How Many Ultrasounds Do You Need in a Healthy Pregnancy?
If you're pregnant and wondering how many ultrasound scans you actually need, you're not alone. It’s one of the most common—and confusing—questions expectant parents have.
You might be hearing different answers from friends and family, reading conflicting information online, or feeling anxious that you haven’t had as many scans as someone else. As a registered and experienced obstetric sonographer, I want to reassure you: this confusion is completely normal. Let’s clear it up, together.
What is the standard number of scans during pregnancy?
In most uncomplicated or 'low-risk' pregnancies, you’ll typically have two routine ultrasounds:
- The dating scan – usually between 11 and 14 weeks
- The anomaly scan – usually between 18 and 22 weeks
These two key scans are offered by most public healthcare systems, including the NHS in the UK, Medicare in Australia, and equivalent systems in Canada, Europe, and North America.
What do these routine scans check for?
- The dating scan confirms how far along you are and checks for a heartbeat and basic development.
- The anomaly scan looks in detail at your baby’s organs, spine, limbs, brain, and heart, checking for structural concerns.
Both scans are medical tools designed to assess baby’s well-being and guide your antenatal care.
Do I need more scans if I’m feeling anxious?
It’s completely understandable to want extra reassurance—especially if this is your first baby, if you’ve had a difficult experience before, or if you're simply someone who feels better seeing things for yourself.
You don’t need a medical reason to feel anxious. And if your feelings are affecting your sleep or daily life, it’s okay to seek reassurance.
Some parents choose to have private reassurance scans for this reason. If you’re not sure whether to book one, the post 5 Signs You Should Get a Private Scan or Second Opinion might help you decide.
Why aren’t more scans offered routinely?
It’s not about rationing care—it’s about doing what’s medically appropriate. Most healthcare systems base scan schedules on:
- Clinical guidelines
- Evidence-based outcomes
- Resources and safety
In a healthy pregnancy, fewer scans are a sign that everything is progressing well.
Are extra scans safe?
Ultrasound has been used in pregnancy for over 50 years and is considered very safe when used by trained professionals.
That said, it should be clinically justified or used responsibly in a reassurance setting. It's not a toy, but it is a powerful tool for information and peace of mind.
What if I’ve been offered more scans?
Extra scans may be offered if you:
- Are having twins or multiples
- Conceived via IVF
- Have a medical condition like high blood pressure or diabetes
- Had a previous complication
- Are suspected of carrying a small or large baby
These scans don’t mean something’s wrong. In fact, they’re often just a way for your care team to keep a closer eye on you and your baby.
Common Questions About Ultrasound Frequency
Is it normal to only have two scans?
Yes—especially if everything appears healthy. Fewer scans can be a sign that things are going well.
Will I miss something important if I don’t get more?
No—routine scans are designed to catch major concerns. If anything new arises, more scans can always be arranged.
Can I ask for a scan even if nothing's wrong?
Yes. Many private clinics offer reassurance scans. Just be sure they’re performed by registered professionals.
Do private scans replace NHS or doctor-led scans?
No. They’re usually an extra layer of reassurance, not a substitute for routine care.
What if I’m still worried after a normal scan?
That’s a common feeling. Reassurance doesn’t always come from the scan itself—it can come from understanding the results. You might find Is This Normal? 5 Ultrasound Findings You Shouldn’t Worry About calming.
Final Thoughts
Every pregnancy is different. You might have two scans—or five. What matters most is that you feel informed and supported.
If your scan schedule doesn’t match someone else’s, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
For a simple overview of the scans you may have during your pregnancy, download Your Pregnancy Scan Timeline below.