Fetal Ultrasound

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Procedure overview

What is a fetal ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy that creates an image of the fetus in the mother's uterus, or womb. During a fetal ultrasound, various parts of the baby, such as the heart, head, and spine, are identified and measured. The testing may be performed either through the mother's abdomen (transabdominal) or vaginal canal (transvaginal). Fetal ultrasound provides a noninvasive way to evaluate the health of an unborn baby.

There are several types of fetal ultrasound, each with  specific advantages in certain situations. A Doppler ultrasound, for example, helps to study the movement of blood through the umbilical cord between the fetus and placenta. Three-dimensional ultrasound provides a life-like image of an unborn baby. The standard, two-dimensional ultrasound is the primary focus of this discussion, but the basic concepts for standard fetal ultrasound also apply to the other types.

How does ultrasound work?

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Ultrasound uses an electronic device called a transducer to send and receive sound waves. When the transducer is moved over the abdomen, the ultrasonic sound waves then move through the skin, muscle, bone, and fluids at different speeds. The sound waves bounce off the fetus like an echo, returning to the transducer. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and converts them into an electronic picture.

A clear gel is placed between the transducer and the skin to allow for the best sound conduction and smooth movement of the transducer.

Fetal abnormalities are relatively uncommon and depend on a variety of factors relating to the health and age of the mother as well as other genetic and environmental variables. In order to identify and potentially correct any problems, certain fetal structures are checked during routine ultrasonography. The American College of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine suggest that the following structures should be evaluated during a routine prenatal ultrasound:

• Head and brain. The chambers within the brain (ventricles), distance between parietal bones of the fetal head (biparietal diameter), and skin thickness at the back of head (nuchal area) are evaluated for defects.
• Heart. The chambers and valves of the heart are evaluated and defects may be identified.
• Abdomen and stomach. The size, location, and arrangement of stomach and diaphragm are checked.
• Urinary bladder. The size and presence of the bladder is evaluated.
• Spine. Defects may be identified if present.
• Umbilical cord. Three blood vessels should be attached at the front of the abdomen.
• Kidneys. Two kidneys should be present on either side of the mid-spine.
• Other fetal structures. Limbs and other parts may also be scanned and evaluated.

Reasons for the procedure

Fetal ultrasound has become a routine part of prenatal care in most of the U.S. This is due to the fact that it is a low-risk procedure that provides valuable information with relative ease. General progress during a pregnancy can be efficiently evaluated using ultrasound. For example, placement of the placenta, the organ linking the blood supply between mother and baby, is checked to make sure the fetus will receive nutrients needed for growth.

Multiple birth pregnancies carry a higher risk than single birth pregnancies, and ultrasound allows for confirmation of multiples. Likewise, accurate and safe examination of each fetus is made possible with fetal ultrasound.

Determining the gestational age of an unborn baby is another use for fetal ultrasound. In the first trimester, gestational age is generally calculated by measuring the length from the crown of the baby's head to its rump. In the second and third trimesters, the most accurate way to determine gestational age is by measuring the baby's head circumference, abdominal circumference, biparietal diameter, and femur (thigh bone) length.

Nuchal translucency screening also involves using fetal ultrasound. Nuchal refers to the back of the neck. As part of routine screening, this area is checked to see if there is an increase in thickening. The screening occurs sometime near the tenth and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy. When combined with blood tests, this screening can help to determine the risk of certain birth defects.

False-positive test results may occur, however, indicating a problem when the fetus is actually healthy. Likewise, false-negative test results may indicate a normal result when the fetus actually does have a health problem. Additional testing may be needed if there is doubt regarding test results; however, the chance of inaccuracy is slight due to continual improvements in technology and training.

If an amniocentesis is done, a fetal ultrasound may be used to help with placement of the needle, which is used to remove a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

There may be other reasons for your health care provider to recommend a fetal ultrasound.

Risks of the procedure

Fetal ultrasound has no known risks other than mild discomfort due to pressure from the transducer on the abdomen or in the vagina. No radiation is used during the procedure.

Transvaginal ultrasound requires covering the ultrasound transducer in a plastic or latex sheath, which may cause a reaction in patients with a latex allergy. 

Fetal ultrasound is sometimes offered in nonmedical settings to provide keepsake images or videos for parents. While the ultrasound procedure itself is considered safe, it is possible that untrained personnel may give parents false assurances about their baby’s well-being, or perhaps an abnormality may be missed. Having ultrasound performed by trained medical personnel who can correctly interpret findings is recommended. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions.

There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your health care provider prior to the procedure.

Before the procedure

• Your health care provider will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.
• Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.
• Notify your doctor of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
• You may be asked to drink several glasses of water beforehand so you can arrive with a full bladder. A full bladder improves transabdominal imaging by reducing air in the pelvis. An empty bladder is best for transvaginal imaging.
• Based on your medical condition, your health care provider may request other specific preparation.

During the procedure

A fetal ultrasound may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your health care provider's practices.
Generally, a fetal ultrasound follows this process:

1. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.
2. If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
3. You will lie on an examination table, either on your back or on your side.
4. If a transabdominal procedure is being performed, a clear gel will be placed on the skin over the area to be examined.
5. The transducer will be pressed against the skin (abdomen) and moved over the area being studied.
6. If a transvaginal ultrasound is being performed, you will need to lie on your back in the same position used during a pelvic exam, with the legs bent and apart.
7. The vaginal transducer probe will be covered with a clear sterile cover, and a lubricant will be placed on the probe to ease the insertion.
8. The technician will move the probe into different positions to capture necessary images.

Once the procedure has been completed, the probe will be removed (if it was a transvaginal procedure), and you will be given tissue to wipe off excess gel (for either transvaginal or transabdominal procedure).

After the procedure

Generally, there is no special type of care following fetal ultrasound. However, your health care provider may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.

Online resources

The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

This page contains links to other websites with information about this procedure and related health conditions. We hope you find these sites helpful, but please remember we do not control or endorse the information presented on these websites, nor do these sites endorse the information contained here.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

American College of Radiology

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine

American Medical Association

American Society for Reproductive Medicine

CDC - Reproductive Health

March of Dimes

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development