Ultrasound During Pregnancy — How Many Scans Do You Really Need?
A friendly, no-jargon guide for first-time moms
If you're pregnant for the first time, you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and "what am I even doing?" — and that's completely normal.
One of the things that causes the most questions? Ultrasound scans.
How many do you actually need? What is the doctor looking for? Is it safe? And why does my friend seem to have more scans than me?
Let’s break it down together — like we’re sitting with a cup of tea and chatting.
First Things First — What Is a Pregnancy Ultrasound, and Is It Safe?
Let me put your mind at ease right away.
An ultrasound uses sound waves — not radiation, not X-rays. A small device is gently moved over your belly. It sends sound waves into your body, and those waves bounce back to create a live image of your baby on a screen.
It’s the same kind of technology that dolphins and bats use to "see" with sound. Pretty cool, right?
It’s painless, non-invasive, and has been used safely in pregnancy care for decades.
If your doctor recommends a scan, it’s not because something is wrong. It’s because they want to check that everything is going right.
You don’t need to fast. You don’t need needles. You just lie back, watch the screen, and (probably) tear up a little.
The Standard Scan Schedule in India — What Happens and When
Most doctors in India recommend about 4 to 6 scans for a normal, healthy pregnancy. Here’s when they usually happen and why each one matters.
First Trimester (Weeks 6–13)
Dating scan (6–8 weeks) — Confirms the pregnancy, checks the baby’s heartbeat, and estimates your due date. This is often the first time you see your baby.
NT scan (11–13 weeks) — Measures fluid at the back of the baby’s neck. Combined with a blood test, it helps assess early development.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)
Anomaly scan / TIFFA scan (18–22 weeks) — This is the most detailed scan. The doctor checks the baby’s brain, heart, spine, kidneys, arms, legs, and even face. Many parents get their first clear look at their baby’s profile here.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)
Growth scan (28–32 weeks) — Checks the baby’s size, position, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Colour Doppler scan (32–36 weeks) — Measures blood flow from the placenta to the baby through the umbilical cord.
Final scan (near delivery) — Confirms the baby’s position (head down or not) and helps plan for a safe birth.
Each scan has a job. None are random. Think of them as checkpoints on a road trip — just making sure you’re still going the right way.
What Is the Doctor Actually Looking For in Each Scan?
You don’t need to become a medical expert. But knowing what the doctor checks can turn your worry into quiet confidence.
Here’s a simple breakdown:ScanWhat the doctor checksDating scanPregnancy location, heartbeat, how many weeks along you areNT scanFluid at the back of the baby’s neck (an early development sign)TIFFA / Anomaly scanBrain, heart, spine, kidneys, arms, legs, faceGrowth scanBaby’s size, fluid around the babyColour DopplerBlood flow through the placenta and umbilical cordFinal scanBaby’s position (head down or breech)
In most pregnancies, these scans simply confirm that everything is normal. And honestly? That peace of mind is one of the best feelings in the world.
“My Doctor Asked for an Extra Scan — Should I Be Worried?”
Short answer: No. Please don’t panic.
I know — the moment the doctor says, “Let’s do one more scan,” your heart might skip a beat. But here’s what’s usually happening:
Sometimes the first image wasn’t clear enough (babies move, angles are tricky).
Sometimes they want to double-check the baby’s position or fluid levels.
Extra scans are very common in twin pregnancies, or if the mother has diabetes or high blood pressure.
An extra scan usually means your doctor is being careful — not that something is wrong.
Think of it as your doctor saying, “I want to be absolutely sure everything is fine.” Wouldn’t you want that too?
And if you’re in South Chennai and looking for a trusted place to get it done, many families choose an ultrasound scan in Tambaram at Indian Scan — where modern equipment and same-day reports help take the stress out of waiting.
How to Prepare for a Pregnancy Ultrasound (It’s Easier Than You Think)
You don’t need to do anything complicated. But a few small steps can make the scan smoother and give clearer images.
Drink water before an early pregnancy scan. A full bladder helps push the uterus up for a clearer view.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes — easy to lift or adjust around your belly.
Carry your previous scan reports and doctor’s prescription. This helps the radiologist compare growth over time.
Bring someone you love — your partner, your mom, or a close friend. It makes the experience feel warm instead of clinical.
Fasting (not needed for most pregnancy scans)
Pain (there is none — just a little gel that might be cold)
Getting everything perfect (the technician will guide you)
And most importantly? Try to enjoy it. This is one of the few times you get to see your baby before you hold them in your arms. Let yourself feel that joy.
Why the Right Scan Centre Matters (More Than You Think)
Not all ultrasound centres are the same. And when it comes to your baby’s health, small differences actually matter a lot.
Here’s what to look for:
Modern equipment — Clearer images help doctors catch details more accurately.
Experienced radiologists — They know exactly what to measure and what to look for.
Quick reporting — Waiting days for results is stressful. Same-day reports give you peace of mind faster.
For families in and around Tambaram, Indian Scan offers pregnancy scans with clean, comfortable facilities, trained technicians, and same-day reporting. Whether it’s your first dating scan or the final position check before delivery, having a trusted centre makes the whole journey feel lighter.
Because every scan is not just a medical test. It’s a page in your baby’s story — and that story deserves to be told with care.
