What is a Pregnancy Ultrasound Turkey?
Pregnancy ultrasound Turkey is a non-invasive diagnostic method that uses sound waves to image the fetus in the womb. A high-frequency ultrasound probe is placed on the abdominal skin or vaginally, and the reflected waves are converted into real-time images on a monitor. Ultrasound technology is safe for both mother and baby because it does not contain ionizing radiation; it can be repeated at every stage of pregnancy. It is the basic tool for obstetric follow-up, both for detailed examination of fetal anatomy and for obtaining biometric data on the progress of pregnancy.
What is the Benefit of Ultrasound During Pregnancy?
Ultrasound is used in the early stages of pregnancy to determine intrauterine location, vitality and gestational age; and in the middle and later stages to assess fetal growth, organ development, amniotic fluid volume, placental location and circulation with doppler examinations. It also helps in the early diagnosis of structural anomalies in fetal anatomy (neural tube defects, heart anomalies, short limbs). In risky pregnancies, color doppler examinations that evaluate uterine and fetoplacental blood flow play a critical role in monitoring conditions such as preeclampsia or fetal growth retardation.
In Which Weeks Is Ultrasound Performed?
The pregnancy ultrasound schedule usually covers the following time periods: confirmation of pregnancy and detection of heartbeat between 6 and 8 weeks, nuchal translucency (NT) measurement and combined scan between 11 and 14 weeks, detailed anatomy scan between 18 and 22 weeks, growth and amniotic fluid control between 24 and 32 weeks, fetal position assessment and doppler examinations between 32 and 36 weeks, and final checks for preparation for birth starting at 37 weeks. In risky cases, these intervals can be shortened or additional ultrasound sessions can be added.
What are the Types of Ultrasound? (2D, 3D, 4D, Color Doppler)
Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound provides flat cross-sectional images that form the basis of pregnancy monitoring and is the most widely used method. Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound combines these flat cross-sections to provide a volumetric image of the fetus; it is particularly useful in examining facial anomalies and organ structure. Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound combines 3D data with the time dimension to provide real-time motion images; it allows for the monitoring of fetal hand, face and other movements. Color Doppler ultrasound shows blood flow velocity and direction with color representations; placental circulation and fetal oxygenation are assessed with umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and uterine artery Dopplers.
What is Seen in a First Trimester Ultrasound?
The first goal of the first trimester of pregnancy is to determine the intrauterine location of the gestational sac, the presence of the embryo, and the heartbeat with transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound. The chorion and amniotic sacs, echogenic spaces within the sac, and chorionic vaults (the point where the embryo attaches to the placenta) are examined. Combined first trimester screening is performed by combining nuchal translucency (NT) measurement with PAPP-A and free β-hCG values to determine chronic risk. Early subcutaneous cysts, gestational sac size differences, and the possibility of ectopic pregnancy are also evaluated with ultrasound.
When is Second Trimester (Detailed Ultrasound) Performed?
Second trimester ultrasound, also known as detailed anatomy scan, is performed between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy. In this examination, the fetal head, brain structures (ventricles, cerebellum), facial bones (nasal bone), spine, heart four-chamber evaluation, spleen, kidneys, stomach, abdominal wall integrity, bladder and genital organs are examined in detail. In addition, extremities (arm, forearm, hand, leg, tibia, fibula) and number of fingers are checked. Placental localization (previa, low placement risk), cord vein number and amniotic fluid index (AFI) are measured. Depending on the cases, circulatory dynamics can also be evaluated simultaneously with color doppler.
The Role of Ultrasound in the Third Trimester
Third trimester ultrasound is the period when growth curves are monitored through biometric measurements (head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length) to determine the risk of fetal growth restriction (IUGR) or excessive growth (macrosomia). In addition, amniotic fluid index, placental age (grade), umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery flow resistances are evaluated with doppler examinations. Fetal position and presentation (head first or breech) are determined; cervical length and cervix ripeness are checked with light doppler or vaginal ultrasound for cesarean indication or induction planning. Prenatal weekly NST combinations and ultrasound-supported monitoring with biophysical profile play a critical role in reducing perinatal mortality in risky pregnancies.
Is Ultrasound Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves that do not contain ionizing radiation and has no proven harmful effects on the mother or fetus. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Turkish Medical Association guidelines recommend that ultrasound be performed only for medical indications and for as short a time as necessary, thus maximizing mother-baby comfort and safety. The low-energy ultrasonic vibrations produced by the ultrasound probe allow the anatomical and physiological development of the fetus to be monitored without causing heat increase or mechanical damage to the tissue. It can be safely repeated throughout the pregnancy as an integral part of obstetric monitoring.
When Can Gender Be Determined by Ultrasound?
Fetal genital organs begin to take shape anatomically between 14-16 weeks, but the most suitable period for clear gender determination is usually between 18-20 weeks. During this period, both male and female genital structures can be distinguished with high accuracy with 2D ultrasound sections. 4D ultrasound also provides detailed images from different angles, making it easier to determine gender. If the baby’s position, amniotic fluid amount and maternal abdominal structure are appropriate, an experienced operator can then provide the correct information on the first try.
Pregnancy Ultrasound Prices 2026
As of 2026, pregnancy ultrasound fees will vary depending on the center’s equipment and expertise. A standard 2D pregnancy screening ultrasound costs ₺300–600, a 2D ultrasound with detailed anatomy (weeks 18–22) costs ₺800–1,200, and 3D/4D social imaging packages cost ₺1,200–2,000. Packages with color doppler examination cost an additional ₺500–800. Private insurance or package agreements may affect prices; contact us for a definitive quote—get a quote from us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ultrasound harm the baby?
No. Ultrasound creates images using sound waves, does not contain ionizing radiation, and is safe for both mother and fetus. Clinical guidelines recommend that it be performed only if medically necessary and for the shortest possible time.
How many times are ultrasounds performed during pregnancy?
In low-risk pregnancies, usually 4–5 times: vitality and date determination at 6–8 weeks, nuchal translucency measurement at 11–14 weeks, detailed anatomy at 18–22 weeks, growth monitoring at 24–32 weeks, and position assessment at 36–40 weeks. In high-risk pregnancies, this frequency can be weekly or more frequently as needed.
Is Gender Prediction Accurate?
Ultrasound gender determination is usually highly accurate; genital structures are clearly seen in detailed anatomy ultrasound performed between 18-20 weeks and an experienced operator can provide accurate information. However, depending on the baby’s position, the amount of amniotic fluid and the thickness of the maternal abdominal wall, there may be occasional uncertainty. Especially if the legs are closed or crooked, the genitals may not be fully visible. In such cases, a second ultrasound session or 4D examination to obtain images from different angles helps to make the estimate more accurate.
When and Why is a Detailed Ultrasound Performed?
Detailed anatomy ultrasound is planned between 18-22 weeks of pregnancy; during this period, fetal organ systems are sufficiently developed and amniotic fluid volume is also suitable for detailed examination. The aim is to detect structural anomalies at an early stage by examining brain structures, heart chambers, spinal cord integrity, facial bones, internal organs such as kidneys and stomach in detail. Placental placement, cord structure and amniotic fluid index are also checked at the same session. In risky pregnancies or if there is a genetic anomaly in the family history, detailed ultrasound guides the decision for early secondary examinations, genetic counseling or invasive diagnostic methods when necessary.
Are Ultrasound Images Provided?
All digital images obtained during pregnancy ultrasound are delivered to the parents via CD/DVD or USB memory. Clinics make 3D/4D videos ready to share in high-resolution format in social packages as well as 2D photos. Raw data in DICOM format is archived for medical records and can be transferred to another center if necessary. Physical prints (photo prints) or digital albums of the images are also offered as an additional service; so you can immortalize your baby’s developmental moments and share them in detail with your doctor.