Obstetric Ultrasound: What Each Scan Reveals About Your Baby

Written by Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Elevate Health and Wellness, serving patients across the Gulf Coast in Gautier, MS and Foley, AL.

Why Ultrasound Is Central to Prenatal Care

Diagnostic ultrasound has transformed pregnancy care by giving providers and expectant parents a safe, real-time window into fetal development. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound uses sound waves — not radiation — making it safe to use throughout pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), ultrasound is the standard of care for confirming pregnancy location, assessing fetal growth and anatomy, and identifying complications early when intervention is most effective.

First Trimester: Confirmation and Dating (Weeks 6-13)

The first obstetric ultrasound typically occurs between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. Its primary purposes are to confirm that the pregnancy is located in the uterus (ruling out ectopic pregnancy), detect fetal cardiac activity, establish gestational age and an accurate due date, determine whether you are carrying one baby or more, and evaluate the uterus and ovaries for any structural abnormalities. At Elevate Health and Wellness, this scan is performed as part of our early pregnancy care program and reviewed in real time with Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.

First Trimester Screening: Nuchal Translucency (Weeks 11-14)

Between weeks 11 and 14, a specialized ultrasound called the nuchal translucency (NT) scan measures the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby's neck. An increased NT measurement, particularly when combined with first trimester blood markers, can indicate an elevated risk for chromosomal conditions including Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. This scan is optional but recommended for comprehensive prenatal screening.

Second Trimester: Anatomy Scan (Weeks 18-22)

The anatomy scan — also called the 20-week scan — is one of the most comprehensive ultrasound evaluations performed during pregnancy. It systematically evaluates fetal brain and spine development, heart structure and function, abdominal organs including kidneys and stomach, facial structures, limbs and extremities, placental location and appearance, amniotic fluid volume, and cervical length. This scan can identify many structural abnormalities that would change clinical management.

3D and 4D Elective Ultrasound at Elevate

In addition to diagnostic obstetric ultrasound, Elevate offers elective 3D and 4D ultrasound sessions for expectant families who want a more immersive bonding experience and detailed imagery of their baby's face and movements. These sessions are typically performed between 26 and 34 weeks for optimal imaging quality.

Ready to schedule your pregnancy ultrasound? Learn about our early pregnancy and elective ultrasound services at Elevate in Gautier, MS and Foley, AL.

Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ultrasound in Pregnancy. acog.org. | AIUM. Obstetric Ultrasound Guidelines. aium.org.

This article is written by Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of Elevate Health and Wellness. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized care.