Ultrasound Specialist

What is the purpose of a prenatal ultrasound?

Ultrasounds during pregnancy can help your obstetrician monitor the growth and development of your baby and watch for signs of abnormalities or problems that may be difficult to detect otherwise. Many birth defects and anatomical anomalies also can be seen on ultrasound so your baby can receive special medical care if needed. Ultrasounds also enable your doctor to see your uterus, ovaries and placenta and identify potential problems that could cause difficulty during your pregnancy or delivery. 

How often is an ultrasound performed during pregnancy?

In a healthy pregnancy, an ultrasound is usually performed at around 20 weeks, or about five months. During the exam, the doctor will look at the placenta to make sure it's healthy, and also perform your baby's first “exam.” The doctor will look for any evident signs of problems or birth defects, as well as watching the movement of the baby's arms and legs and heartbeat. In most cases, the gender of the baby is also apparent by this time, although depending on the position of the baby, it may not be easy to detect.

In some cases, your doctor may decide to perform an ultrasound earlier in your pregnancy, especially if there's a chance you may be carrying more than one baby or to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy if you aren't sure when you became pregnant.

Is is safe to have an ultrasound during pregnancy?

Many studies have concluded that ultrasound is perfectly safe for both you and your baby. Unlike x-rays that use radiation to “see” inside your body, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the baby, the placenta and your uterus, and research has shown these sound waves are not harmful.