Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.

During the examination, sound waves are transmitted into the body through a handheld probe. When the sound waves meet different types of tissue, they bounce back as echoes. These echoes are captured by the probe and processed by a computer to produce detailed black-and-white images displayed on a screen.

 Ultrasound is considered a safe examination method and has been used in pregnancy care for more than 40 years. No harmful effects on pregnant women or unborn babies have been documented when ultrasound is performed correctly by qualified healthcare professionals. 

Partners and family members are welcome to attend the examination. Many patients choose to share the experience with loved ones, and this is usually no problem.

To ensure a calm and comfortable environment, we simply ask that the number of guests is kept at a reasonable level. Based on our experience, younger children, especially under the age of 5–6, may find it difficult to fully understand or stay engaged during the examination.

In some cases, no fetal heartbeat is detected during the ultrasound examination. This is most often caused by a chromosomal abnormality and is unfortunately relatively common in early pregnancy.

If this occurs, we will carefully measure the embryo and refer the patient to her local hospital or gynecology department. In most cases, an appointment is scheduled within a few days. A gynecologist will then confirm the findings and discuss further treatment options, which may include medical or surgical management.

We understand that this can be a difficult experience, and we will follow up with a message to check in and offer support.

All ultrasound examinations are performed by experienced midwives who have completed one year of specialized training in fetal diagnostics at NTNU’s National Center for Fetal Medicine.

If we identify findings that differ from what is considered normal, we will refer the patient to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the National Hospital for further evaluation. In most cases, an appointment will be scheduled within a few days.

In early pregnancy, typically between weeks 6–10, ultrasound is usually performed vaginally (internally). At this stage, the embryo is still very small, and an internal ultrasound provides clearer and more detailed images.

During the examination, the patient lies comfortably on an examination table with a towel provided for privacy. Most women experience the procedure as uncomplicated and only mildly uncomfortable, if at all.

In some cases, an internal ultrasound may also be recommended around week 11-12, for example if the uterus is tilted backwards or if it is more difficult to obtain clear images through the abdomen.

 After week 12, ultrasounds are almost always performed abdominally, with the probe placed on the abdomen. 

Yes. All ultrasound examinations include printed photos, as well as photos and video clips sent directly to your mobile phone(s).

Please note that the video files do not include audio.