It depends on when you first visit your doctor — if your last menstruation was more than 10 weeks ago, then it’s almost time for the first screening, but if you visited your doc earlier, then there are options.
When and why is ultrasound screening performed?
At 11-14 weeks, an ultrasound scan is performed to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
What if I went to the doctor in the first week after I missed my period?
If you did a home test and know you are pregnant, then it makes sense to have an ultrasound scan to exclude an ectopic pregnancy.
What if I don't remember when I had my period last?
Then an ultrasound will be used to determine your due date [1].
I had an ultrasound scan at the first visit, do I need screening at the 11-14 weeks?
Yes. These scans have different purposes. Up until 11 weeks, the fetus is still too small to look for the structural features characteristic of chromosomal diseases (such as Down's syndrome). And the doctor is unlikely to decide to diagnose only by blood tests, without the results of an ultrasound scan [2].
If I went to the gynecologist during the 9-10th week, will I get two ultrasounds in a row?
If you do not have pain or other complaints, you can wait another week or two and do the first screening.
