Is Ultrasound Safe During Pregnancy ?

Ultrasound scanning during pregnancy is a 100% safe procedure for both mother and child because it uses sound waves rather than harmful radiation like X-rays or CT scans. While doctors can often identify the baby’s gender through these scans, it is strictly prohibited to disclose this information in India under the PNDT Act to prevent female foeticide. Typically, a healthy pregnancy requires three to four scans: an early “dating scan” at 6–9 weeks to check the heart rate and position, an NT scan at 11–13 weeks for genetic screening, a detailed “anomaly scan” at 18–20 weeks to inspect organ development, and a final “growth scan” in the third trimester to monitor the baby’s weight and amniotic fluid levels. These scans are essential medical tools for ensuring the health of the baby and identifying any high-risk conditions early on.