Why It's Done

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A fetal ultrasound can be done at any point during pregnancy. Your health care provider may use a fetal ultrasound to:

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• Confirm the pregnancy and its location

Some embryos develop in the fallopian tube instead of in the uterus. A fetal ultrasound can help your health care provider detect and treat a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.

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• Determine your baby’s gestational age

Knowing the baby’s age can help your health care provider determine your due date and track various milestones throughout your pregnancy.

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• Confirm the number of babies

If your health care provider suspects a multiple pregnancy, an ultrasound may be done.

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• Assess fetal anatomy

An ultrasound can help your health care provider assess the anatomy of your baby and identify various congenital abnormalities. Early diagnosis may lead to early interventions that help to save or improve a baby’s life. However, it cannot detect all birth defects.

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• Evaluate your baby’s growth

Your health care provider can use ultrasound to determine whether your baby is growing at a normal rate.

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• To study the placenta

Placental location and the maturity of the placenta can be evaluated.

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• Investigate new signs or symptoms

If you’re bleeding or having other complications, an ultrasound may help your health care provider determine the cause.

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• Determine fetal position before delivery

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What To Expect At Your Appointment

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During a standard fetal ultrasound, your sonographer will apply an ultrasound gel to your abdomen as you recline on an exam table. The sonographer will move the transducer over your abdomen in order to obtain all required information.

 

Don’t worry if you can't ‘see’ your baby! Ultrasound images are difficult to understand for an untrained observer.

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