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Pregnancy ultrasound is performed at different stages because the information that can be assessed changes as the baby develops. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate scan based on gestational age and individual circumstances.
An Early Pregnancy Scan may be performed during the initial weeks of pregnancy to assess the location and development of the pregnancy.
Depending on the gestational age, an early scan may help assess the pregnancy sac, embryo, fetal cardiac activity and other early pregnancy features. The exact findings that can be assessed depend on how far the pregnancy has progressed.
A Dating & Viability Scan may help establish gestational age and assess whether the pregnancy is developing appropriately for the stage being evaluated.
This scan can be particularly useful when menstrual dates are uncertain, pregnancy dates need clarification, or there are concerns about early pregnancy development.
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan is performed during a specific window in the first trimester. It measures the fluid collection at the back of the fetal neck and forms one part of first-trimester screening.
NT measurement may be combined with maternal factors and other screening tests to estimate the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions. It is important to understand that screening estimates risk; it does not by itself confirm or exclude a diagnosis.
A First Trimester Structural Survey provides an early assessment of fetal anatomy when performed at the appropriate gestational age.
The examination may evaluate selected fetal structures and development. Depending on the findings and pregnancy history, further detailed ultrasound or testing may be recommended later in pregnancy.
The second trimester is an important period for detailed assessment of fetal anatomy and development.
A Genetic Sonogram is a specialized ultrasound assessment that may evaluate certain fetal markers and anatomical features associated with chromosomal conditions.
It can provide additional information in selected pregnancies, particularly when considered alongside other screening results, maternal history and previous ultrasound findings. It should not be considered a replacement for diagnostic genetic testing when such testing is medically indicated.
The Level II / TIFFA scan is a detailed fetal anatomical examination commonly performed during the second trimester.
It may assess multiple fetal structures, including the brain, face, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys, limbs and other anatomical features that can be visualized at the relevant gestational age.
A detailed scan can provide important information about fetal anatomy, but ultrasound cannot detect every possible condition. Image quality and the ability to visualize specific structures can also vary depending on factors such as fetal position and gestational age.
Monitoring fetal growth and well-being becomes especially important when there are concerns about growth, maternal health, placental function or other pregnancy-related factors.
A Growth Scan assesses fetal size and growth-related measurements. Depending on the clinical situation, measurements may include fetal head, abdomen and limb dimensions, which are used to estimate fetal growth.
Growth assessment may be recommended at one or more points during pregnancy when closer monitoring is appropriate.
A Biophysical Profile (BPP) is a fetal well-being assessment that combines ultrasound observations with fetal heart-rate assessment when appropriate.
The assessment may consider factors such as fetal movements, breathing movements, muscle tone and amniotic fluid, along with fetal heart-rate monitoring when included in the test. The results are interpreted in the context of the overall pregnancy.
Doppler Studies use ultrasound technology to evaluate blood flow in selected blood vessels.
Depending on the clinical indication, Doppler assessment may provide information about blood flow between the placenta and fetus or other relevant circulation. Doppler may be particularly useful when there are concerns regarding fetal growth, placental function or certain high-risk pregnancy conditions.
Advanced pregnancy ultrasound can also provide important information about structures surrounding the fetus.
Cervical Length Assessment evaluates the length and appearance of the cervix using ultrasound.
In selected pregnancies, cervical assessment may be recommended to help evaluate the risk of certain pregnancy complications. The need for this assessment and its timing depend on individual risk factors and clinical history.
Placental Evaluation examines the position and appearance of the placenta and its relationship to the uterus and cervix.
This information can be important when there are concerns about placental location, bleeding, previous uterine surgery or other pregnancy-related factors. Further assessment may be advised depending on the findings.
Amniotic Fluid Assessment evaluates the amount of fluid surrounding the fetus.
The amount of amniotic fluid can provide useful information about pregnancy and fetal well-being. Both unusually low and unusually high fluid levels may require clinical evaluation and, in some situations, additional monitoring.
Monitoring fetal growth and well-being becomes especially important when there are concerns about growth, maternal health, placental function or other pregnancy-related factors.
Fetal Neurosonography is a specialized ultrasound examination focused on the fetal brain and central nervous system.
It may be recommended when a routine ultrasound raises a concern or when the pregnancy history indicates a need for detailed neurological assessment. The examination is tailored to the clinical question being investigated.
Fetal Echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound examination of the fetal heart.
It provides a detailed assessment of cardiac anatomy and selected aspects of fetal heart function. It may be recommended when there is a suspected cardiac finding, certain maternal or pregnancy risk factors, or a family history that increases the need for specialized fetal cardiac assessment.
3D/4D Fetal Ultrasound can create three-dimensional images and, with 4D technology, moving images of the fetus. HD Live Fetal Imaging may provide enhanced visualization of fetal facial and surface features under suitable imaging conditions.
These technologies can be useful for visualization, but the availability and quality of images depend on factors such as gestational age, fetal position, amniotic fluid and other technical considerations. They should not be considered a substitute for medically indicated diagnostic ultrasound.
Your obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist may recommend advanced ultrasound when there is a specific clinical reason.
It may be considered for:
An advanced scan does not necessarily mean that a problem exists. In many cases, it is recommended simply because additional information is clinically useful.
Advanced fetal ultrasound is a detailed ultrasound examination used to assess specific aspects of fetal development, anatomy, growth, blood flow or well-being. The type of scan depends on the pregnancy stage and the reason for the examination.
The Level II / TIFFA scan is generally performed during the second trimester when detailed fetal anatomy can be evaluated. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate timing based on your gestational age and individual pregnancy.
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation and has been widely used in pregnancy when medically indicated. Scans should be performed by appropriately trained healthcare professionals using suitable equipment and according to clinical requirements.
A fetal medicine scan may involve more detailed or targeted assessment of fetal anatomy, growth, blood flow or other pregnancy-related structures. The specific examination depends on the clinical question and the patient’s individual risk factors.
Fetal echocardiography may be recommended when there is a reason to examine the baby’s heart in greater detail, such as a suspected cardiac finding on ultrasound or certain maternal, fetal or family risk factors. It provides specialized assessment of fetal cardiac anatomy and selected aspects of function.
An abnormal or unexpected ultrasound finding does not necessarily mean that your baby has a serious condition. Discuss the report with your obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist, who can review the finding in context and advise whether repeat imaging, specialized assessment, additional testing or monitoring is appropriate.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every pregnancy is different, and the need for a particular ultrasound, test, monitoring schedule or treatment depends on individual clinical circumstances.
Ultrasound cannot detect every fetal condition, and results may be affected by gestational age, fetal position, image quality and other factors. Please consult a qualified obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist for advice specific to your pregnancy.
