Ultrasound scan in pregnancy

When is an ultrasound performed during pregnancy?

Ultrasound is performed multiple times during pregnancy – according to the guidelines of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, at least three times, in each trimester of pregnancy.

Between the 5th and 10th week of pregnancy, when the pregnant woman reports to the gynaecologist after a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound may be performed to confirm the pregnancy, assess the woman’s reproductive organs and determine whether the embryo has implanted in the uterine cavity rather than, for example, in the fallopian tube. This is, however, an optional examination. It is carried out using a vaginal probe – unlike at later stages of pregnancy, when ultrasound is performed through the abdomen.

Mandatory ultrasound examinations in pregnancy include:

• Ultrasound between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy,
• Ultrasound between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy,
• Ultrasound between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.

These examinations are designed to monitor foetal development and detect possible abnormalities (screening examination).

Ultrasound scan in pregnancy is also performed after the due date because of an increased risk of intrauterine foetal demise.

The ultrasound examination uses the phenomenon of ultrasound waves reflecting off the structure of the organs – it is a non-invasive technique and the examination itself is painless and safe for both the woman and the foetus.

What does the examination look like?

Depending on the stage of the pregnancy and the purpose of the examination, an ultrasound may be performed through the vagina (e.g. at the beginning of pregnancy or when assessing the length of the cervix) or through the abdomen. During the examination, the doctor applies a special gel onto the abdomen or on the ultrasound transducer to obtain good-quality images. The application of the gel may cause discomfort as it feels cold and sticky, but the unpleasant sensations end as soon as the examination is completed.

• A referral for the test is not required. There are no significant contraindications to this examination.
• You should bring your medical records to the examination: results of previous ultrasound examinations (if performed), hospital information sheets, etc.
• The duration of the examination is approximately 15-20 minutes.
• The result of the examination (medical impression with photo) is available immediately after the examination.