Fetal Ultrasound

Reference Fetal ultrasound Opens New Window is done to learn about the health of the fetus. Different information is gained at different times (trimesters) during your pregnancy.

• 1st-trimester fetal ultrasound is done to:
  • Determine how your pregnancy is progressing.
  • Find out if you are pregnant with more than 1 fetus.
  • Estimate the age of the fetus (Reference gestational age Opens New Window).
  • Estimate the risk of a Reference chromosome Opens New Window defect, such as Down syndrome.
  • Check for birth defects that affect the brain or spinal cord.
• 2nd-trimester fetal ultrasound is done to:
  • Estimate the age of the fetus (gestational age).
  • Look at the size and position of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid.
  • Determine the position of the fetus, Reference umbilical cord Opens New Window, and the placenta during a procedure, such as an Reference amniocentesis Opens New Window or umbilical cord blood sampling.
  • Detect major birth defects, such as a neural tube defect or heart problems.
• 3rd-trimester fetal ultrasound is done to:
  • Make sure that a fetus is alive and moving.
  • Look at the size and position of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid.

Transvaginal ultrasound is generally done early in a pregnancy to determine fetal age or to detect a suspected Reference ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window. It is occasionally done late in pregnancy to determine the location of the placenta or in a high-risk pregnancy to monitor the length of the Reference cervix Opens New Window.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.