What Is a Pregnancy Ultrasound and Why It’s Important

At Independent Physicians Medical Center (IPMC) in Northeast Philadelphia, we provide expert pregnancy ultrasound imaging to help support your prenatal care in a comfortable outpatient environment.

What Is a Pregnancy Ultrasound?

A pregnancy ultrasound — also called a fetal ultrasound or sonogram — uses sound waves to create real-time images of your baby growing inside the uterus. A handheld device called a transducer sends sound waves into your body and captures the echoes that bounce back, which are then translated into pictures on a monitor.

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe option for assessing your baby’s health.

Why Ultrasound Is Used During Pregnancy

Ultrasound is a versatile tool throughout your pregnancy. Your doctor may order one or more scans to:

Confirm and Date Your Pregnancy

Early ultrasounds can verify a healthy intrauterine pregnancy and help estimate your due date.

Monitor Fetal Growth and Development

Ultrasound lets providers evaluate how your baby is growing, how active they are, and how their organs are developing.

Check for Multiple Pregnancies

If you’re carrying twins or more, ultrasound can confirm and track each baby’s development.

Assess Placenta and Amniotic Fluid

Your provider can check the position of the placenta and the amount of fluid around your baby.

Screen for Birth Conditions

Ultrasound can help detect certain structural concerns — such as abnormalities in the heart or spine — especially during the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan.

When Ultrasounds Are Typically Performed

The number and timing of ultrasounds can vary based on your health and pregnancy:

• First Trimester: Around 6–9 weeks, early ultrasounds confirm pregnancy and check baby’s heartbeat.
• Second Trimester (18–22 weeks): This detailed scan — often called the anatomy or level II scan — evaluates your baby’s structure and development.
• Additional Scans: Depending on your situation, your provider may recommend further imaging later in pregnancy to monitor growth, position, or other factors.

Because every pregnancy is unique, your healthcare provider will tailor the ultrasound schedule to your needs.

Types of Pregnancy Ultrasound

Different ultrasound techniques may be used depending on what your doctor needs to assess:

• Transabdominal ultrasound: The most common type that scans over your abdomen.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: Used early in pregnancy or when clearer views are needed of internal structures.
• Doppler ultrasound: Measures blood flow in your baby’s heart and vessels.
• 3D/4D ultrasound: Provides more detailed views, often used selectively when medically indicated.

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What to Expect During an Ultrasound

Ultrasound is typically painless and straightforward:

• You’ll lie comfortably on an exam table.
• A clear gel is applied to your abdomen to help conduct sound waves.
• The sonographer moves the transducer to capture images of your baby.
• Most scans last 30–60 minutes depending on the information needed.

Because no radiation is used, you can safely resume normal activities right after your appointment. There are no known risks when ultrasound is used appropriately.