US Medical Term · tests
Prenatal Ultrasound
Ecografía Prenatal
Also: Ultrasonido Prenatal (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Prenatal Ultrasound |
| Spanish (Español) | Ecografía Prenatal |
| Chinese (中文) | 產前超音波 |
| Korean (한국어) | 산전 초음파 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Siêu âm thai |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Prenatal Ultrasound |
| Portuguese (Português) | Ultrassonografia Pré-natal |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อัลตราซาวด์ก่อนคลอด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 産前超音波検査 |
What it means
A prenatal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby and uterus during pregnancy. A gel is applied to your abdomen, and a transducer is moved over the skin to capture images. Some early-pregnancy scans use a transvaginal probe inserted gently into the vagina for better images. The test is painless and safe for both mother and baby, as no radiation is used. Ultrasounds are used to confirm pregnancy, check the baby's growth and position, measure the amniotic fluid, detect structural abnormalities, and determine the due date. You may be asked to have a full bladder for some exams. Most pregnancies involve at least two scheduled ultrasounds.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Should I drink water and have a full bladder before my prenatal ultrasound?
¿Debo tomar agua y tener la vejiga llena antes de mi ecografía prenatal?
At how many weeks can the ultrasound determine the baby's sex?
¿A cuántas semanas puede el ultrasonido determinar el sexo del bebé?
Can the prenatal ultrasound check if the baby's organs are developing normally?
¿El ultrasonido prenatal puede verificar si los órganos del bebé se están desarrollando normalmente?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026