Discovering you are pregnant is a significant moment. While it is exciting, it is normal to feel a mix of emotions, including some anxiety and stress. Your mind probably fills with questions, but the most exciting one is asking when you finally see your baby during an ultrasound.

For many, this first scan makes everything feel real. It is the moment you see a tiny flickering heartbeat. While most scans happen later, healthcare professionals may check you earlier if you have a history of infertility issues or medical concerns like high blood pressure.

Ultrasound overview

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people get their first ultrasound between six and nine weeks of pregnancy. The NHS indicates that this is often referred to as a “12-week dating scan,” meaning it helps medical experts determine precisely how far along you are. If you have a healthy pregnancy without problems, you might wait until 11 to 14 weeks for your first big check-up, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of your baby on a screen. It is safe, as it does not use any radiation and is noninvasive according to the Cleveland Clinic. Healthcare professionals use this first step to check the baby’s heart and ensure the pregnancy is in the correct position. It is a very special day for new hopeful parents.

Step 1: Confirm your pregnancy

Before you get a scan, you need to know you are pregnant. Most people start with an at-home urine test. These tests are very accurate once you have missed your period. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic writes that at-home pregnancy tests are about 99% effective when used correctly.

Once you see that “plus” sign or double line, call your medical professional. Your healthcare provider will ask when your last period started. They use this date to guess your due date professionally. They will then schedule your first visit. You usually do not go in the very next day. Most healthcare professionals wait a few weeks so the baby is big enough to see on the screen.

Step 2: The early “dating” scan

If your medical professional schedules a scan early, it is usually between weeks six and nine. At this stage, the baby is very tiny. It might appear as a small “bean” on the screen. This scan is important because it lets your medical expert check the baby’s heart. By your seventh week ultrasound, the heartbeat usually appears as a tiny, rapid blink on the screen, according to Healthline.

It is also the time when you find out exactly how many babies you are having. The doctor will check whether you are having a single baby or twins. Additionally, your doctor needs to ensure the baby is developing in the correct position within your womb. They check to ensure the baby is not stuck in a tube, which would be dangerous. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can lead to ectopic pregnancy, which occurs outside the uterus, threatening the mother’s life. Swift treatment can prevent deadly blood loss.

Step 3: The Nuchal Translucency scan

If you do not have an early scan, your first one may be around week 12, offering more detailed information. This is a prevalent time for the first big check-up. At 12 weeks, the baby begins to resemble a human more closely. You can see noticeable features like arms, legs and a head.

Healthcare professionals often check the back of the baby’s neck. This is known as a Nuchal Translucency (NT) test, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. NT helps detect certain health conditions, such as Down syndrome. Many parents find this scan very comforting because the baby is much easier to recognize.

Ultrasound tips and best practices

Getting your first ultrasound is a significant milestone, often accompanied by a mix of pure excitement and nervousness. To make the appointment go as smoothly as possible, a little preparation goes a long way. First, be strategic about your outfit. Opt for a two-piece look (like a comfortable shirt paired with pants or a skirt) rather than a one-piece dress or jumpsuit. This allows for easy access to your belly for an abdominal scan or makes undressing from the waist down quicker if a transvaginal exam is required.

Also, check the guest policy beforehand. Most clinics allow one adult guest to join you in the room. Having a partner, friend or family member there isn’t just for sharing the joy; they can provide critical emotional support and serve as a second set of ears to remember doctor’s instructions.

Finally, secure the memory. Don’t assume you will walk out with a strip of glossy photos; many modern clinics have switched to digital portals. Ask at the start of the appointment if they send images to your phone or if you are permitted to record a short clip of the heartbeat on the screen, so you don’t leave empty-handed.

How much does an ultrasound cost?

The cost of an ultrasound can vary widely. It depends on where you live and your specific insurance policy. Without insurance, a pregnancy scan usually costs between $200 and $600 per, Healthline. Most insurance plans cover at least two scans during pregnancy. These are the dating scan and the 20-week anatomy scan. If you do not have insurance, many clinics offer a “self-pay” discount. Always ask for the price before your appointment, so you are not surprised by a bill.

For an early ultrasound scan, the NHS advises that your doctor may ask you to arrive with a full bladder. This helps “push” your uterus up so the baby is easier to see on the screen. Check your appointment instructions to be sure!

How to prepare for the first ultrasound

Preparation is usually straightforward. Most of the time, you do not need to do anything special. However, for every early scan (mainly before eight weeks), your doctor might use a transvaginal ultrasound, explains the Cleveland Clinic. This is a small wand that goes inside the vagina to get a closer look at the baby.

If you are further along, they will use a “transabdominal” scan. This is where they apply a cold gel to your belly and move a wand over your skin. Just try to relax. Being stressed can cause your muscles to tighten, making the scan a little harder for the technician.

Can too many ultrasounds harm a baby?

Ultrasounds have been used for over 40 years. According to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that they are harmful to the baby or the mother. They do not use X-rays or radiation. They only use sound waves that bounce off the baby to create an image.

However, experts advise that scans should only be performed for medical reasons. You should avoid “keepsake” 3D or 4D photo centers that are not in a doctor’s office. These places often use the machine for a long time to get a cute picture. It is always best to let a trained medical professional do the scan.

Dr. Justus Rabach, MD, recommends that women have the first-trimester Nuchal Translucency scan between 11 and 14 weeks. “Then, later, the anatomy scan is performed between 18 and 20 weeks. Birth defects have a better chance of being discovered between these two ultrasounds.”

Bottom line

Most women get their first ultrasound between six and 14 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s heart and growth. These scans are a safe, painless and stimulating way to meet your baby for the first time. By following your doctor’s schedule, you can ensure you and your baby stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you get ultrasound results immediately?

In most cases, the person performing the scan can provide you with basic information (such as the heartbeat), right away, but a doctor will issue the final official report later.

Is seven weeks too early for an ultrasound?

No, seven weeks is an excellent time for an early scan because the baby’s heartbeat is usually strong and easily visible on the screen.

Can I eat before an ultrasound?

Yes, you can eat normally before a pregnancy ultrasound, as food does not affect the sound waves used to see the baby.

Citations

Cleveland Clinic. Ultrasound In Pregnancy: What To Expect, Purpose & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Published September 28, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy

NHS. 12-week pregnancy dating scan. nhs.uk. Published December 2, 2020. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/12-week-scan/

Mayo Clinic. Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits. Mayo Clinic. Published July 26, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20044882

Cleveland Clinic. Ultrasound: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Published April 12, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4995-ultrasound

Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy Test: When To Take, Types & Accuracy. Cleveland Clinic. Published November 28, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9703-pregnancy-tests

Bradley S. What to Expect at Your 7-Week Ultrasound. Healthline. Published October 30, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/7-week-ultrasound

Mayo Clinic Staff. Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. Published March 12, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088

John Hopkins Medicine. First Trimester Screening, Nuchal Translucency and NIPT. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Published December 28, 2022. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/first-trimester-screening-nuchal-translucency-and-nipt

NHS. Ultrasound scan. nhs.uk. Published October 2017. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/ultrasound-scan/

Cleveland Clinic. Transvaginal Ultrasound: Purpose, Procedure & What To Expect. Cleveland Clinic. Published 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4993-transvaginal-ultrasound

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Prudent Use and Safety of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Pregnancy. www.aium.org. Published May 19, 2020. https://www.aium.org/resources/official-statements/view/prudent-use-and-safety-of-diagnostic-ultrasound-in-pregnancy

Baschat AA. Preventing and Treating Birth Defects: What You Need to Know. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/preventing-and-treating-birth-defects-what-you-need-to-know

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