Ultrasound scans in pregnancy

Routine pregnancy ultrasound scans
These are offered and recommended in:

• the first trimester at 11-13 weeks
• the second trimester at 18-20 weeks.

Non-routine pregnancy ultrasound scans
In early pregnancy, your midwife or doctor might recommend a non-routine ultrasound scan if:

• You have vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain.
• There’s uncertainty about your pregnancy dates.

Later in pregnancy, your midwife or doctor might recommend extra ultrasounds if:

• There are concerns about your health or your baby’s health and development.
• There were complications in a previous pregnancy.
• You’re expecting twins or multiples.
• Your baby is overdue.

Pregnancy ultrasound scans are safe for you and your baby. It’s your choice whether to have these scans.

The 12-week ultrasound scan: what it’s for

The 12-week ultrasound is one of the recommended routine tests in pregnancy. It:

• checks that your baby is growing and developing as expected
• checks the position of the placenta
• is part of the screening process for chromosomal anomalies in babies
• confirms how many babies you have
• confirms your baby’s age and estimated due date
• can measure your chance of developing pre-eclampsia.

This 12-week ultrasound scan usually happens at an ultrasound clinic or a public hospital department. The results will be sent directly to your midwife or doctor. They’ll contact you to let you know about the results or discuss them with you at your next appointment.

This ultrasound scan often happens at around 12 weeks in pregnancy, but it can happen anywhere between 11 and 13 weeks.

The 12-week ultrasound and first-trimester screening

The 12-week ultrasound is part of a screening test called combined first trimester screening. This test combines results from a blood test and the 12-week ultrasound to screen for chromosomal anomalies and other conditions.

As part of the ultrasound scan, the ultrasonographer measures the back of your baby’s neck. This measurement is combined with the results of the blood test to work out your baby’s chance of having a chromosomal anomaly.

Depending on your screening test results, your midwife or doctor might recommend special diagnostic antenatal tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. If you’re thinking about having these tests, genetic counselling services can give you more information.

Most ultrasounds show that babies are developing well, but sometimes ultrasounds can pick up on signs of chromosomal anomalies, birth defects, or health or development problems. Some of these aren’t serious and won’t need much, if any, treatment. But some might be more serious. It’s worth thinking about how you might feel if the ultrasound picks up on any concerns or conditions. You and your partner will need support. Your midwife or doctor will be able to help.

Miscarriage at 12 weeks

Although most pregnancies are straightforward and progress to term, there’s a chance that the 12-week ultrasound scan could show that there has been a miscarriage.

A miscarriage is when a fetus dies before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriage is common. About 1 in 5 confirmed pregnancies are miscarried.

Miscarriage can be very sad and distressing. Along with grief and disappointment, you might feel helpless at not being able to protect your baby. There’s no right way to feel or grieve after a miscarriage.

If you and your partner (if you have one) aren’t coping or feel depressed, you might need professional help. See your GP or speak to a counsellor. You could also call Lifeline on 131 114, MensLine on 1300 789 978 or QLife (LGBTQ+ peer support) on 1800 184 527.

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan is a medical technique used to look inside your body and make images using high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound scans are often used to look at the soft tissues beneath the skin, like the muscles, organs and tendons. They can also be used to look at unborn babies and placentas.

If you’re having a pregnancy ultrasound scan, an ultrasonographer will put gel onto your abdomen and then move a probe across your skin. Occasionally it might be hard to view your baby or placenta at the 12-week scan. To get clearer images, the ultrasonographer might ask if they can gently insert the ultrasound probe into your vagina. This might cause mild discomfort, but it shouldn’t cause pain.

You’ll see images of your baby on a screen next to the ultrasonographer.