Pregnancy feels magical, but at the same time, it comes with a lot of worry and anxiety. Not knowing what the future holds, whether it will be a smooth journey or a risky one, can take an immense toll on the mother as well as the family members. This is when routine prenatal ultrasound may come in handy.
A routine prenatal ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive scan that helps monitor the baby’s growth and development and provides important information about the pregnancy’s progress. But if you don't know what it is, here's a detailed guide.
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Why Should You Get Routine Prenatal Ultrasounds?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Varshha V Patil, Director and Head of Department (HOD), Siddhagiri Jananee IVF and Test Tube Baby Centre, emphasises the role of routine prenatal ultrasounds. She says, "A routine prenatal ultrasound ensures that the baby's growth, organ development, and other key parameters of well-being are monitored. The baby's heartbeat, movement, and amniotic fluid deposits are checked, and in some cases, abnormalities may be detected."
"When the physician schedules your due date, in some cases, ultrasounds are used to check for placental positioning. An ultrasound gives your doctor access inside the womb, and this routine ultrasound guides care and intervention whenever required," the doctor adds.
A review published in the Cochrane Library examined how well ultrasounds detect foetal abnormalities in early pregnancy. First-trimester scans (11–14 weeks) spot about 91% of lethal anomalies but catch only around 38% of all anomalies. Doing scans in both the first and second trimesters finds about 84% of anomalies by 24 weeks, much better than a single second-trimester scan, which detects about 50%.
When Should You Get Your First Prenatal Ultrasound?
According to the doctor, the first ultrasound – the dating or viability scan – is normally done between 6 and 9 weeks of pregnancy and makes sure there is a heartbeat, determines if there is an ectopic or multiple pregnancy, and tries to estimate the gestational age of the foetus.
This scan helps in the accurate assessment of the baby's growth throughout the pregnancy.
What To Expect During A Routine Prenatal Ultrasound?
A routine prenatal ultrasound is a key part of pregnancy care, typically done to confirm your baby’s heartbeat, growth, and development. The most detailed scan, usually around 18–22 weeks, checks the baby’s organs, limbs, and placenta position. You may be asked to drink water beforehand for clearer images.
During the scan, a gel is applied to your belly, and a handheld device captures images. It’s painless, lasts 20–45 minutes, and can be an emotional moment as you watch your baby move on screen. The doctor reviews the results and shares any important updates or next steps.
How To Prepare For Routine Prenatal Ultrasound
For early ultrasounds (especially those done in the first trimester), Dr Patil advises expectant mothers to come with a full bladder to help with the visibility of the uterus through the abdominal wall.
“Wear loose, comfortable clothing that will allow easy access to the belly. No special diet or medication needs to be followed unless further instructed. Just relax, as the procedure is safe and non-invasive,” she says.
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Common Signs That Necessitate Close Monitoring
Frequent foetal monitoring is done when there is:
- Low amniotic fluid
- Foetal growth restriction
- Abnormal foetal organ development
- Abnormal rhythms
- Abnormally small or large gestational sac
- Abnormal positioning of the placenta (such as placenta previa)
- Delayed growth parameters
While these signs are not always alarming, they definitely need medical follow-up, emphasises Dr Patil.
When Should Follow-Ups Be Scheduled?
According to the doctor, the need for follow-up scans depends on the initial findings. Minor concerns may simply require a repeat scan in 2-4 weeks, while more serious issues may warrant detailed imaging like foetal echocardiography or referral to a specialist.
High-risk cases are often followed up every 1-2 weeks in the third trimester to ensure maternal and foetal stability.
Conclusion
Routine prenatal ultrasounds can provide expecting mothers with much-needed reassurance during the uncertain journey of pregnancy. Beyond just checking on the baby’s growth and heartbeat, these scans give soon-to-be parents a glimpse into their baby’s world, sometimes the first image of tiny hands or a fluttering heartbeat. While most results are routine, early detection of any concerns allows doctors to act quickly, giving families a chance to prepare and seek the right support.