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Fetal Ultrasound

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A fetal ultrasound scan uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of your Reference fetus Opens New Window, the organ that nourishes your fetus (Reference placenta Opens New Window), and the liquid that surrounds your fetus (Reference amniotic fluid Opens New Window).

You may not receive information about the test right away. Full results are usually available in 1 or 2 days.

**Fetal ultrasound**
Normal:	The fetus is the size expected for its age. The heart rate and breathing activity of the fetus is normal for its age. If the test is done late in the pregnancy, the fetus is in the head-down position. The placenta is the size expected for the stage of the pregnancy and does not cover the cervix. The uterus contains an adequate amount of amniotic fluid. No birth defects can be seen. (Many minor defects and some major defects are not easily seen. Also, birth defects do not always show up early in pregnancy.) See Reference ultrasound images of a normal fetus Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
Abnormal:	The fetus is growing more slowly than normal, is small, or is underdeveloped for its age. The fetus is abnormally large for its age. If this test is done late in the pregnancy, the fetus is in the buttocks-down Reference (breech) position Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. Birth defects, such as absent kidneys or Reference anencephaly Opens New Window, are present. The placenta covers the cervix (Reference placenta previa Opens New Window). The uterus contains too much or too little amniotic fluid. The fetus is developing outside of the uterus (Reference ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window). The scan shows abnormal tissue instead of a normal fetus (Reference molar pregnancy Opens New Window). The fetal heartbeat is not present. This can mean fetal death.

Many conditions can change fetal ultrasound results. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your past health.

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference June 18, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Reference William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Health Information

Fetal Ultrasound

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