CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Ultrasound Photos — Decoded

It’s time for baby’s first photo op! Here’s what you’ll be looking at when you peer into that little screen for the first time.
save article
profile picture of Lauren A. Greene
By Lauren A. Greene, Deputy Editor
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Depending on your doctor, expect to have your first ultrasound sometime between 6 and 12 weeks, says Santa Monica–based ob-gyn Sheryl Ross, MD. Baby grows quickly and will look very different in just a few short weeks, so don’t panic if you don’t see as much detail at an earlier ultrasound (the below image is about 12 weeks). The first ultrasound dates and confirms the pregnancy, as well as detects any potential problems. Here are some key things to know before you go.

.bob2013 {WIDTH: 100% !important; HEIGHT: 100% !important}

Head

To determine gestational age, your doctor will measure the “crown to rump length” (top of head to bottom of tush). At 12 weeks, the average size is 5–6 centimeters.

Nasal Bones

Underdeveloped or absent nasal bones have been linked to a high rate of Down syndrome. Your doctor examines the nasal bones to begin ruling out any potential problems.

Nuchal Fold

The thickness of the nuchal (or neck) fold is another marker for chromosomal abnormalities. The results, along with a blood test, can be used to detect issues as early as 11 weeks.

Stomach Bubble

See that tiny darkgray circle right under the chin in the chest cavity? That bubble is the stomach starting to form, and your doctor will look to make sure it’s on track.

Extremities

Depending how she’s positioned, you may not see all of baby’s arms and legs in the profile view (above), but your doctor takes a variety of angles to check on all of them.

Amniotic fluid

Trying to figure out what’s what? Use this distinction: On an ultrasound, fluid appears black, while bone is bright white.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

doctor and patient sitting and discussing medical matters
What to Expect at Your First OB Visit
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman holding ultrasound pictures at the doctor's office
What Happens at the 20-Week Ultrasound?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Questions to Ask at Your First OB Appointment
Questions to Ask at Your First OB Appointment
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Be Well Mama: a Conversation With Hannah Bronfman
Be Well Mama: a Conversation With Hannah Bronfman
By The Bump Editors
Reclaiming Your Power: the Role of Wellness in Your Pregnancy Journey
Reclaiming Your Power: the Role of Wellness in Your Pregnancy Journey
By The Bump Editors
pregnant mom sitting with toddler daughter at home
The Bump Celebrates Black Maternal Health Week: How to Get Involved
By Wyndi Kappes
Reclaiming Your Power: Why Your Wellness Team Is So Important
Reclaiming Your Power: Why Your Wellness Team Is So Important
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman practicing meditation at home on yoga mat
Prenatal Wellness Classes Can Cut Moms' Depression in Half, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
mother wearing hospital gown and holding newborn baby in hospital room after labor and delivery
These Are the Best Maternity Hospitals in America, U.S. News Says
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman looking at ultrasound pictures
Maternity Care Deserts: What They Are and How to Get Prenatal Care
By Katherine Martinelli
ADVERTISEMENT
overhead view of pregnant woman holding a glass of water and vitamins
These Two Prenatal Pills Could Keep Baby From Developing Croup
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of pregnant belly during sunset in a field
Why 7 Million Women Don’t Have Access to the Maternity Care They Need
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman with small baby bump at home
What Your HCG Levels Might Mean During Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
LGBTQ couple holding hands on the beach
How to Assemble an Affirming Prenatal Care Team
By Maggie Overfelt
pregnant woman lying on exam table waiting for ultrasound
When Can You Hear Baby’s Heartbeat?
By Korin Miller
Black mother kisses her sleeping newborn's hand
White House Has Declared the First-Ever Maternal Health Day of Action
By Nehal Aggarwal
This New Bill Wants to Help Combat Inequalities in Black Maternal Health
This New Bill Wants to Help Combat Inequalities in Black Maternal Health
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Pregnant mom with her young daughter touching her belly.
Baby Dove’s New Initiative Aims to Close the Black Maternal Care Gap
By Nehal Aggarwal
Kamala Harris hosts black maternal health proclamation
White House Has Issued Its First Proclamation on Black Maternal Health
By Nehal Aggarwal
Pregnant woman alone in doctor's office waiting room.
Peanut Launches New Glossary to Reform Offensive Medical Terms for Moms
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List