How does the 20-week ultrasound work?

You can have the 20-week ultrasound done between week 18 and week 21 of your pregnancy. The ideal time for the ultrasound is in week 19 of your pregnancy.

Where can I have the 20-week ultrasound done

After talking to your midwife or gynecologist, did you decide that you want to have a 20-week ultrasound? Then make an appointment for the ultrasound with your midwife. The 20-week ultrasound can only be done by specially trained ultrasound technicians.
Preparing for the ultrasound scan

• Wear clothing that allows you to uncover your belly easily. This might be a shirt with pants or a skirt.
• The ultrasound technician needs to concentrate fully during the scan. That is why we advise you not to bring any children along.
• You can bring your partner or someone else you know well. If the ultrasound technician sees something that could be an abnormality, it is nice to have someone with you.

How does the ultrasound scan work?

• During the ultrasound scan, you lie on your back.  You uncover your belly. The technician will apply some gel to your belly. It may feel a little cold. The ultrasound technician moves the ultrasound scanner over your belly.
• The ultrasound does not hurt at all and is not dangerous. Your child will not feel anything. The ultrasound is not harmful to you or your child. Now the ultrasound technician can look at your child. You can usually watch too.
• The entire scan takes about 30 minutes.

In some cases, the ultrasound technician cannot see all the details. This may happen if there is excess weight or scar tissue in the way, or if the child is not positioned well.

An internal ultrasound (vaginal scan)

If it is hard to see all the details, the technician may suggest an internal ultrasound. That can be done right away. If you do not want an internal ultrasound, you can say no.