A prenatal ultrasound test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your baby and the placenta. As well as being used to establish your baby’s due date an ultrasound is also used to:

• detect a multiple pregnancy
• determine the position of your baby
• check the amniotic fluid around the baby
• check the baby’s heart beat
• determine the position of placenta
• check for some major abnormalities

An ultrasound is completely harmless and depending on your hospital is usually performed at 18-22 weeks of pregnancy.

You will have at least one ultrasound during your pregnancy however, your doctor may want to do more ultrasounds to check on your baby’s growth or condition.