Ask Our Expert - Having an Ultrasound Every Month

October 11, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Having an Ultrasound Every Month

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, I am in the 16th week of my pregnancy, and every month I get an ultrasound. Is it ok to get an ultrasound every time I have a doctor's appointment? — Mrs Q in LA, CA

ANSWER	April 19, 2002


Dear Mrs. Q, For healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies, there is generally no medical reason to have an ultrasound every month. On the other hand, there is no medical reason not to have one. It wouldn't be right to charge you or your insurance company for these scans, since there is probably no medical need. But if your doctor is including the ultrasounds in his routine prenatal package, it can be fun and reassuring to see the baby so often. In order to get all the information you need, ask your doctor whether the scans are medically necessary and whether you or your insurance is being charged for each one, or if they are included with his prenatal fee. Then you can decide if continuing with these routine scans is right for you. I hope that this answers your concerns. Take care--and congratulations! — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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