Ultrasound in pregnancy is an imaging test that uses sound waves to monitor the baby's growth and detect some problems early. In the British health system, two routine scans are offered: a dating scan between 10 and 14 weeks, and an anomaly scan between 18 and 21 weeks [1][2]. The number of scans that is right for you in Jordan is decided by your doctor based on your situation, and ultrasound does not detect every condition.
How many ultrasound scans do you need in pregnancy?
There is no single number that suits every pregnant woman. In England, every pregnant woman is offered roughly three checkpoints: an early scan when needed, a dating scan between 10 and 14 weeks [1], and an anomaly scan (the 20-week scan), which is usually done between 18 and 21 weeks [2]. This describes the British system and is not an official schedule for Jordan.
The World Health Organization addresses ultrasound screening within its guidelines for antenatal care, and it issued a 2022 update specifically on ultrasound imaging before 24 weeks of pregnancy [3]. This means early pregnancy scanning is a subject of international guideline attention.
In Jordan, your obstetrician-gynecologist decides the follow-up schedule based on your age, your health history, and how your pregnancy is progressing. You may need only two scans in a straightforward pregnancy, or more scans if a problem appears or if the pregnancy is high-risk.
Summary of the main stages
| Scan | Timing | Main purpose | Approximate duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dating scan | Between 10 and 14 weeks [1] | Gestational age and expected due date, number of fetuses, location of the pregnancy, and fetal development [1] | About 20 minutes [1] |
| Anomaly scan | Usually between 18 and 21 weeks [2] | Screening for 11 conditions, measuring growth, and checking the placenta and blood flow to the uterus [2] | About 30 minutes [2] |
| Growth and follow-up scan | When the doctor sees a need for it | Fetal size, amniotic fluid, and placenta, depending on the reason for the request | Varies |
What does an early pregnancy scan show?
Your doctor may order an early scan before the dating scan is due, for example when there is bleeding or lower abdominal pain, or when the location of the pregnancy is uncertain. The aim is usually to confirm that the pregnancy is inside the uterus and developing normally. This is an important step in ruling out an ectopic pregnancy, a condition that requires urgent follow-up.
At this early stage, your doctor may use a transvaginal ultrasound to obtain a clearer image, which some clinics call endoscopic ultrasound. In other cases, they may rely on abdominal ultrasound. Your doctor chooses the method based on the gestational age and the reason for the scan, and you may ask them why they chose it.
Dating scan between 10 and 14 weeks: what does it check?
In the British system, this scan is called the "12-week scan." It is offered between weeks 10 and 14 to determine the exact gestational age and estimate the expected due date [1].
During this scan, the sonographer checks the following [1]:
- How many weeks have passed since conception and the expected due date.
- Whether the pregnancy is with one fetus or more. For more information, read about multiple pregnancy.
- Whether the fetus is growing in the correct place.
- Fetal development. The scan may detect some conditions such as spina bifida.
You may be asked to have a full bladder because this makes the image clearer. You can ask your doctor or the clinic about this before the appointment [1].
The combined test for Down syndrome at this stage
If you agree to the test and the scan is between 10 and 14 weeks, the "combined test" can be done at the same time. This test combines a blood test with a measurement of the fluid at the back of the fetus's neck seen on ultrasound, called nuchal translucency [1]. The British service also screens with it for two rarer conditions, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome [1].
If the scan is delayed beyond 14 weeks, the combined test is not offered. Instead, a blood test is offered between 14 and 20 weeks. This test is not quite as accurate as the combined test [1]. These tests are "screening tests" that estimate the likelihood of a condition and do not diagnose it. You can find a wider explanation in our article on prenatal genetic testing.
The 20-week anomaly scan: what does it detect?
The anomaly scan, also called the 20-week scan, looks for 11 different conditions in the fetus and also assesses its growth. It is usually done between 18 and 21 weeks [2]. The conditions it looks for include [2]:
- Anencephaly and open spina bifida.
- Cleft lip and cleft palate.
- Diaphragmatic hernia and abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis and exomphalos).
- Serious heart defects.
- Bilateral renal agenesis (absence of both kidneys).
- Severe skeletal dysplasia.
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).
The sonographer also checks the placenta and blood flow to the uterus [2]. During the session, they closely examine the fetus's bones, heart, brain, spinal cord, face, kidneys, and abdomen [2].
Is this scan mandatory?
No. In the British system it is optional. It is the best way to find out whether any of the 11 conditions is present, but not everyone wants this information. It is best to discuss your options with your doctor [2]. If you decide not to have it and then change your mind, you can check with your doctor to see whether it is still appropriate [2].
How to prepare and what to expect
- Arrive early and wear loose clothing that can easily be lifted off your abdomen.
- Remove your navel piercing if you have one.
- Bring your medical file if it is on paper, and ask whether a full bladder is required.
- Ask before the appointment whether fetal images are charged as an extra cost.
- You may bring a companion, but many hospitals do not allow children to enter, so ask before the appointment [2].
The scan takes place in a dimly lit room. You lie on a bed, cold gel is placed on your abdomen, and a handheld device (the probe) is moved over it. You may feel some discomfort. The session may take longer if the fetus is very active or in an awkward position, and you may be asked to walk around or eat something and then return [2].
What if something abnormal appears?
You are told the result after the scans are complete, and most pregnant women are told that there are no signs of any of the conditions [2]. If signs of one of the conditions appear, you may be offered additional tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, along with a referral to a specialist who will explain your options [2]. These tests are what confirm whether the fetus is actually affected. Genetic counseling may help you understand the results and make decisions calmly.
When is a growth and follow-up scan requested?
A growth scan is not a routine test for every pregnant woman. Your doctor orders it when there is a reason. Some common examples:
- Suspicion that the uterus is smaller or larger than expected for the gestational age.
- Pregnancy with more than one fetus.
- Maternal conditions such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes.
- Reduced fetal movement or a noticeable change in it.
- An unclear result on a previous scan. In this case, another appointment may be offered before week 23 [2].
The scan may be repeated more than once in a high-risk pregnancy. If your pregnancy is high-risk, look for high-risk pregnancy specialists in Jordan and compare the options available in your governorate.
Is ultrasound in pregnancy safe?
The British health service states that there is no known risk to the mother or the fetus from the 20-week anomaly scan [2]. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not X-rays. Nevertheless, the general principle is that a scan should be performed for a clear medical reason and by a trained professional, not simply for entertainment.
A question arises here: can too many scans be harmful? The reliable sources we used do not address this point with figures, so ask your doctor the reason for each additional scan and what it will change in your follow-up.
What can ultrasound not detect?
Ultrasound is a powerful tool, but it is not perfect. The British health service notes that some conditions are seen more clearly than others, that the scan may not reveal everything, and that it does not find every condition [2]. Factors that may limit the clarity of the image include the position of the fetus and how much it moves.
Therefore:
- A normal result does not guarantee the complete health of the child.
- Tell your doctor immediately about any symptom that worries you, even if the scan is normal [2].
- A test that raises suspicion (screening) is different from a test that confirms a diagnosis [2].
Is a 3D/4D keepsake ultrasound necessary?
No. Two-dimensional ultrasound is the one relied on for the routine medical scans we have mentioned. 3D and 4D images of the face are usually requested as keepsakes, and may be used medically in cases your doctor determines. Our sources did not cover these scans in detail, so we limit ourselves to general advice:
- Do not use them as a substitute for scheduled medical scans.
- Ask the person performing them whether they are qualified to perform medical ultrasound.
- Do not rely on a "keepsake session" to reassure you about the fetus's health.
- Ask about the cost in advance, as extra images may be charged [2].
When should you see your doctor, and when should you go to the emergency room?
See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice:
- Light vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge.
- Reduced fetal movement or a change in it.
- A delay in the anomaly scan or missing the suggested appointment [2].
- A scan result you do not understand, or you want a second opinion on it.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, sudden severe abdominal pain, severe dizziness or fainting, leakage of fluid from the vagina, a severe headache with visual disturbance, or shoulder pain with bleeding in early pregnancy, as this may indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
How do you choose the right doctor or clinic in Jordan?
Start by identifying the specialty: obstetrics and gynecology specialists in Jordan are the ones who follow pregnancies and order ultrasound scans. Then narrow your search by city, such as obstetrics and gynecology in Amman, Irbid, or Zarqa, and browse the other governorates from the specialty page.
When reading a doctor's profile in the directory:
- Check the specialty, years of experience, clinic location, and working hours.
- Read the description of services, and whether the clinic has an ultrasound machine or refers the scan to another center.
- Contact or book through the method the profile provides.
Useful questions to ask at the appointment:
- How many ultrasound scans do you expect in my pregnancy, and why?
- Do I need a full bladder before this scan?
- What can this scan detect, and what can it not detect?
- What will we do if the image is unclear?
- Is my pregnancy suitable for routine follow-up, or does it need a high-risk pregnancy specialist?
The ClinicsJo directory provides information for searching and contacting doctors. It does not provide medical consultations or prescribe medications. The medical decision remains between you and your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How many ultrasound scans should I have during pregnancy?
The number differs from one pregnant woman to another, depending on her situation and her doctor's decision. In the British system, two routine scans are offered: a dating scan between 10 and 14 weeks, and an anomaly scan between 18 and 21 weeks. You may need additional scans if there is a medical reason. Ask your doctor about the schedule that suits you.
What is the difference between a dating scan and an anomaly scan?
The dating scan is done between 10 and 14 weeks to estimate gestational age and due date, and to determine the number of fetuses and the location of the pregnancy. The anomaly scan is usually done between 18 and 21 weeks, looks for 11 specific conditions, and assesses growth and the placenta, so it is more detailed.
Does ultrasound harm the baby?
The British health service notes that there is no known risk to the mother or the fetus from the 20-week anomaly scan. Even so, it is preferable that the scan be done for a medical reason and by a trained professional, and that you ask your doctor the reason for any additional scan and its benefit.
Does a normal ultrasound guarantee that the baby is completely healthy?
No. Ultrasound does not detect every condition, some conditions are seen more clearly than others, and the position and movement of the fetus may limit the clarity of the image. So tell your doctor about any symptom that worries you or any change in fetal movement, even if the scan result is normal.
Do I need a full bladder before a pregnancy ultrasound?
You may be asked to, because a full bladder makes the image clearer, especially in the dating scan. It is not required for every scan or at every clinic, so ask your doctor or clinic when booking to learn the correct instructions and avoid discomfort or a postponed scan.
Is a 3D/4D ultrasound important, or is it just a keepsake?
It is usually requested as a keepsake and is not a substitute for routine medical scans such as the dating scan and the anomaly scan. A doctor may use it in specific cases at their discretion. If you want a keepsake session, ask about the qualifications of the person performing it and about the cost, and do not rely on it for medical reassurance.
Sources and references
- 12-week scan — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- 20-week scan — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience — World Health Organization. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
