When should i get ultrasounds when pregnant

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. During the anatomy scan, the doctor will check your baby's heart rate and look for abnormalities in their brain, heart, kidneys, and liver, says Jane Chueh, M.

They'll count your baby's fingers and toes, check for birth defects, examine the placenta, and measure the amniotic fluid level. And they'll probably be able to determine your baby's sex , although it's not a slam dunk; an experienced tech gets it right more than 95 percent of the time. If you don't want to know your baby's sex, let them know ahead of time.

Home Health and wellbeing Children's health, parenting and pregnancy Pregnancy and family planning Antenatal information Your care during pregnancy Ultrasounds during pregnancy. Print Your care during pregnancy Ultrasounds during pregnancy What is an ultrasound? Why are ultrasounds done in pregnancy? When do I need an ultrasound? The following ultrasounds are common in pregnancy: 8—9 weeks dating scan — some women choose to have an early ultrasound around weeks. This may be to confirm the due date where the last menstrual period is unknown, or for reassurance.

This is a screening test which will calculate your estimated risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Jang T. Ultrasonographic imaging in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. March of Dimes. Ultrasound during pregnancy.

Fetal ultrasound. Ultrasound pregnancy. Join now to personalize. A pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby. You may have your first ultrasound early in pregnancy a first-trimester ultrasound or you may have a standard ultrasound at 18 to 22 weeks.

Pregnancy ultrasound allows your provider to check on your baby's health and development, monitor your pregnancy, and look for any physical abnormalities. It's also used for some genetic tests, and to make sure your baby is doing well in late pregnancy.

What is ultrasound? When do you get your first ultrasound? What happens during a pregnancy ultrasound? Why do I need a pregnancy ultrasound? How long does an ultrasound take? How many ultrasounds will I have during pregnancy? Are ultrasounds safe? What if a pregnancy ultrasound shows a problem?

Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Featured video. Quad screen second-trimester prenatal screening. Chorionic villus sampling CVS.

Prenatal testing. Glucose screening and glucose tolerance tests. Prenatal visits: What to expect and how to prepare. New to BabyCenter? Join now.