{"id":8991,"date":"2024-09-05T23:50:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T03:50:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pockethealthqa.wpengine.com\/?p=8991"},"modified":"2025-10-20T09:19:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T13:19:16","slug":"getting-a-pregnancy-ultrasound-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/patient-resources\/getting-a-pregnancy-ultrasound-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Should Know About Getting a Pregnancy Ultrasound in Ontario"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are scheduled for a pregnancy ultrasound in Ontario, you may be curious about what to expect. This guide will cover how many ultrasounds are typically recommended, whether you need a referral, estimated wait times and other commonly asked questions about the ultrasound process.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll also explain how to access your ultrasound results. \u00a0While some patients receive their results during a follow-up appointment, <\/span>PocketHealth<\/span><\/a> offers faster access by notifying you as soon as your report is finalized. This early access allows you to review your results and prepare any questions for your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pregnancy ultrasound schedule in Ontario: How many scans are recommended?<\/h2>\n

The number of recommended prenatal ultrasounds can vary depending on your specific health situation. Generally, two standard ultrasounds are performed during pregnancy, but there are several reasons why additional scans may be necessary. Below is an overview of the two typical ultrasounds and why they are used.<\/p>\n

Dating scan (11-14 weeks)<\/h3>\n

Many patients <\/span>undergo an ultrasound before their 14th week of pregnancy to check fetal size, confirm multiples, or monitor development in patients with health concerns. The primary reason for this early scan is to confirm gestational age by measuring the crown-rump length, which helps determine an accurate due date. While typically done between 11 and 14 weeks, a 6-week ultrasound<\/a> may be recommended, especially if the conception date is unclear.<\/p>\n

What to expect at your dating ultrasound<\/h4>\n

Ultrasounds are performed by a trained technician or sonographer using a handheld device called a transducer. This device sends high-frequency sound waves through your body, which bounce back to create images of your fetus on a screen. These images are used to measure and assess your baby’s growth.<\/p>\n

For scans between 6 and 12 weeks, you may need a transvaginal ultrasound. In this case, the transducer is gently inserted into the vagina for clearer imaging angles, especially when the baby is still very small. Although this procedure shouldn\u2019t be painful, notify the technician if you feel any discomfort.<\/p>\n

For ultrasounds at 12 weeks or later, you’ll likely have an abdominal ultrasound<\/a>. The technician will apply gel to your abdomen and glide the transducer over your belly to capture images of the growing fetus. Most later ultrasounds will follow this method, as the baby is large enough to be seen through the abdominal wall. You may be asked to have a full bladder, as this improves the clarity of the images. The dating scan typically lasts around 30 minutes.<\/p>\n

Anatomic scan (18-20 weeks)<\/h3>\n

The second routine ultrasound typically occurs between 18 and 20 weeks gestation. Known as the anatomy scan, this ultrasound is used to assess the baby\u2019s organs, measure growth, and determine the baby\u2019s sex. For most patients, this is the final ultrasound of the pregnancy, though additional scans may be necessary for those with gestational diabetes, other health conditions, or if they\u2019re expecting multiples. These extra scans are used to monitor the baby’s development and ensure everything is progressing normally in more complex pregnancies.<\/p>\n

What to expect at your anatomic ultrasound<\/h4>\n

This ultrasound is conducted externally, using a transducer on the abdomen. Because the anatomy scan involves detailed measurements and assessments of various structures like organs, the spine, and placenta, it takes longer than most routine ultrasounds. The average scan lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, though it can extend to an hour, particularly for those expecting multiples.<\/p>\n

The sonographer will capture detailed images of your baby’s development, and you might need to change positions if the baby\u2019s angle makes it difficult to get clear images. Similar to earlier ultrasounds, you\u2019ll likely be asked to have a full bladder to improve image clarity during part of the exam.<\/p>\n

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Getting an NT ultrasound in Ontario<\/h2>\n
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Nuchal translucency ultrasound<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

A Nuchal translucency ultrasound<\/a> is an optional scan typically offered during the first trimester. This specialized ultrasound measures the fluid behind the baby\u2019s neck and compares it to standard baselines. Extra fluid may suggest a higher risk of genetic or congenital conditions, such as Down syndrome. However, it\u2019s important to remember that even if the results show a higher risk, it doesn\u2019t confirm your baby has these conditions. Additional tests will be recommended to provide more clarity if necessary.<\/p>\n

Though not a routine scan, the NT ultrasound is covered by provincial health insurance (OHIP) with a referral from your healthcare provider. Timing is crucial for this scan\u2014it must be performed between 11 and 14 weeks for accurate results. After 14 weeks, the fluid behind the neck is reabsorbed into the baby, limiting its diagnostic value.<\/p>\n

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Cost of a pregnancy ultrasound in Ontario<\/h2>\n

For patients with valid Ontario healthcare coverage (OHIP), most ultrasounds are covered. Exceptions include elective scans, such as 3D and 4D ultrasounds. If you don\u2019t have a valid health card or if you are going to a private clinic, you will also need to pay for your scans. Typical prenatal ultrasounds can cost between $300 and $500, depending on the individual clinic and their prices.<\/p>\n

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Can I get an ultrasound without a referral in Ontario?<\/h2>\n

You will need a referral from your doctor to get an ultrasound performed in Ontario and other parts of Canada. This is generally the case even for private clinics.<\/p>\n

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Get fast access to your ultrasound results<\/h2>\n
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