How Many Ultrasounds Are Needed During Pregnancy?

Ultrasound imaging is a cornerstone of modern prenatal care. Safe, non-invasive, and highly informative, it plays a vital role in monitoring the health and development of a baby before birth. But how many ultrasounds are typically needed during pregnancy? The answer depends on various factors, including whether the pregnancy is considered low-risk or high-risk, the presence of any complications, and specific clinical guidelines.

In this guide, we will break down the typical ultrasound schedule for a healthy pregnancy, highlight reasons additional scans might be ordered, and answer common questions that expecting parents have. We will also touch on how advanced portable ultrasound technology, like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61, is making prenatal imaging more accessible than ever; especially in rural or home-care settings.

How Often Are Ultrasounds Done in Pregnancy?

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to create real-time images of a baby in the womb. While their purpose ranges from estimating gestational age to detecting anomalies, one of the most frequently asked questions by expecting parents is: How often will I need to get an ultrasound during my pregnancy?

1. First Trimester Scan (Dating or Viability Scan) – usually between 6 to 9 weeks
2. Nuchal Translucency Scan (Optional) – between 11 to 13 weeks
3. Mid-Pregnancy Anomaly Scan – around 18 to 22 weeks
4. Growth or Position Scan (Optional or Indicated) – in the third trimester

These scans are strategically timed to align with key stages of fetal development and to catch any potential complications early.

We suggest you read this article.Warning Signs of a Problematic Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Standard Scans in a Low-Risk Pregnancy

Understanding each type of routine scan helps reassure parents and emphasizes the importance of timely prenatal care. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Dating or Viability Scan (6–9 weeks)

This early ultrasound confirms that the pregnancy is progressing normally and helps establish a more accurate due date. It also:

• Verifies the number of fetuses (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Confirms a heartbeat
• Detects ectopic or molar pregnancies

Portable devices like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61 are ideal in early scanning, especially for OB-GYNs doing home visits or rural clinic services.

2. First Trimester Screening / Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–13 weeks)

This scan evaluates the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. It measures the thickness of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck (nuchal translucency) and may be combined with blood tests.

While optional in some healthcare systems, this scan provides early insights into genetic risks.

3. Anatomy or Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks)

This comprehensive second-trimester scan is a major milestone. It assesses:

• Baby’s anatomy: heart, spine, kidneys, brain, limbs, and more
• Placenta position and amniotic fluid level
• Growth markers and estimated fetal weight

It’s often the most detailed scan and, in many countries, it’s the last routine scan unless there are concerns later in pregnancy.

4. Growth or Position Scan (28–40 weeks)

In some pregnancies, a third-trimester scan is performed to:

• Check fetal growth and positioning
• Monitor amniotic fluid
• Assess placental function (especially in older mothers or diabetics)
• Plan for delivery

Not all women receive this scan unless there’s a medical reason; but when necessary, it provides crucial information.

Additional Scans: When Are They Needed?

High-Risk Pregnancies

Women with high-risk pregnancies often need more frequent ultrasounds to monitor both the baby’s health and the mother’s condition. Common high-risk factors include:

• Diabetes or Gestational Diabetes: Pregnant women with diabetes or gestational diabetes are considered high-risk due to the potential impact on fetal growth and development. These conditions can increase the risk of macrosomia (a larger baby), low amniotic fluid, and birth complications. As a result, additional ultrasounds during pregnancy are often required to monitor fetal size and placental health. Growth scans may be scheduled every 2–4 weeks in the third trimester. With portable options like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61, healthcare providers can perform frequent prenatal testing even in rural or home settings, offering safer monitoring for both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy.

• High Blood Pressure or Preeclampsia: Chronic hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy can compromise blood flow to the placenta, limiting the baby’s oxygen and nutrient supply. These conditions raise the risk of fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and placental abruption. To manage these risks, frequent ultrasound scans during pregnancy are essential for tracking fetal development and amniotic fluid levels. In many cases, Doppler ultrasounds are also used to assess blood flow in the umbilical cord. Portable ultrasound devices like Sono Mobile™️ CL61 empower obstetricians to offer timely high-risk prenatal scans wherever care is needed, improving outcomes for mothers with elevated blood pressure.

• History of Miscarriage or Stillbirth: A previous miscarriage or stillbirth can raise concerns about complications in subsequent pregnancies. Women with such histories often receive extra ultrasounds during pregnancy to ensure the baby is developing properly and that the placenta and cervix are functioning well. Depending on the underlying cause of the prior loss, providers may monitor fetal heartbeat more closely and perform serial growth scans. This increased surveillance can provide reassurance and early detection of potential issues. Devices like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61 offer on-demand imaging, allowing OB-GYNs to deliver essential prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies without delay.

• Advanced Maternal Age (35+): Women aged 35 and older are considered of advanced maternal age (AMA) and may face a higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. To mitigate these risks, providers often recommend additional ultrasound scans during pregnancy, especially detailed anatomy scans and third-trimester growth assessments. Early screening, such as the nuchal translucency scan, is also encouraged. Portable ultrasound tools like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61 make it easy to provide frequent imaging, even outside of hospital settings. Regular prenatal testing for women over 35 enhances safety and ensures proactive management throughout the pregnancy.

• Previous Preterm Delivery: If a woman has experienced a previous preterm delivery, the current pregnancy is classified as high-risk due to the likelihood of early labor recurring. To reduce complications, doctors often perform cervical length scans and frequent ultrasounds during pregnancy to monitor fetal development and placental function. Interventions like progesterone or cervical cerclage may also be considered. Regular monitoring can significantly improve outcomes, especially when supported by point-of-care ultrasound systems like Sono Mobile™️ CL61, which allow for quick assessments and real-time prenatal testing in clinics, homes, or underserved regions.

These patients may undergo growth scans every 2-4 weeks in the third trimester.

Complications in Current Pregnancy

Additional scans may be recommended when:

• Bleeding occurs during pregnancy
• The baby is measuring too small or large for gestational age
• The placenta appears to be in a low-lying position (placenta previa)
• The mother has abnormal lab results

These targeted scans may include Doppler ultrasounds, biophysical profiles (BPP), or fetal echocardiograms.

Recheck or Follow-Up Scans

Sometimes, initial routine scans may reveal:

• Subtle or unclear anomalies
• Uncertain due dates
• Poor image clarity due to fetal position or maternal body habitus

In these cases, a recheck scan may be scheduled within 1–2 weeks to clarify the findings.

Determining the sex of the fetus is done in various ways, and you can read about the best method, Finding Out Baby’s Sex With an Ultrasound, in this article.

Multiple Pregnancies and Special Cases

Pregnancies involving twins, triplets, or more naturally require closer monitoring due to increased risks for complications like:

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a serious condition that affects identical twins (or higher multiples) who share a single placenta (monochorionic). In TTTS, abnormal blood vessel connections allow one twin (the “recipient”) to receive too much blood, while the other twin (the “donor”) receives too little. This imbalance can cause heart failure in one twin and anemia or poor growth in the other. TTTS is most likely to occur between 16–26 weeks, and early detection is vital. Frequent ultrasounds during pregnancy, often every 1–2 weeks; are needed to monitor fluid levels, growth rates, and Doppler flow. Portable imaging tools like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61 enable OB-GYNs to perform timely, high-resolution scans even in remote or home-care settings, improving outcomes through early intervention.

Preterm Birth

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is significantly more common in multiple pregnancies. Risk factors include overdistension of the uterus, placental complications, and cervix insufficiency. Preterm birth can lead to a range of complications for the newborn, including respiratory distress, underdeveloped organs, and longer NICU stays. To minimize risks, prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies involves regular ultrasound monitoring, including cervical length scans, biophysical profiles, and growth assessments to anticipate signs of early labor. Portable, high-resolution ultrasound systems like Sono Mobile™️ CL61 empower clinicians to monitor mothers closely in various settings, providing the flexibility to catch issues early and arrange timely interventions to support a full-term pregnancy.

Growth Discrepancies

In multiple pregnancies, growth discrepancies between twins or triplets can be a sign of unequal placental sharing or underlying complications like selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). A discrepancy of more than 20% in estimated fetal weight can increase the risk of poor outcomes for one or more babies. Regular growth scans during pregnancy are essential to track size, blood flow, and amniotic fluid levels. These are typically done every 2–4 weeks from mid-pregnancy onward. Monitoring fetal growth with portable devices such as the Sono Mobile™️ CL61 ensures real-time data collection, especially helpful in clinics and home-care settings. Early detection of growth issues allows for interventions like early delivery planning or close fetal monitoring, improving outcomes in complex multiple pregnancies.

How Many Scans Are Normal in Twin Pregnancies?

The standard number of ultrasounds increases significantly for multiples:

• First trimester: Early dating and chorionicity scan
• Second trimester: Mid-pregnancy anomaly scan
• Third trimester: Scans every 2–4 weeks to track growth, fluid, and well-being

In monochorionic twins (sharing the same placenta), monitoring may begin as early as 16 weeks and continue biweekly to check for TTTS or growth discordance.

FAQs on Ultrasound Frequency

Are Too Many Ultrasounds Harmful to the Baby?

No evidence suggests that ultrasound scans are harmful when used appropriately. They do not use ionizing radiation like X-rays and are considered safe when performed by trained professionals. However, unnecessary scans or non-medical “keepsake” ultrasounds are not recommended by most medical associations.

Can I Skip the Dating or Anatomy Scan?

While some scans are optional, skipping the dating or anomaly scan may reduce the ability to:

• Accurately track the baby’s development
• Detect congenital conditions early
• Plan for delivery safely

Talk with your healthcare provider before opting out.

What if My Doctor Orders More Scans?

More scans don’t always mean bad news. They could be precautionary; especially with modern point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) devices like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61, which offer flexibility for frequent, real-time imaging at the bedside or in rural areas.

Can I Get Ultrasounds at Home?

Thanks to handheld ultrasound systems like the Sono Mobile™️ CL61, certified OB providers can now perform prenatal scans during home visits, especially helpful for women in remote regions or those with mobility challenges.

Empowering Expecting Parents Through Imaging

Ultrasounds provide more than just peace of mind; they’re essential tools in ensuring a healthy pregnancy journey. From confirming your baby’s heartbeat to identifying potential risks early, ultrasound scans support informed decision-making and timely intervention.

Advancements in portable ultrasound technology allow healthcare providers to bring high-quality imaging to patients; beyond hospital walls, and into clinics, rural areas, or even homes. This is particularly critical in underserved communities where access to advanced prenatal care may be limited.

With innovative solutions like Sono Mobile™️ CL61, medical professionals can now perform accurate prenatal assessments with:

• High-resolution imaging
• Easy wireless connectivity to mobile, tablet or laptops
• Compact design for mobile use
• Compatibility with leading prenatal measurements

Whether you’re a parent-to-be or a caregiver supporting a loved one, understanding how often ultrasounds are needed during pregnancy can help you better navigate the exciting road ahead.

Summary: Number of Ultrasounds During Pregnancy

Additional scans may be recommended based on individual risk factors, multiple pregnancies, or unexpected findings.

Final Thoughts

At Fagonex, we are committed to supporting maternal and fetal health through advanced imaging technologies. With our innovative Sono Mobile™️ CL61, we are redefining prenatal care by making high-quality point-of-care ultrasound available wherever it’s needed most; whether in private clinics, home visits, or underserved communities.

If you’re an OB provider, clinic, or midwife looking to upgrade your prenatal imaging capabilities, contact us today to learn more about Sono Mobile™️ and how it can elevate your practice.