What to Expect at Your Visits
Fetal Ultrasounds
Fetal Ultrasound
A fetal ultrasound is a test during pregnancy that uses sound waves to create a picture of the baby, the organ that supports the baby (placenta), and the liquid that surrounds the baby (amniotic fluid). The picture will be on a monitor which may be in black and white or in color. The pictures are also called a sonogram, an echogram, or a scan. These pictures may be saved as part of your baby's record. The dating and 18 to 20 week anatomy ultrasounds are routinely performed. Talk to your provider about possible additional ultrasounds.
Dating Ultrasound: Your first ultrasound will see how far along you are in your pregnancy. It will be done around 8 to 12 weeks. A sonographer is a health care professional who is trained to perform ultrasounds.
First Trimester Anatomy Ultrasound: This is an optional genetic screening ultrasound for patients with certain high risk indications. It is done between 12 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days. See section "Genetic Testing and Screening Options in Pregnancy" for more information about genetic screening. Talk to your provider about this ultrasound if you want more information.
Anatomy Ultrasound: This ultrasound is done at 18 to 20 weeks. It is done to see the baby's organs, growth and placenta. The baby's sex can usually be seen at this time. Your sonographer will ask you if you would like to know the sex of the baby. The ultrasound images in your electronic record (My Duke Health) may include information about the sex of the baby even if you request not to know this information.
Growth Ultrasound: This ultrasound may be performed after you are 28 weeks. This ultrasound measures the baby's growth. It is also used to evaluate the baby's general well-being. Your provider will let you know if this ultrasound or any others are necessary.
