Ultrasonography is widely used during pregnancy because it provides high-quality images and, since it operates with sound waves, there is no harm to either the baby or the mother.
The ultrasonographies performed throughout pregnancy can generally be grouped into three categories:
- Early pregnancy ultrasonography performed between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy.
- Detailed pregnancy ultrasonography performed between the 18th and 24th weeks of pregnancy.
- Grey scale and Doppler ultrasonography performed after the 24th week in high-risk pregnancies.
What is Ultrasonography in Pregnancy?
Ultrasonography in pregnancy is a risk-free and imaging-focused method used to monitor the development of the baby in the womb.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the inside of the uterus in detail. This allows the assessment of the baby’s heartbeat, movements, organ development, and the condition of the placenta. It is performed for different purposes at every stage of pregnancy; in the early weeks for pregnancy confirmation, and in later weeks for monitoring development and detecting anomalies. Routine ultrasound check-ups are of great importance for monitoring the baby’s health and detecting potential risks early. The procedure is painless and completely safe for both the mother and the baby.
Early Pregnancy Ultrasonography
This ultrasonography can be performed from the 11th week up to the 14th week of pregnancy, and assesses the baby’s body integrity along with nuchal translucency, nasal bone development, and heart beats. These data, along with the results of blood tests performed concurrently, are evaluated to enable the early diagnosis of possible genetic disorders. This allows potential complications to be detected very early on, ensuring that necessary precautions are taken and, if necessary, a decision for termination is made before the pregnancy progresses.
Detailed Pregnancy Ultrasonography
“Detailed Ultrasound” examination is a check-up that should be performed on every pregnant woman during routine pregnancy monitoring between the 18th and 24th weeks of pregnancy, with high image quality, and where all of the baby’s organs are examined. This period, also called the second trimester (4th, 5th, and 6th months), has been chosen for detailed ultrasound because the development of all the baby’s main structures is complete and bone development has not yet intensified, while the image quality is also at its highest. The ultrasound data, along with the results of blood tests performed at the same time, are evaluated together to calculate probability percentages for certain hereditary diseases, and further advanced tests are requested for pregnancies with high risk.
Ultrasonography and Doppler After the 24th Week
-Sometimes performed to follow up on certain findings detected during routine early pregnancy ultrasonography and detailed ultrasonography performed on every pregnant woman.
-Applied in high-risk pregnancies, which we define as pregnancies accompanied by pre-existing maternal diseases or conditions that developed during pregnancy (such as gestational diabetes, hypertension).
-Or applied in pregnancies where detailed ultrasonography could not be performed between the 18th and 24th weeks.
Why is Ultrasonography Performed During Pregnancy?
The objectives can be summarized in a few headings: to confirm the existence and location of the pregnancy; to determine the number of fetuses and chorionicity; to screen for the risk of structural defects in the fetus; to monitor growth and well-being; to evaluate the placenta, amniotic fluid, and cord structure; and to measure uteroplacental–fetal blood flows in high-risk pregnancies.
Additionally, emergency evaluation in situations such as suspected bleeding, pain, fever, or rupture of membranes speeds up clinical decision-making. A well-structured ultrasound program prevents unnecessary interventions; if needed, it opens the door to advanced diagnostic tests at the right time.
Difference Between Routine Ultrasound and Detailed Ultrasound During Pregnancy
Routine examination is a standardized assessment that checks the general course of the pregnancy, focusing on specific measurements and basic organ screening. Detailed ultrasound, on the other hand, takes longer; it includes high-resolution scanning and a comprehensive anatomical check aimed at detecting small structural differences.
More sophisticated sections are taken in areas such as the heart, brain, and facial anatomy; Doppler evaluations and cervical length measurement frequently accompany it. The result is a framework that outlines probabilities and monitoring recommendations, rather than simply stating “normal” or “abnormal.”
What is 4D Ultrasound? When is it Performed?
4D (real-time 3D) ultrasound allows for the volumetric visualization of the baby’s facial expressions and movements. It is not medically mandatory; however, volumetric imaging can be explanatory for the family and physician in cases of certain facial–palate defects. The best images are usually obtained in the weeks when the baby’s face is not turned towards the placenta and there is sufficient amniotic fluid. Although its feature as a visual souvenir is more prominent, it can produce valuable additional information when used to serve a clinical purpose.
Is Ultrasound Harmful During Pregnancy?
Ultrasound works with sound waves and does not contain ionizing radiation. Global guidelines emphasize that it can be safely used during pregnancy when performed with medical indication and by trained personnel. Nevertheless, it is essential to avoid unnecessary settings such as “longer, higher power” and to keep thermal and mechanical indices within guideline limits. In short, when performed with the principle of “right question–right duration–right setting,” the benefit–risk balance is clearly in favor of the benefit.
What Should Be Considered Before and After Ultrasound?
Before the examination, it is sufficient to choose comfortable clothing, remove accessories such as jewelry and watches, and comply with the instructions given by the center (such as whether the bladder should be full or not). Privacy precautions are standard for early examinations performed transvaginally; the procedure is short and generally painless. No discomfort is expected during abdominal scans, other than the coldness of the gel. No special rest is required after the procedure; daily life can be continued. If a finding requiring follow-up is detected, the physician will share the timing and possible additional tests in detail.
When is Gender Prediction Performed with Ultrasound During Pregnancy?
The reliable determination of gender depends on the baby’s position, the amniotic fluid, and the expectant mother’s body structure. Generally, gender is more clearly distinguished from the middle of the second trimester; however, sometimes closed legs or the umbilical cord getting in the way can make evaluation difficult.
In situations where gender information is not a medical necessity, the result being delayed by a few weeks is not a problem; the priority is the complete and accurate performance of the anatomical scan.
Pregnancy Ultrasonography Prices 2025
In 2025, the prices for standard ultrasound procedures performed during pregnancy follow-up in private hospitals in Turkey start from approximately 2,900 TL and vary.
The service fee varies according to the scope of the examination (routine/detailed), the technology of the device used, the requirement for an experienced operator, whether additional Doppler or volumetric imaging is performed, the report delivery time, and the institution’s contract–reimbursement conditions. Follow-up appointments, high-risk pregnancy monitoring protocols, or consultation processes can also affect the budget. The difference between public and private centers and package contents determine the patient’s share. The most accurate planning is done after the clinical goal is clarified; contact us now for pregnancy ultrasonography prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first ultrasound performed during pregnancy?
- When there is a delay after the expected menstrual period, intrauterine pregnancy and the appearance of the gestational sac can usually be evaluated from 5–6 weeks onwards.
- Embryo and heartbeat monitoring are expected around 6–7 weeks; transvaginal examination provides clearer information in the early period.
- If there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy, pain, or bleeding, it is necessary to apply without delay; emergency ultrasound is vital.
In which week is detailed ultrasound performed?
- The most suitable window is between 18–23 weeks in most centers; in this period, the organs have grown sufficiently, and imaging angles have become favorable.
- Detailed sections of the heart, brain, and facial structures are more reliably scanned within this range.
- When similar risks are detected, the physician may plan additional checks and target-oriented examinations.
Does ultrasound harm the baby?
Since ultrasound works with sound waves, it does not contain radiation. It is considered safe when applied for medical purposes and by a trained team, at power and durations compliant with guidelines. Nevertheless, the “longer and higher power than necessary” approach is not preferred; planning is always focused on the clinical question and aims to obtain sufficient information in the shortest possible time.
Is the baby’s gender definitely understood with ultrasound?
Gender evaluation can usually be performed with high accuracy from the middle of the second trimester; however, “certainty” depends on factors such as the baby’s position, cord placement, and image quality. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a few weeks. Regardless of the result, the priority is always the completeness of the structural scan; gender information is an informative finding, not a medical necessity.
Is ultrasound in a state hospital sufficient?
Ultrasound examinations conducted with standard protocols in many state hospitals meet medical requirements. However, in high-risk pregnancies, those with a history of anomalies in previous pregnancies, or in special situations, detailed scanning in advanced centers may be requested. What matters as much as the device’s power is the protocol design and the match between the experienced physician–sonographer; reading the report along with the clinical picture is essential.