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You may start to wonder: Are so many scans really safe for my baby? It’s a valid question, especially when there’s no clear explanation or when different people give different advice.
Ultrasound is a safe and important part of pregnancy care when used for medical reasons. But it’s also okay to ask how many are truly necessary for your situation. Here’s what science says, and how to make sense of it in the Indian context.
What Does an Ultrasound Actually Do in Pregnancy?
Ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses sound waves (not radiation) to create pictures of your baby inside the womb. It’s also called a “sonography” or “scan.”It helps doctors:
- Confirm if you're really pregnant and how far along you are
- Check if the baby is growing well and organs are developing normally
- See where the placenta is and whether there are any risks like low fluid, cord around the neck, or growth restriction
- Detect certain complications early, like multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, or birth defects
How Many Ultrasounds Are Usually Needed in a Healthy Pregnancy?
Here’s what most guidelines (including WHO and ICMR) suggest for a low-risk pregnancy:- Dating scan (6-9 weeks): Confirms pregnancy, heartbeat, and expected due date.
- NT scan (11-13 weeks): Checks for risk of genetic conditions like Down Syndrome.
- Anomaly scan (18-22 weeks): Also called the Level 2 scan, this detailed scan looks at the baby’s organs, spine, brain, limbs, and placenta.
- Growth scan (28-32 weeks): Checks baby’s weight, position, amniotic fluid, and blood flow.
- Optional final scan (36-38 weeks): For delivery planning or suspected complications.
When You May Need Extra Scans And When You Might Not
There are valid medical reasons for more frequent ultrasounds. But sometimes, extra scans are done more out of habit or commercial interest.More scans are usually needed if:
- You have diabetes, thyroid, or high blood pressure
- Your baby was small or underweight in a previous pregnancy
- The placenta is low (near the cervix)
- Your baby’s movements have reduced
- You’re having twins or an IVF pregnancy
- You’ve had bleeding, pain, or spotting
- Your pregnancy is progressing normally with no symptoms
- You’re being told to get weekly scans without any explanation
- Scans are done “just to see the baby” at keepsake ultrasound centres
- You feel pressured by clinics offering “scan packages”
What the Research Says About Ultrasound Safety
Ultrasounds have been used in pregnancy for over 50 years. There’s no evidence that routine, medically-indicated scans cause harm to the baby. They don’t use radiation like X-rays, and the sound waves are considered low risk.BUT here’s what studies caution against:
- Too many ultrasounds can sometimes lead to overdiagnosis: Picking up small findings that may cause unnecessary stress or lead to further testing that’s not needed.
- Repeated exposure without a medical reason: May raise concerns in certain animal studies, especially at very high intensities, though these don’t reflect normal human scan settings.
- Fetal keepsake ultrasound studios, where people go to just “watch the baby for fun,” have been criticised by medical bodies like WHO, ACOG, and FOGSI because there’s no health purpose.
How to Know If a Scan is Truly Necessary
Here’s a practical checklist to go by:- You haven’t felt the baby move normally in the last 12 hours
- You have bleeding, fluid leaking, or pain
- You have a high-risk pregnancy (BP, diabetes, twins, IVF, etc.)
- Your doctor suspects growth issues, low fluid, or cord problems
- It’s a scheduled anomaly or growth scan based on your trimester
What to Avoid: Non-Medical or “Recreational” Ultrasounds
In some cities, private centres offer paid 3D/4D “baby watching” scans that are purely for photos or videos, often with long sessions or added exposure.Medical bodies across the world strongly discourage these because:
- They expose the baby to unnecessary heat and energy
- They have no diagnostic benefit
- They can give a false sense of reassurance or cause avoidable worry
How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty
It’s okay to say:- “Can you help me understand why this scan is needed?”
- “I’m not comfortable with more scans unless there’s a concern.”
- “Is there a risk if I wait and watch instead?”
This isn’t about doubting your doctor. You’re just working with them to protect your baby without unnecessary stress or cost.
Ultrasounds are a powerful part of pregnancy care. But like anything, balance matters. When used with a clear purpose, they can save lives and reduce risk. But when used casually, they can increase anxiety, costs, and lead to confusion. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and know that saying “I’d like to understand more” is always your right.
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FAQs on How Many Times Should You Get a Sonography in Pregnancy?
- Can ultrasounds harm my baby’s brain or development?
No. Routine ultrasounds use safe sound waves, not radiation. No studies show harm when used correctly by trained professionals. - How often should I get scanned in pregnancy?In most low-risk pregnancies, 3–5 scans across 9 months are enough. More may be needed if your doctor spots any concerns.
- Is 3D or 4D ultrasound safe?
These are safe when medically done, but avoid keepsake or entertainment-only scans that extend exposure without a reason. - My doctor asks for a scan every week now. Should I be worried?
Not always. This is common in the last trimester to monitor high-risk cases. Just ask what the scan is tracking, and whether it’s essential.
