Pregnancy ultrasound: step-by-step prenatal guide

If this is your first pregnancy, you may think there is one “morphology scan.” In practice, prenatal care uses 1st-, 2nd-, and sometimes 3rd-trimester morphology — different windows, different goals¹².

Ultrasound vs morphology

Ultrasound is the test; morphology is the focus on fetal structure at that gestational age. Referrals should name the trimester.

Morphology by trimester

Typical low-risk pathway in Brazil¹².

• 1st trimester (weeks 11–14): early morphology, dating, nuchal translucency (NT) when offered — Early pregnancy ultrasound.

• 2nd trimester (weeks 18–24): detailed fetal anatomy — Anatomy scan overview and the five-step series below.

• 3rd trimester (if ordered): growth, placenta, or targeted follow-up — Prenatal exam calendar.

1st-trimester morphology (weeks 11–14)

Dating, viability, early structure, and nuchal translucency when offered.

• Referral may say “1st-trimester morphology” or “early scan with nuchal translucency (NT)”.

• Does not replace 2nd-trimester detailed anatomy.

2nd-trimester morphology (weeks 18–24)

Detailed anatomy review¹². Five articles below cover this exam only.

1. Booking the morphology scan (2nd trimester)

2. Preparing for scan day

3. What the scan checks

4. Understanding the report

5. Incomplete scan — reschedule

Five articles — 2nd-trimester step-by-step

1. Booking morphology scans (all trimesters)

2. Preparing for scan day (2nd trimester)

3. What the 2nd-trimester scan checks

4. Understanding the report

5. Incomplete 2nd-trimester scan

3rd trimester

When ordered: growth, placenta, presentation, or targeted follow-up¹. Not routine for everyone.

First-time questions

• I had 1st-trimester morphology — need 2nd? Yes — complementary².

• How many morphology scans? Usually 1st and 2nd; 3rd if indicated.

• Normal 2nd-trimester report — skip visits? No.

How Levvi helps

Timeline reminders and notes for booking and scan dates in My Pregnancy.

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