We know how exciting an ultrasound can be. After all, it’s a sneak peek at your growing baby.
Most expectant mothers will have two ultrasounds during pregnancy. There are no additional scans unless your provider sees a medical need.
The first ultrasound
The first ultrasound is called the Dating Scan. It helps to find the baby’s due date. This ultrasound usually happens between the eighth and 13th weeks of your pregnancy. It is often done at your new OB appointment.
The second ultrasound
The second ultrasound is the Fetal Anatomy scan. You’ll have this between the 19th and 21st weeks of your pregnancy. We’ll measure and assess many aspects of your baby’s growth. These include your baby's head, brain, face, heart, chest, abdomen and musculoskeletal system. We will also assess the fetal position, cervical length, placenta, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord.
Tips for ultrasound appointments
We want your ultrasound appointment to be productive and enjoyable. Here are some tips to be sure these appointments go well.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
- Due to the limited space in the ultrasound room, please limit your visitors to two people. All children must be supervised by someone other than the patient being scanned.
- All guests must be present at the start of the ultrasound. To protect the patient's privacy and the integrity of the exam, we will not allow additional guests to enter after the ultrasound has begun.
- We have a closed door policy for all transvaginal ultrasounds due to the nature of the exam. Once the exam has begun, we cannot open the door for a guest.
- We do not allow cell phone use during the ultrasound.
- You may not take pictures or videos during the ultrasound.
- Your provider, not the sonographer, will discuss the results of the ultrasound with you.
- You may have to reschedule your ultrasound appointment if you arrive late.
If you have any questions, please ask your provider.