Pregnancy brings moments of joy, wonder, and anticipation, along with a few understandable concerns. Watching your baby grow can be one of the most reassuring and rewarding parts of the journey, gently easing worries as each stage unfolds. Ultrasound scans during pregnancy allow you to witness the important milestones, creating a bond between you and your baby right from the womb. It also allows doctors to monitor fetal growth and development, predict the due date, and ensure the well-being of the mother and baby.
Many women wonder how many scans during pregnancy in India. Generally, doctors plan around 4 to 5 scans during the 40-week pregnancy period. However, your doctor may recommend additional scans depending on fetal development and the health of the mother. Understanding the pregnancy scan timeline and what to expect during each scan can help you feel more informed, confident, and reassured throughout your pregnancy journey.
Your first trimester ultrasound scan is usually done around the 6th to 8th week. It is generally performed after home pregnancy tests are positive and on your first visit to your gynecologist. Doctors perform this scan to confirm the pregnancy, monitor the heartbeat, and confirm if the pregnancy is progressing in the right place. Doctors can also determine the approximate due date based on the findings from the first ultrasound scan.
Between the 11th and 14th week, your doctor will perform the Nuchal Translucency scan. This scan is particularly done to measure the fluid behind the baby’s neck. It provides information on any genetic conditions or chromosomal defects, like Down syndrome.
During the 18th to 22nd week of pregnancy, your doctor will perform an anomaly scan. It is a detailed scan that provides information on the baby’s growth and development. In this scan, the doctor checks the baby’s limbs, organs, brain development, and spine formation. Your doctor will also check the health of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid.
The placenta delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus, while the amniotic fluid regulates the temperature and aids in the development of healthy fetal muscles and bones. The health of the placenta and the amniotic fluid provides vital information regarding fetal development and growth. That is why the ultrasound scans during this stage of pregnancy are important.
As you move through the final stages of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a scan between 28 and 36 weeks to track your baby’s growth. During this scan, the doctor will track the baby’s growth rate, including weight and other aspects of development.
Your doctor may perform a colour Doppler scan to assess maternal and fetal blood circulation and placental blood flow. The colour Doppler may be used in the anomaly scan or growth scan.
Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Center is a leading maternity hospital in Bangalore, with state-of-the-art facilities for pregnancy care. Schedule your appointment today for your colour Doppler scan in pregnancy.
A late pregnancy scan provides information about the baby’s position. This scan helps assess your baby’s readiness for delivery and supports decisions regarding the timing of labour.
Typically, doctors perform 4-5 scans during the course of your pregnancy. However, there may be underlying factors or medical conditions that require additional scans to be performed. The doctor may recommend more scans for:
| Pregnancy week | Scan | Purpose |
| 6-8 weeks | First scan | To confirm the pregnancy |
| 11-13 weeks | NT scan | To check for genetic conditions or chromosomal anomalies |
| 18-22 weeks | Anomaly scan | Checks fetal anatomy |
| 28-36 weeks | Growth scan | Monitors baby’s growth |
| Late scan | Position scan | Determines the baby’s position to plan for delivery |
| Additional scans | As suggested by the doctor | In case of high-risk pregnancies |
Before you visit the hospital for your scheduled scan, always carry past reports for reference. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and stay well hydrated to help your doctor obtain clear ultrasound images.
Doctors will ask you to lie on an examination table while the doctor applies a gel to the skin of your belly. The gel may feel cool. The gel helps to transmit sound waves more efficiently through the transducer in the ultrasound scan. Fetal images appear on the screen. You can ask your doctor to explain the images.
Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Center in Bangalore has a team of the top gynecologists and sonographers for pregnancy care. Our advanced diagnostic tools and infrastructure allow us to provide precise diagnoses and treatments. From high-risk pregnancies to smooth deliveries and newborn care, we are one of the most preferred maternity hospitals in Bangalore. Book your appointment today for your advanced pregnancy scan.
Typically, doctors perform 4 to 5 ultrasound scans during pregnancy. However, the doctor may suggest additional scans for high-risk pregnancies.
Yes. Doctors routinely use ultrasound scans during pregnancy to safely monitor your baby’s growth and development.
Preparation depends on the type of scan. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need a full bladder or any other specific preparation. You may want to wear loose fitting outfits for your scan.
