Early Pregnancy (Viability) Ultrasound (5–8 Weeks)
One of the most exciting moments in pregnancy is seeing your baby for the very first time. I perform the early pregnancy or viability ultrasound between 5 and 8 weeks of gestation to confirm that the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus, detect your baby’s heartbeat, determine the number of babies, and rule out conditions such as an ectopic pregnancy. This scan provides reassurance during the earliest stage of pregnancy and serves as the foundation for your prenatal care.
Dating Ultrasound (8–12 Weeks)
Between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, I perform a dating ultrasound to accurately determine your baby’s gestational age and estimated due date using precise fetal measurements. Establishing the correct due date is one of the most important steps in prenatal care because it guides the timing of future tests, monitors your baby’s growth, and helps ensure the safest possible care throughout your pregnancy.
First Trimester Screening and Nuchal Translucency (11–13 Weeks + 6 Days)
Between 11 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 days, I perform a detailed first-trimester ultrasound that includes measurement of the nuchal translucency (NT), assessment of the nasal bone, and evaluation of your baby’s early anatomy. This specialized scan helps estimate the risk for certain chromosomal conditions while also identifying many major structural abnormalities at an early stage, allowing timely counseling and, when necessary, additional diagnostic testing.
Early Fetal Anatomy Scan (14–16 Weeks)
For selected pregnancies, I offer an early fetal anatomy scan between 14 and 16 weeks of gestation. This examination provides a more detailed assessment of your baby’s developing organs before the standard anomaly scan. Although it does not replace the comprehensive anatomy scan later in pregnancy, it can detect many significant structural abnormalities earlier, especially in mothers with high-risk pregnancies.
Detailed Fetal Anatomy (Congenital Anomaly) Scan (18–22 Weeks)
The detailed fetal anatomy scan, performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, is one of the most comprehensive ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. I carefully examine your baby’s brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, abdomen, kidneys, limbs, placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid. This scan is designed to detect congenital abnormalities, monitor normal fetal development, and provide you with valuable information regarding your baby’s health. As a triple board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with fellowship training in Fetal Surgery in Barcelona, I provide advanced evaluation and counseling should any concern be identified.
Cervical Length Assessment (16–24 Weeks)
Between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation, I may recommend a cervical length assessment, particularly for mothers who have had a previous preterm birth or who are at increased risk of premature delivery. This painless ultrasound measures the length of the cervix and helps identify women who may benefit from preventive treatments to reduce the risk of early labor.
Fetal Echocardiography (18–24 Weeks)
A fetal echocardiogram is a highly specialized ultrasound of your baby’s heart performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy when there are risk factors for congenital heart disease or findings that require further evaluation. During this examination, I assess the structure, rhythm, and function of your baby’s heart in great detail, allowing early diagnosis and planning of appropriate care before and after birth.
Fetal Growth and Doppler Ultrasound (28–32 Weeks)
Between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, I perform a fetal growth ultrasound to monitor your baby’s development, estimate fetal weight, assess amniotic fluid, and evaluate placental function. When indicated, I also perform Doppler studies to assess blood flow between the placenta and your baby. These examinations are particularly important for mothers with hypertension, diabetes, twin pregnancies, fetal growth restriction, or other high-risk conditions.
Third Trimester Assessment (32–36 Weeks)
During the 32nd to 36th week of pregnancy, I continue to monitor your baby’s growth, position, amniotic fluid, and overall well-being. This scan helps ensure that your baby continues to develop appropriately while allowing us to identify any conditions that may require closer monitoring or adjustments to your birth plan.
Pre-Delivery Ultrasound (36 Weeks Until Delivery)
As you approach delivery, I perform a final ultrasound from 36 weeks onward, when indicated, to confirm your baby’s position, estimate fetal weight, evaluate the placenta and amniotic fluid, and ensure everything is ready for a safe delivery. This assessment helps us make informed decisions regarding the safest mode and timing of birth, providing you with confidence and peace of mind as you prepare to welcome your baby into the world.
Fetal Neurosonography (20–32 Weeks)
Fetal neurosonography is a highly specialized ultrasound examination of your baby’s brain that is typically performed between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, particularly when there is a suspected brain abnormality, a family history of neurological conditions, an abnormal routine ultrasound, fetal infection, or other high-risk pregnancy concerns. During this detailed assessment, I carefully evaluate the brain’s anatomy, ventricles, corpus callosum, cerebellum, posterior fossa, cortical development, and other critical structures using advanced ultrasound techniques. I provide comprehensive evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for further investigations, prenatal treatment when appropriate, and delivery planning. My goal is to achieve the earliest and most accurate diagnosis possible, allowing your family and your healthcare team to make informed decisions and prepare for the best possible outcome for your baby.