Additional ultrasounds during pregnancy are recommended in some situations to closely monitor your baby’s growth, development, placenta, or overall wellbeing.
Most pregnant women expect to have one or two routine ultrasound scans during pregnancy.
Typically, these include an early dating scan and a detailed anomaly scan around the middle of pregnancy.
However, some women are told that they need additional ultrasounds.
Hearing this can be unsettling.
Many parents immediately assume that something is seriously wrong.
Quick Answer
Doctors may recommend additional ultrasounds during pregnancy if there are concerns about the baby’s growth, maternal health conditions such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, multiple pregnancy, reduced fetal movements, or findings from previous scans that need closer monitoring. In many cases, extra ultrasounds are precautionary and help ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
In reality, extra scans are often recommended simply to monitor the pregnancy more closely.
In many cases, these additional assessments are precautionary and help doctors ensure that both mother and baby are doing well.
As a women’s health physiotherapist, I frequently meet expectant mothers who become anxious after being scheduled for more scans.
Understanding why these ultrasounds are recommended can often ease fears and improve confidence throughout pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
- Additional ultrasounds are commonly recommended to monitor fetal growth and overall pregnancy health.
- Conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and twin pregnancies often require extra scans.
- Abnormal findings on earlier scans may lead to follow-up ultrasounds for closer assessment.
- Reduced fetal movements or concerns about amniotic fluid levels may also prompt additional imaging.
- Most additional ultrasounds are precautionary and do not necessarily indicate a serious problem.
- Diagnostic ultrasound performed by trained healthcare professionals is considered safe during pregnancy when medically indicated.
Are Additional Ultrasounds Always a Cause for Concern?
Not necessarily.
Additional scans do not automatically mean that there is a problem.
Many women simply require closer monitoring because of certain risk factors or pregnancy characteristics.
For example, carrying twins, having gestational diabetes, or being diagnosed with high blood pressure may lead to more frequent ultrasound examinations.
In many situations, these scans provide reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing normally. (Tingley et al. 2021)
What Types of Additional Ultrasounds Might Be Recommended?
Many parents are surprised to learn that there are different types of pregnancy ultrasounds.
Depending on the reason for monitoring, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following:
Growth Ultrasound
A growth scan measures the baby’s size and estimates fetal weight.
Doctors often use these scans when there are concerns about fetal growth restriction or if the baby appears larger than expected.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler studies assess blood flow through the umbilical cord, placenta, and certain fetal blood vessels.
These scans are particularly useful in pregnancies complicated by high blood pressure or fetal growth restriction.
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
A biophysical profile combines ultrasound findings with fetal heart rate monitoring to assess fetal well-being.
The assessment typically evaluates:
- Fetal movements
- Breathing movements
- Muscle tone
- Amniotic fluid levels
Cervical Length Ultrasound
Women at increased risk of preterm birth may undergo transvaginal ultrasound to measure cervical length.
Fetal Growth Appears Smaller or Larger Than Expected
One of the most common reasons for additional ultrasounds is concern about the baby’s growth.
During routine antenatal visits, healthcare providers measure fundal height, which is the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus.
If measurements suggest that the baby may be growing slower or faster than expected, an ultrasound may be ordered.
Additional scans help assess:
- Estimated fetal weight
- Growth trends over time
- Placental function
- Blood flow to the baby
Serial growth ultrasounds are particularly important when fetal growth restriction is suspected. (Lees CC, et al. 2022)
High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Women with chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia often require more ultrasound monitoring.
High blood pressure can affect placental blood flow, which may influence fetal growth and well-being.
Additional ultrasounds may assess:
- Fetal growth
- Amniotic fluid volume
- Umbilical artery blood flow
- Placental function
Regular surveillance helps doctors identify potential problems early. (Umana OD, et al. 2025)
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes can increase the likelihood of having a larger-than-average baby.
Extra ultrasounds may be recommended to monitor fetal growth and estimate birth weight.
Doctors also assess amniotic fluid levels because excessive fluid, known as polyhydramnios, can occur in some pregnancies complicated by diabetes. (Andelija S, et al. 2023)
Twin or Multiple Pregnancy
Women carrying twins or higher-order multiples almost always undergo additional ultrasound examinations.
Multiple pregnancies have a greater risk of:
- Growth differences between babies
- Preterm birth
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
- Placental complications
Frequent ultrasounds help monitor the health of all babies throughout pregnancy. (Whitworth M, et al. 2015)
Concerns Raised During a Previous Ultrasound
Sometimes a routine scan identifies findings that need follow-up.
Examples include:
- Mild kidney dilation
- Placental abnormalities
- Variations in fetal anatomy
- Borderline amniotic fluid levels
Follow-up ultrasounds help determine whether these findings resolve naturally or require further management.
Reduced Fetal Movements
If a pregnant woman notices reduced fetal movements, healthcare providers may recommend ultrasound evaluation.
Ultrasound can assess:
- Fetal movements
- Breathing movements
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Overall fetal well-being
Although reduced fetal movements do not always indicate a problem, they should never be ignored. (David et al. 2022)
Can Additional Ultrasounds Replace Fetal Movement Monitoring?
No.
Even if you are having regular ultrasounds, it is still important to pay attention to your baby’s movements.
Ultrasound provides information about fetal well-being at a specific point in time.
However, mothers often notice changes in movement patterns before other signs become apparent.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
- A noticeable reduction in fetal movements
- A sudden change in your baby’s usual movement pattern
- Difficulty feeling movements after 28 weeks of pregnancy
Never wait until your next scheduled scan if you are concerned.
Low or High Amniotic Fluid Levels
Ultrasounds are frequently used to monitor amniotic fluid.
Low fluid levels, called oligohydramnios, and excessive fluid levels, known as polyhydramnios, may require repeated assessment.
Changes in amniotic fluid can sometimes signal placental issues, fetal conditions, or maternal health concerns.
How Often Are Additional Ultrasounds Performed?
The frequency of additional ultrasounds depends on the reason for monitoring.
Some women may need only one extra scan.
Others may require scans every few weeks.
For example:
| Pregnancy Situation | Typical Monitoring Frequency |
|---|---|
| Suspected growth restriction | Every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Twin pregnancy | Every 2 to 4 weeks depending on chorionicity |
| Gestational diabetes | Individualised based on fetal growth |
| Hypertension or preeclampsia | Regular surveillance as advised by the healthcare team |
Your obstetrician will decide the most appropriate schedule based on your individual circumstances.
Every pregnancy is different, so comparing your scan schedule with someone else’s may not be helpful.
Maternal Health Conditions That May Require Extra Scans
Certain maternal conditions increase the need for closer surveillance.
Examples include:
- Chronic hypertension
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Obesity
- Previous stillbirth
- History of fetal growth restriction
Additional ultrasounds allow healthcare providers to individualize care based on risk. (Fowler et al. 2024)
Additional Ultrasounds in High-Risk Pregnancies
Certain pregnancies require closer monitoring because they are considered high risk.
Additional ultrasounds are commonly recommended if:
- You had complications in a previous pregnancy.
- You previously delivered prematurely.
- You have autoimmune disease.
- You have kidney disease.
- You conceived through assisted reproductive technology (IVF).
- You are over 40 years of age.
- You have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss.
Extra surveillance allows healthcare providers to detect potential complications early and personalise care throughout pregnancy.
As a physiotherapist, I often reassure women that increased monitoring is usually intended to improve outcomes rather than indicate a problem.
Myths vs Facts About Additional Pregnancy Ultrasounds
Myth: Needing extra ultrasounds always means something is wrong with the baby.
Fact: Additional ultrasounds are often recommended as a precaution. Many women with completely healthy pregnancies undergo extra scans because of factors such as twins, maternal health conditions, or previous pregnancy history.
Myth: Frequent ultrasounds are harmful to the baby.
Fact: Diagnostic ultrasound performed by trained healthcare professionals is considered safe during pregnancy when used appropriately for medical indications.
Myth: If one ultrasound looks normal, no further scans are ever needed.
Fact: Pregnancy is dynamic. Conditions such as fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, or changes in amniotic fluid can develop later and may require additional monitoring.
Myth: Additional ultrasounds increase the chance of miscarriage.
Fact: There is no evidence that medically indicated diagnostic ultrasound increases miscarriage risk when performed according to established guidelines.
Myth: Extra scans are only recommended in high-risk pregnancies.
Fact: Even women with otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies may occasionally need follow-up ultrasounds to clarify findings from earlier scans or monitor fetal growth.
A Physiotherapist’s Perspective: Managing Anxiety Between Scans
Waiting for repeated ultrasounds can be emotionally exhausting.
Many women tell me that the uncertainty between appointments is the hardest part.
A few strategies that may help include:
- Limiting excessive internet searches.
- Practising diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
- Staying physically active if approved by your healthcare provider.
- Attending antenatal physiotherapy sessions.
- Discussing concerns openly with your maternity team.
Pregnancy-related anxiety is common, especially in high-risk pregnancies. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Final Thoughts
Additional ultrasounds are often recommended to provide reassurance and ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy throughout pregnancy. Although needing extra scans can feel stressful, they frequently help doctors identify concerns early and guide appropriate care. If you are anxious, speak openly with your healthcare provider and remember that closer monitoring is often a proactive step toward a safer pregnancy.
Conclusion
Additional ultrasounds are a valuable tool in modern maternity care.
While being scheduled for extra scans can feel worrying, these assessments often provide reassurance and help healthcare providers make informed decisions.
Every pregnancy is unique.
The number and timing of ultrasounds should always be individualised based on maternal and fetal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why would a doctor order additional ultrasounds during pregnancy?
Doctors may recommend additional ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth, assess amniotic fluid levels, evaluate placental function, or closely follow pregnancies affected by maternal health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
2. Do additional ultrasounds mean something is wrong with my baby?
No. Extra ultrasounds are often precautionary and are commonly recommended to provide reassurance or monitor pregnancies that require closer observation.
3. Are frequent ultrasound scans safe during pregnancy?
Current evidence suggests that medically indicated diagnostic ultrasound performed by trained healthcare professionals is safe during pregnancy when used appropriately.
4. How often will I need additional ultrasounds?
The number of additional scans varies depending on your individual pregnancy. Some women may need only one extra scan, while others with high-risk pregnancies may require more frequent monitoring.
5. Will I need additional ultrasounds if I am pregnant with twins?
Yes. Twin and multiple pregnancies usually require more frequent ultrasound monitoring to assess fetal growth, placental function, and overall well-being.
6. Can gestational diabetes lead to additional ultrasound scans?
Yes. Women with gestational diabetes often undergo additional ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth, estimate birth weight, and assess amniotic fluid levels.
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Medical Disclaimer!
This article has been reviewed and written under the guidance of our Head Physiotherapist, Dr. Kruti Raj (PT, MUHS,CPT,CMPT). The information shared is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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