Ultrasound during pregnancy — it shows

Women face many questions about their baby's health during pregnancy. Using ultrasound scans, doctors and pregnant women can gain an insight into why ultrasound during pregnancy is one of the most important routine examinations. An ultrasound creates an image of the fetus, which provides information about its development, size and position. This gives doctors and expectant parents an overview of the baby's health. Complications such as signs of a malformation can be detected early during pregnancy using ultrasonography, and the due date can also be determined in the course of this. Physicians can also use ultrasound to advise pregnant women on the course of their pregnancy and make recommendations for childbirth.

How does an ultrasound scan work during pregnancy?

Ultrasound is a low-risk, pain-free procedure. In the event of pregnancy, ultrasound is usually performed in a gynecological practice such as Gynecology Hamburg or the Gynecology Frankfurt carried out. During the ultrasound, you lie on a couch. Your doctor applies a gel to your stomach, which improves the transmission of surge waves. The doctor then passes the transducer across the stomach — this emits high-frequency sound waves, which are reflected by the tissue and provide information about the size, position and structure of the fetus. 2D ultrasound is normally performed for pregnancies. 3D ultrasounds are usually only used in case of specific questions.

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a vaginal ultrasound during pregnancy — this is offered in addition to abdominal ultrasound. During this examination, a special transducer is inserted into the vagina, which allows a closer look at the uterus and the unborn child. This procedure is particularly used in early pregnancy, for example when there are signs of possible complications and the results of abdominal ultrasound are unclear. Vaginal ultrasound provides detailed images because the sound waves do not have to penetrate the abdominal wall first.

In both cases, the examination only takes a few minutes — but plan more time so that you can talk to your doctor about the examination and the results before and after the examination.

The three basic ultrasound scans during pregnancy

As a legally insured person, you are entitled to three basic ultrasound scans, which are covered by health insurance. You decide what information your doctor gives you as part of the examinations — for example, you can refrain from knowing the gender of your child in advance. The basic ultrasound scans you are entitled to usually take place in the 9th-12th, 19-22nd and 29-32nd weeks of pregnancy.

First trimester screening (9th-12th week)

The first ultrasound during pregnancy is primarily used to confirm the same. In addition, this is carried out in combination with a blood test to assess evidence of the risk of chromosomal disorders such as trisomy 21. Ultrasound also provides information about the expected due date. It also shows whether there is a single or multiple pregnancy.

Organ screening (19-22 weeks) — the “big ultrasound” during pregnancy

Organ screening is also known as “large ultrasound” due to its duration and scope. A distinction is made between two examinations — the basic ultrasound examination and the extended basic ultrasound examination. Both benefits are covered by health insurance.

The basic ultrasound examination measures the size of the head and abdomen as well as the length of the femur, and the heart function is also checked. In addition, the location of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid are assessed.

The extended basic ultrasound examination looks at the head, brain chambers, cerebellum, neck and back. The size and position of the heart and the course of the vessels are also analysed in detail and examined for malformations.

Doppler ultrasound (29-32 weeks)

During so-called Doppler ultrasound, blood flow to the umbilical cord and placenta is checked. This determines whether the fetus is adequately supplied with nutrients and oxygen. The location and amount of amniotic fluid are also checked again.

What can an ultrasound do during pregnancy — and what not?

Ultrasound scans provide important information regarding fetal development. They help to identify possible malformations at an early stage and thus help with planning pregnancy and childbirth. However, ultrasound also has limits — not all malformations or diseases can be reliably diagnosed using it. False positive findings are just as possible here as false negative findings — especially disorders that occur later in pregnancy may be overlooked.

How accurate is the diagnosis of an ultrasound during pregnancy sometimes depends on several factors. For example, how much amniotic fluid is in the amniotic sac plays a role. The quality of the ultrasound device, the position of the child and the thickness of the abdominal wall also have an impact on the result.

Special ultrasound examinations are sometimes necessary for certain questions or if there is an increased risk of malformations. These are covered by health insurance if there are appropriate medical reasons (e.g. in the case of a high-risk pregnancy).

FAQs about ultrasound during pregnancy

How much does an ultrasound cost during pregnancy?

The costs of ultrasound are covered by health insurance. This applies to the three basic ultrasound scans as well as to ultrasound, which are necessary for medical reasons. Further examinations must be paid for by yourself or covered by private health insurance. The costs of an ultrasound during pregnancy vary, but are usually between 50 and 150 euros.

Is frequent ultrasound harmful during pregnancy?

So far, there is no evidence that ultrasound scans harm the fetus; the procedure is considered low-risk. Share your concerns with your treating doctor — the gynaecologists at Eterno Tell me in detail about ultrasound. With appropriate continuing education, a general practitioner may also perform an ultrasound as part of pregnancy. To do this, contact the practice for General Medicine in Hamburg.

When is an ultrasound done during pregnancy?

The three basic ultrasound scans covered by statutory health insurance take place in the 9th-12th, 19-22nd and 29-32nd weeks of pregnancy. If these are high-risk pregnancies or there are certain signs of malformations, further investigations may be necessary. You can discuss the exact time and frequency individually with your treating doctor.