’s position and movements.
- Assess the health of the placenta and amniotic fluid levels.
The extra check can offer you reassurance about your baby’s progress and help plan for the final stages of pregnancy and birth.
Special Circumstances Requiring Additional Ultrasounds
While the above scans cover the standard ultrasounds most women can expect, there are circumstances where additional ultrasounds may be necessary. These situations include the following.
Helpful tip: Look on these as checks to ensure the best outcome for you rather than as scary extras you should feel worried and anxious about.
1 Multiple Pregnancies
If you’re expecting twins, triplets, or more, you’ll likely have more frequent ultrasounds to monitor the health and development of each baby. Multiple pregnancies carry higher risks, and regular scans help ensure doctors detect any complications early.
The goal is to:
- Monitor the growth and development of each baby.
- Check for complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
- Assess the position of each baby as the due date approaches.
2 Checking for Complications or Medical Concerns
Certain medical conditions or complications may necessitate additional ultrasounds. These can include concerns about placental location, such as placenta previa, or issues with fetal growth, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
These ultrasounds are often more frequent and targeted, focusing on the specific concern. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the process and explain the need for each scan.
What to Expect at First Prenatal Appointment
Understanding what to expect at your first prenatal appointment can also help set the stage for your ultrasound schedule.
This initial visit, usually between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy, involves a comprehensive health assessment, including medical history, blood tests, and, often, your first ultrasound.
Your healthcare provider will take time to answer any questions and provide guidance on what to expect throughout your pregnancy, including the timing and purpose of upcoming ultrasounds.
Personalized Ultrasound Schedule for Your Pregnancy Journey
The number and frequency of ultrasounds you receive during pregnancy can vary according to your own pregnancy journey, but most women can expect a scan per trimester. Each pregnancy is unique, and your healthcare provider will tailor your ultrasound schedule to best meet your needs and ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby.
Stella Mattina: Focused on Excellent Women’s Healthcare
At Stella Mattina, our doctors are passionate about women’s health.
We take care to ensure your pregnancy runs as smoothly as possible during your prenatal care. And we’re more than happy to explain everything involved with the ultrasounds you’ll have during each trimester – so that you’re not anxious and can fully understand what we’re both seeing on the scans.
If you’re not already working with a Stella Mattina center for your pregnancy care, schedule an appointment today and let’s talk.
Dr. Krum is currently in practice in Arlington, TX. He received his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University, then attended UTMB Galveston for medical school, finishing in 1986, completing his residency there in 1990. Providing a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care, he specializes in the treatment of endometriosis and robotic surgery. He arranges his schedule so that same-day appointments are usually available.