What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. During pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to see your baby inside the womb. With this internal sneak peek, your doctor can monitor your baby’s health and development, as well as your own health and wellbeing.

The Cost of an Ultrasound

The amount of money you can expect to pay to see your growing baby and monitor your baby’s health depends on several factors. The most significant is your health insurance coverage. While many insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of medically necessary pregnancy ultrasounds, you may still be responsible for your copay, as well as any charges to reach your deductible.

Your insurance costs can also be impacted by:

• Your service provider – Larger hospitals may charge more than smaller clinics or doctor’s offices because they have higher administrative costs and physician fees to account for. Additionally, choosing an out-of-network provider will cost you more than choosing an in-network provider.
• The span of your pregnancy – If your pregnancy spans two calendar years, you’ll need to meet your deductible each year. This means if you find out you’re pregnant in October, you’ll have to meet your deductible again for any procedures, including ultrasounds and your delivery, that take place in the following calendar year.
• The purpose of the ultrasound – Because doctor-prescribed sonograms are considered medically necessary, your insurance will likely cover some or all of the cost as part of your plan. However, elective ultrasounds (i.e. 3D ultrasound and 4D ultrasound that are performed only to provide a keepsake photo or video) will most likely not be covered by your insurance company.

If you’re wondering, “is a sonogram the same as an ultrasound?”, read our linked blog to find out more about what they are and how they differ.

Aside from your insurance coverage, the cost of an ultrasound can also vary depending on:

• The type of ultrasound – Standard, doctor-prescribed transabdominal ultrasounds (where an ultrasound wand is rubbed over the abdomen) typically cost around $200. However, transvaginal ultrasounds (which involve inserting the ultrasound wand into the vaginal canal) average closer to $700, while more detailed 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds can run between $100 to $300.
• The state or city where you live – Areas with a higher cost of living will likely charge more for your ultrasound procedure. For instance, according to Healthcare Bluebook, receiving an ultrasound scan in New Jersey costs around $350, whereas the same procedure in Oklahoma costs about $175.

Before scheduling your ultrasounds, it’s best to contact your insurance provider to review your plan’s specific coverage details. That way, you know exactly how much (if any) you’ll have to pay out of pocket for an ultrasound scan.

If you don’t have health insurance coverage and can’t afford to cover the cost of your ultrasound out of pocket, ask your doctor about applying for Charity Care—free or reduced cost treatment for medically-necessary procedures, including in-patient hospital stays, emergency room visits, and prenatal ultrasounds. Under federal and state laws, hospitals are legally required to cover this type of medically necessary care if you cannot afford the payment.

With Charity Care, the cost of your treatment will depend on:

• Your household income
• Your household size
• Your hospital’s specific Charity Care Policy

To ensure your ultrasound is covered, research hospital policies carefully and apply for your hospital’s Charity Care program as soon as possible (not after you receive your hospital bills).

Why are pregnancy ultrasounds important?

Whether you’re carrying your first baby or your fourth, ultrasounds provide an exciting glimpse inside your womb and a peek into your baby’s development. Your ultrasound will also mark the first time you’ll get to listen to your baby’s heartbeat and see the outline of a face and body. For many expectant parents, this builds a stronger connection with their tiny new family member.

Ultrasounds do more than strengthen your bond with your baby. They also provide important medical insight to ensure a healthy baby and delivery. Depending on which type of ultrasound you receive, your doctor will be able to determine:

• Your due date
• The size of your baby
• Your baby’s heart rate
• The amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus
• Any birth defects or other potential issues, such as an ectopic pregnancy
• The position of your baby and the placenta

What kinds of ultrasounds are available?

Various types of ultrasounds are available to provide your doctor with information regarding your baby, your pregnancy, and you. The two most common types of ultrasounds performed during pregnancy are:

• Transabdominal ultrasound – This is what people often envision when they think of pregnancy ultrasounds. During this procedure, an ultrasound wand is rubbed over the skin of the abdomen to produce images of the fetus and the inside of the womb.
• Transvaginal ultrasound – During a transvaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound wand is inserted about 2 to 3 inches into the vaginal canal. This procedure is often performed during early pregnancy ultrasounds to:
• Confirm pregnancy
• Monitor the fetal heartbeat
• Examine the cervix and placenta
• Identify abnormal bleeding

Transvaginal ultrasounds are typically performed early in pregnancy because during this time, the uterus and fallopian tubes are still situated close to the birth canal, deep inside the pelvis. This makes them harder to detect and examine with a transabdominal ultrasound. In fact, one study of 120 women found that transvaginal ultrasounds produced a significantly clearer ultrasound image in 63% of first trimester ultrasounds.

As your pregnancy progresses, your uterus will grow up and out, expanding until it no longer fits inside your pelvis. By the middle of your second trimester, your uterus will rest between your belly button and your breasts, making it easier to examine with a transabdominal ultrasound.

Other Types of Ultrasounds

While transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds are most common, your doctor may recommend other types of ultrasounds depending on your pregnancy needs. You may also request additional or alternative ultrasounds to receive more detailed images of your growing baby or more specific medical information.

These types of ultrasounds include:

• Nuchal translucency ultrasound – Performed between 11 and 13 weeks, this type of ultrasound exam is used to check for Down syndrome, heart defects, and other chromosomal abnormalities.
• Doppler ultrasound – A Doppler ultrasound works by bouncing sound waves off of red blood cells to measure blood flow to your baby. Your doctor may recommend a Doppler ultrasound during your third trimester if your baby is growing at a rate that’s slower than average.
• 3-D ultrasound – 3-D ultrasounds take thousands of photos at once to create a 3-D image of your baby. While some providers use this type of ultrasound scan to monitor the development of your baby’s organs and check for facial abnormalities (which may be a sign of a birth defect), others offer this to parents to provide them with a keepsake sonogram.
• 4-D ultrasound – A 4-D ultrasound is similar to a 3-D ultrasound, but also captures movement to provide you with a video of your lively womb tenant.

When are ultrasounds performed during pregnancy?

When do you get your first ultrasound? On average, ultrasounds are recommended twice during your pregnancy—the first at 8 to 13 weeks, and the second at 18 to 20 weeks. However, ultrasounds may also be performed earlier or later in pregnancy depending on your specific situation and medical needs.

Standard Ultrasounds

Most women typically receive their ultrasounds during the following stages of pregnancy:

• 8 to 13 weeks – During your first trimester, you’ll receive your first ultrasound. During this ultrasound, your doctor will confirm your pregnancy, reveal how many babies you’re carrying, predict your due date, and check your baby’s heart rate. This is typically referred to as a first trimester or early pregnancy ultrasound.
• 18 to 20 weeks – During the 18 to 20 week ultrasound, which is often referred to as the anatomy ultrasound or anatomy scan, your doctor will examine your placenta and your amniotic fluid levels, as well as your baby’s heart, brain, spinal cord, face, kidneys, and abdomen to help detect any birth defects or abnormalities. It’s also during this ultrasound that your doctor can determine the gender of your baby.

Additional Ultrasounds

For women with high-risk pregnancies or other medical complications, additional ultrasounds may be recommended to ensure the health and safety of both Mom and baby. These ultrasounds will often take place during:

• 6 to 8 weeks – Some doctors may perform an ultrasound between 6 and 8 weeks if you’re exhibiting any symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy (such as bleeding or abdominal pain), or if you have a history of miscarriage or pregnancy complications.
• Third trimester – While third trimester ultrasounds usually aren’t necessary, your doctor may use them to continue to monitor your baby’s development if you’re over the age of 35 (an age that designates your pregnancy as high risk) or if you’ve been experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• High blood pressure
• Bleeding
• Low levels of amniotic fluid
• Preterm contractions

How to Prepare for Your Ultrasound

When you schedule your first ultrasound appointment, your doctor will likely provide you with information to prepare you for your visit. If you’re early in your pregnancy, particularly less than 14 weeks along, your doctor may advise coming to the appointment with a full bladder as ultrasound waves travel better through liquid, providing your doctor with clearer images during the procedure.

Wearing a loose-fitting, two-piece outfit can also be helpful, as it will allow your ultrasound technician easier access to your belly and can provide you with additional comfort. You may also want to prepare questions in advance to ensure you understand every detail of your ultrasound and how it affects both you and your baby.

Waiting for Your Ultrasound to Discover Your Baby’s Gender? Find Out Sooner with SneakPeek

When it comes to ensuring your little one’s health and wellbeing with an ultrasound, no price is too high—especially if that ultrasound can also shed light onto your baby’s gender. Fortunately, with SneakPeek, you no longer have to wait until your 18 to 20 week ultrasound to discover whether your womb is home to a precious little girl or a sweet little boy.

With SneakPeek’s At-Home Early Gender Prediction Test, you can learn your baby’s gender as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy, with clinically-proven over 99% accuracy.¹ But what does this NIPT test cost without insurance? SneakPeek offers a range of affordable options, including:

• SneakPeek Lancet Standard – With our standard Lancet kit, we’ll reveal your baby’s gender within a day of receiving your sample.
• SneakPeek Snap Standard – Choose the new Snap device to make collecting your sample easy and painless.
• SneakPeek Snap FastTrack – Learn your baby’s gender easily and quickly with the Snap FastTrack option. You’ll receive your results the same day we receive your sample.

If you like the (ultra) sound of fast, easy, and accurate gender results, purchase your own SneakPeek At-Home Gender Prediction Test today.