Are Extra Ultrasounds Safe? The Truth About Ultrasound Frequency

If you’re pregnant and feeling unsure about how many scans are too many, you’re not alone. I’ve spoken to hundreds of women—some worried about the 'risk' of scans, frustrated by conflicting advice online and wanting some clarity and actual facts. Maybe you've already had a few scans and are being offered more. Or perhaps you're seeking reassurance and wondering: are multiple ultrasounds safe for my baby?

Let’s walk through the facts calmly and clearly, so you can feel more confident about the care you're receiving—and the decisions you make.

Is it safe to have multiple ultrasounds during pregnancy?

In short: yes, ultrasound is considered very safe when performed by a trained professional using standard settings. It's been used in pregnancy care for over 50 years, and current research has not shown harm to babies from routine medical ultrasound scans.

That said, it’s important to distinguish medical or well-being scans from non-medical or entertainment scans. When scans are done for a clear reason—like checking baby’s growth, position, or wellbeing—they’re part of good clinical care. When they're done frequently just for photos or videos, especially by unqualified operators, the benefit is much lower—and that’s when unnecessary exposure becomes a fair concern.

If you’re being recommended extra scans, it’s usually for a reason that supports your or your baby’s health. Still, it’s completely reasonable to want clarity on why.

How many ultrasounds are “normal” during pregnancy?

In most healthy pregnancies, you’ll be offered two main scans*:

1. Dating scan (around 11–14 weeks)
2. Anatomy or anomaly scan (around 18–22 weeks)

Depending on your location, you might also be offered:

• A nuchal translucency scan (if part of first trimester screening and often incorporated into the dating scan)
• A growth scan (often in the third trimester)

But if you have twins, a previous pregnancy complication, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or concerns about your baby’s growth or movements, extra scans may be part of your care plan.

Each scan should have a clear clinical reason—and you’re absolutely entitled to ask what that is.

What about 3D or 4D scans—are they safe too?

3D and 4D scans use the same safe ultrasound technology, but in a different mode using a different ultrasound probe or transducer. When performed by trained professionals, they are considered safe. What matters is who performs the scan.

Many families enjoy seeing their baby’s face, especially later in pregnancy. Just make sure you're choosing a qualified provider who knows how to scan safely.

Should I worry if I’ve had lots of scans already?

If you've had several scans—whether routine, private, or medically recommended—it’s natural to wonder how much is too much.

Here's what I tell parents in my clinic: if the scans are performed appropriately, by trained professionals, using standard settings, there's no evidence to suggest any harm to you or your baby.

Ultrasound is not like X-ray or CT—it doesn’t use ionising radiation. It uses sound waves, which create images by bouncing off tissues in the body. The key is using it responsibly, and that’s what professional guidelines are all about.

If you’re still feeling unsure, you don’t need to stay in the dark. Speaking to a qualified sonographer—someone who lives and breathes ultrasound —can help you feel more informed.

What should I ask before having an extra scan?

Here are a few simple questions you can ask your care provider or sonographer:

• What’s the reason for this scan?
• What information are we hoping to get?
• Is it safe to have another scan at this stage?
• Will it help us make a decision?
• Are we monitoring something specific?

A clear answer to those questions should leave you feeling informed, not overwhelmed. And if you’re not getting the reassurance you need—that’s what we’re here for.

What if a scan shows something unexpected?

Even when scans are safe and useful, they can sometimes bring up findings that sound alarming—but are often harmless.

For example, a report might mention something like a choroid plexus cyst or single umbilical artery, and it’s completely normal to worry. But many of these findings aren’t cause for concern, even if they sound scary.

Feeling confused or anxious? You're not alone.

If you’re still not sure whether to have another scan, what your scan results mean, or just need to talk to someone who truly understands—that’s exactly what we do at The Scan Lady. Start by downloading your Pregnancy Scan Timeline for a visual overview of what scans to expect, when, and why.

This article was written by Maria Birch, a registered obstetric sonographer with over a decade of real-life NHS and private ultrasound experience - helping parents navigate pregnancy scans with confidence and clarity.