Pregnancy Ultrasound

A pregnancy ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the developing baby inside the womb. It is one of the most common and essential tools used during prenatal care to monitor the health and development of both the baby and the mother.

During the procedure, a gel is applied to the mother’s abdomen (or inside the vagina in early pregnancy), and a device called a transducer is used to send sound waves through the body. These waves bounce off the baby and other structures, creating live images on a screen.

Pregnancy ultrasounds can confirm pregnancy, determine the gestational age, track fetal growth, monitor heartbeat, and check for multiple pregnancies, placenta health, amniotic fluid levels, and birth defects. They are usually done at different stages of pregnancy — typically in the first trimester (dating scan), second trimester (anomaly scan), and later as needed.

The scan is completely safe for both mother and baby and does not use any harmful radiation. It usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the stage of pregnancy and the purpose of the scan.