Ultrasound in Pregnancy: What It Is, When It’s Done & What to Expect

Key Takeaways

• Ultrasounds are safe, non-invasive imaging studies that use sound waves to create images of the fetus. They don’t involve radiation.
• Doctors use them to confirm pregnancy and the number of babies, estimate the due date, monitor fetal growth, and detect any abnormalities or conditions. Ultrasounds also help check the placenta’s function and position and monitor the amniotic fluid level.

• Pregnancy ultrasounds are usually done during:
  • Early pregnancy/first trimester
  • Second trimester (between 18-22 weeks) 
  • Third trimester

• Doctors recommend ultrasounds only when they are necessary or for specific purposes. Additional scans might be needed in case of high-risk pregnancies, concerns with fetal growth, placental location, bleeding, or reduced fetal movement.

• What to expect during scans:
  • Before: Wear loose clothes and drink enough water for a full bladder 
  • During: Gel applied, and transducer moved over abdomen to produce fetal images
  • After: Gel wiped off and findings discussed

What Can an Ultrasound Tell You About Your Pregnancy?

When you are expecting, it’s natural to have countless questions about your baby’s development as well as your own well-being. It’s also natural to want reassurance that everything is going well and that all the milestones are being met. That’s exactly what ultrasound in pregnancy can provide.

At Almara Clinic, our board-certified OB-GYNs handle more than 3,000 deliveries every year across our 11 Twin Cities locations and pregnancy centers. One thing that holds true for virtually every patient is the significance of that first ultrasound. Seeing your baby on screen for the first time brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and connection that is hard to describe. Subsequent pregnancy ultrasounds continue to deepen that bond as your pregnancy progresses.

Let’s decode ultrasounds better, understand when they are done, and what you can expect.

What Is an Ultrasound Used for During Pregnancy?

This non-invasive, safe imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images of your baby while they are in the womb. Ultrasounds aren’t like X-rays and don’t use radiation. Doctors use pregnancy ultrasounds for a range of purposes, including:

• Confirming the location of the pregnancy
• Estimating the due date
• Evaluating for multiple gestations
• Monitoring fetal growth and development, including heartbeat and movement
• Checking the placenta’s position and function
• Detecting structural abnormalities or specific medical conditions
• Checking the baby’s position and estimated weight
• Monitoring amniotic fluid levels

How Does a Pregnancy Ultrasound Work?

Most pregnancy ultrasounds involve placing a device called a transducer on the abdomen. During early pregnancy, a transvaginal approach is typically used instead, with the transducer placed inside the vagina for clearer imaging. Sound waves given off by the transducer bounce off tissues inside the body and return as echoes, which are then converted into real-time images of the baby on a monitor.

The procedure is pain-free and typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the type of scan.

Your healthcare provider may recommend different types of ultrasound depending on the stage of pregnancy and the clinical purpose:

• Transabdominal: Performed on your abdomen and is the most common type later in pregnancy
• Transvaginal: Used for clearer pictures during early pregnancy
• 3D and 4D: Usually optional and offer more detailed images

Also read: Pregnancy Ultrasound by week

When Are Pregnancy Ultrasounds Done?

The number of times you have to get an ultrasound in pregnancy (and when) typically depends on your distinct needs and the healthcare provider. However, these are the most common types of ultrasounds during pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy (6 to 9 Weeks)

Besides confirming that you are expecting, this scan helps check the fetus’s heartbeat and calculate the gestational age and due date.

First Trimester (11 to 14 Weeks)

This ultrasound scan during pregnancy helps evaluate early development and screen for specific genetic conditions.

Also read: A complete guide to first trimester care

Anatomy (18 to 22 Weeks)

This highly detailed scan assesses your baby’s overall development and anatomy. This ultrasound also provides information about placental location, cervical length and amniotic fluid assessment.

Follow-Up or Growth (Third Trimester)

These ultrasounds generally aid in monitoring your baby’s position and growth as well as amniotic fluid levels. 

The doctor can tell you how many ultrasounds are required during pregnancy, depending on your pregnancy progression and health status. For instance, more frequent monitoring might be suggested in case of:

• High-risk pregnancies
• Concerns related to fetal growth or anatomy
• Complications like reduced fetal movement or bleeding

Additional scans in such scenarios can make sure you get the necessary and timely care needed to keep you and your baby safe.

How Many Ultrasounds in Pregnancy Are Safe?

There is no set upper limit, because healthcare providers only recommend scans that are medically necessary or serve a specific clinical purpose. The number of ultrasounds required varies from person to person.

Pregnancy ultrasounds have been a standard part of prenatal care for decades. Because they use sound waves rather than radiation, they carry no known risk to the baby or the mother when performed by trained professionals.

What Should You Expect During a Pregnancy Ultrasound?

Feeling a little nervous before a scan is completely normal. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel more prepared.

Prior to the Scan

You may be asked to drink enough water to ensure a full bladder, particularly during early pregnancy. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing makes it easier for the technician to access your abdomen.

During the Scan

A gel is applied to your belly to help transmit sound waves efficiently. The technician then moves the transducer across your abdomen, and images of the baby appear on a monitor in real time. If a transvaginal ultrasound is needed, a small probe is gently inserted to produce clearer pictures.

After the Scan

The gel will be wiped off your abdomen, and your doctor will discuss findings with you right away or at a follow-up appointment. 

To make the most of your ultrasound visits:

• Ask questions if you are not sure about something or have concerns
• Bring your partner or a loved one for support
• Relax as much as possible for a comfortable experience
• Follow any specific instructions for preparation that your doctor provides

Approach Pregnancy Ultrasounds with Knowledge and Confidence

Ultrasounds in pregnancy are a safe and valuable tool used across every stage of the journey, from confirming a heartbeat in the earliest weeks to monitoring position and growth in the final trimester. Understanding what each scan is for, when it happens, and what to expect makes the whole process feel much more manageable.

Trust Almara Clinic for Detailed and Accurate Pregnancy Ultrasounds  

At Almara Clinic’s pregnancy centers, 100% board-certified OB-GYNs have been caring for expecting women since the 1950s. Every ultrasound is performed accurately and professionally, with technicians focused on keeping you comfortable and doctors taking the time to explain results clearly at every stage.

With 11 clinic locations across the Twin Cities, expert prenatal care is always within reach. Contact us to find your nearest clinic or reach out at info@helloalmara.com.

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