Fetal ultrasound examinations

Fetal ultrasound scans are an important part of pregnancy, offering expectant parents a chance to see their child and get confirmation of their healthy development. These scans use sound waves to create a real-time image of the baby’s position, size, organ development, and heartbeat. Ultrasound is completely safe for the baby and provides valuable information about the progress of the pregnancy, helping to detect potential problems early and plan further treatment or monitoring.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Andreas Abel

General practitioner

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Confirming and dating the pregnancy: We confirm the pregnancy and determine its exact gestational age.
  • Monitoring the baby’s development: We assess the baby’s growth, organ development, and overall well-being.
  • Detecting possible abnormalities: Early detection helps in planning further treatment or monitoring.
  • Determining the baby’s sex: We can determine the baby’s sex if you wish and if it is possible.
  • Detecting multiple pregnancies: We determine if it is a single, twin, or multiple pregnancy.
  • Assessing the placenta’s location and the amount of amniotic fluid: This is important for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Early detection of pregnancy complications: Such as an ectopic pregnancy or the risk of miscarriage.
  • Reassuring expectant parents: Provides peace of mind about the baby’s healthy development.

Common symptoms

  • You are concerned about your baby’s health

    An ultrasound scan provides reassurance.
  • You are pregnant and want to monitor your baby’s development

    Regular ultrasound scans are an important part of pregnancy.
  • You have experienced pregnancy complications

    Such as bleeding or pain.
  • You suspect you are pregnant

    To confirm the pregnancy and determine its gestational age.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Bring your ID card or another form of identification.
  • Questions: Think about any questions you may have about the scan and ask our staff before the procedure.
  • Fasting: The scan does not require fasting.
  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to easily expose your abdomen.
  • Bladder: In the early stages of pregnancy (up to the 12th week), it is recommended to come to the scan with a full bladder to get a better image. This is not necessary in later pregnancy.

What to expect during your appointment

Reception and preparation

We will welcome you and explain the procedure. We will ask you to lie down on the examination table, usually on your back.

Gel

We will apply a special gel to your abdomen, which helps the ultrasound waves travel and ensures better contact with the skin.

The scan

We will move the ultrasound transducer (probe) over your abdomen. The transducer sends sound waves into your body and receives the returning echoes, creating a real-time image of the baby on a monitor.

Measurements and assessment

We will measure the baby’s size, assess organ development, heartbeat, the placenta’s location, and the amount of amniotic fluid.

Taking images

If needed, we will take pictures or video clips of the baby for you to take with you.

End of the procedure

After the scan, we will wipe the gel off your abdomen. The entire procedure is painless and usually lasts 15–30 minutes.

Results

We will explain the results of the scan to you immediately and answer your questions.

Specialists providing this service

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

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This service is only available in Everywhere else in Estonia. You need to select Everywhere else in Estonia to see a price for this service.

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Visit fee Added to the appointment fee. 13 €
Foetal ultrasound examination in trimester I The specialist consultation fee and visit fee will be added to the price. 25 € A visit fee is added to the price.
Foetal ultrasound examination in trimesters II and III The specialist consultation fee and visit fee will be added to the price. 35 € A visit fee is added to the price.
Payment methods

With a doctor’s referral, Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Outpatient Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

Referral

A doctor’s referral is required to book this service.

Who is this appointment for?

Fetal ultrasound scans are for pregnant women to monitor the baby’s development and assess their health.

A referral is usually made by a gynecologist or midwife.

Ultrasound scans are safe, painless, and do not use ionizing radiation.

The accuracy of the scan depends on the baby’s position, the stage of the pregnancy, and the mother’s body build.

Clinics offering this service

  • Open Kvartali Clinic Riia tänav

    Kvartali Clinic Riia tänav

    Address: Riia tn 2, 1. korrus (pääs 1 Riia tänavalt ja parklast), 51004 Tartu

    Phone number: +3726051500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fetal ultrasound scan?

A fetal ultrasound scan is a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to assess the baby’s development, health, and position during pregnancy.

Is a fetal ultrasound scan safe for the baby?

Yes, a fetal ultrasound scan is completely safe for the baby as it does not use ionizing radiation.

How long does a fetal ultrasound scan take?

The fetal ultrasound procedure usually lasts 15–30 minutes.

What does a fetal ultrasound scan show?

A fetal ultrasound scan shows the baby’s size, organ development, heartbeat, the placenta’s location, the amount of amniotic fluid, and helps to detect possible abnormalities.

Do I need a referral for a fetal ultrasound scan?

Yes, a referral from a gynecologist or midwife is usually required for a fetal ultrasound scan, as it is a medical procedure that a doctor decides is necessary.