How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost?

From your stockpile of diapers to your collection of adorable onesies, your baby budget likely accounts for the necessary and not necessarily necessary (but definitely cute) baby items that will prepare you for the arrival of your little prince or princess. But your budget should also take into account medical necessities, such as your pregnancy ultrasounds. In fact, as you calculate all your baby expenses, you may wonder:

How much does an ultrasound cost?

The answer is—it depends. To better understand how much you’ll pay for your pregnancy ultrasounds, we’ll discuss what factors play a role in the cost of ultrasounds, including where you live and your health insurance coverage.

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 well-being.

If you’re looking to learn your baby’s gender earlier than the typical 20-week ultrasound, consider the SneakPeek At-Home Gender Blood Test. Many ultrasound studios now offer SneakPeek as an alternative to find out your baby’s gender as early as 6 weeks. If you’re already going in for an ultrasound checkup before the 20-week scan, this could be the perfect time to try SneakPeek. Find a gender blood test at a clinic near you to get started.

How Much Is an Ultrasound With Insurance?

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 doctors’ 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. 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.

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 learn more about what they are and how they differ.

How Much Is an Ultrasound Without Insurance?

The cost of an ultrasound without insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

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.

Where you get the test done

The location where you have your ultrasound performed can greatly influence the price. Imaging centers, which specialize in diagnostic procedures, typically offer more affordable rates compared to larger hospitals or private clinics. Larger facilities often have higher administrative and operational costs, which can result in higher prices.

How to Save on Ultrasound Costs 

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).

Money Well Spent: 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 for pregnancy 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

How often are ultrasounds performed during pregnancy?

When do you get your first ultrasound, and how many do you have to get after that? 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 ultrasound, an or early pregnancy ultrasound, or even a 12-week 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 parent and baby. These ultrasounds will often take place during:

• 6 to 8 weeks – Some doctors may perform a 6 to 8 week ultrasound 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 symptoms: like high blood pressure, low levels of amniotic fluid, preterm contractions, or bleeding.

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.

Learn Your Baby’s Gender Before the 18-20 Week Ultrasound 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 on your baby’s gender. Fortunately, with SneakPeek, you no longer have to wait until your 18 to 20 week gender reveal 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 how much does a gender blood test cost? 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, the first patented blood collection device on the market, 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.

Editorial Policy

At SneakPeek, our commitment is to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information to empower our readers. Our content is thoroughly researched, reviewed by medical experts, and fact-checked to ensure its credibility. We prioritize the well-being and education of our readers, and our editorial policy adheres to the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in all our articles.

This post has been reviewed for accuracy by the following medical professional:

Katie Smith, MSN, APRN, CNM

Katie Smith is a seasoned Certified Nurse Midwife and a nurturing mother to six children, offering a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience. She is the founder of Birth Your Way Midwifery and Women’s Wellness Center in Bay County, Florida. Katie's comprehensive approach to care is informed by her hands-on experience in motherhood and her passion for empowering women through their birthing journey. Her dedication extends beyond her center as she actively engages in community wellness and family health education.

Sources:

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• Value Penguin. The Cost of an Ultrasound or Sonogram for Pregnancy. https://www.valuepenguin.com/cost-sonogram-ultrasound-pregnancy
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• March of Dimes. Ultrasound During Pregnancy. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/ultrasound-during-pregnancy.aspx
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