Pregnancy Ultrasounds: When, Why, and How Often You'll Need One

Pregnancy is a time of excitement — and some of the most exciting times are your ultrasound scans, where you can get a glimpse at the tiny baby growing inside you. But along with being exciting, did you know ultrasounds are one of the most essential tools in modern prenatal care?

Ultrasounds provide critical information about your baby’s health and development, and getting them regularly is one of the best ways to make sure you have a safe, healthy pregnancy. At South Valley Women's Health Care, we specialize in pregnancy care and ultrasounds, and we’re here to answer your questions.

Understanding when, why, and how often you'll need ultrasounds can help you feel more prepared for your upcoming prenatal appointments.

How ultrasounds work

An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create visual images of the inside of your body. We place a transducer on your skin, and it emits sound waves that bounce off internal structures.

These bounces create echoes, which are processed by a computer to produce detailed images. Ultrasound screenings are painless and safe, making them a standard part of prenatal care.

When you’re pregnant, we use ultrasounds to monitor the development of the fetus, assess the health of your uterus and placenta, and check for any potential complications.

When you get pregnancy ultrasounds

Because ultrasound is noninvasive, it’s a safe and effective way to monitor your and your baby’s health during pregnancy.

The timing of your ultrasounds can vary based on your individual health needs and our recommendations. However, here are the most common ultrasound appointments:

First trimester (6-12 weeks)

Most pregnant women have their first ultrasound during their first trimester. At this scan, we can confirm your pregnancy by detecting the fetal heartbeat, estimate your due date, and check for multiple fetuses, like twins.

Second trimester (18-22 weeks)

Often called the "anatomy scan," the main ultrasound you have in your second trimester evaluates your baby's development in detail. We assess your baby's organs, measure their growth, and check for any congenital abnormalities. And if you want to know, this is when you may be able to find out the baby’s gender!

Third trimester (28-40 weeks)

Sometimes, we do an ultrasound in your third trimester to monitor your baby's growth, position, and overall well-being. This information can be helpful when making plans for labor and delivery. We may also assess the amount of amniotic fluid you have and the health of your placenta to make sure your pregnancy is progressing smoothly.

Why ultrasounds are important when you’re pregnant

Ultrasounds are a standard element of prenatal care because they play a vital role in making sure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Regular scans provide detailed information about your baby's growth and development, allowing us to identify any potential issues early on.

If your baby has congenital abnormalities or developmental issues, early detection allows for timely interventions and better preparation for any necessary treatments. And even if your baby is healthy and your pregnancy is low-risk, knowing your baby's position and estimated size can help us plan for a safe and smooth delivery.

How often you need ultrasounds during pregnancy

Most women have two to three ultrasounds, which correspond to the first, second, and third trimesters. However, how often you’ll need ultrasounds during pregnancy depends on factors like your health, your baby's health, and any specific concerns or complications that may arise during pregnancy.

For example, you might need more frequent ultrasounds if you have a high-risk pregnancy due to a condition like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Another reason could be if there are concerns about your baby's growth or development. Having more frequent ultrasounds allows us to track your health and your baby's progress, so we can make timely decisions about your care.

Our team is here to help you navigate pregnancy, and we work with you to determine the appropriate schedule based on your unique needs and circumstances. It's important to attend all scheduled ultrasounds and prenatal appointments to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby.

By understanding when, why, and how often you'll need ultrasounds, you can feel more confident and prepared throughout your pregnancy journey. Learn more about prenatal care at South Valley Women's Health Care by scheduling an appointment today. Call us at 801-569-2626 or book online now.