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A pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to check on your baby and the pregnancy at key stages, from early confirmation through to growth checks late in the third trimester.
Also called: Obstetric ultrasound, Baby scan, Pregnancy scan, Antenatal ultrasound, OB ultrasound
Find a clinic for your pregnancy ultrasound
102 clinics offer bulk billing for ultrasound — eligibility varies
Where to get a pregnancy ultrasound
104 clinics across Australia on Radly offer ultrasound.
Clinics for a pregnancy ultrasound on Radly
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What is a pregnancy ultrasound?
Pregnancy (obstetric) ultrasound is the main imaging test used in antenatal care in Australia. A sonographer moves a handheld probe over your tummy, or uses a slim internal probe in early pregnancy, and the returning sound waves build a live picture of the baby, placenta and fluid. There is no radiation involved.
Different scans answer different questions depending on how far along you are: an early scan confirms the pregnancy and due date, the 11–14 week scan is part of screening, the 18–22 week morphology scan looks at the baby's anatomy, and later scans check growth if your care team recommends it.
A radiologist or specialist sonologist reviews the images and sends a report to your doctor or midwife, who will talk you through the results.
Why your doctor might request a pregnancy ultrasound
- Confirming the pregnancy, heartbeat and due date
- Checking for twins or more
- Screening in the first trimester and checking anatomy at around 20 weeks
- Looking at the placenta position and amniotic fluid
- Checking growth or wellbeing later in pregnancy
- Investigating bleeding, pain or reduced movements
Pregnancy ultrasound: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your pregnancy ultrasound
- Bring your referral and Medicare card, plus any earlier pregnancy scan reports.
- Ask the clinic about bladder preparation: early scans often need a comfortably full bladder, later scans usually do not.
- Wear a two-piece outfit so your tummy is easy to reach.
- Many clinics welcome a support person, but check their policy on children in the room.
How long it takes: About 20–60 minutes, depending on the stage of pregnancy
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A referral from your GP, obstetrician or midwife is needed for a Medicare rebate. Some clinics bulk bill certain pregnancy scans, while others charge an out-of-pocket gap, particularly for longer scans such as the morphology scan. The clinic confirms billing for your situation when it accepts your booking request.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your pregnancy ultrasound and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Pregnancy ultrasound FAQs
How many ultrasounds will I have during pregnancy?
Many people have two or three: an early or dating scan, a scan at 11–14 weeks if they choose screening, and a morphology scan at 18–22 weeks. Extra scans are only booked if your doctor or midwife recommends them.
Is pregnancy ultrasound safe for my baby?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation and has been used routinely in pregnancy care for decades.
Can my partner come to the scan?
Most clinics welcome one support person. Some ask that the first part of the scan is done with just you, so check when the clinic confirms your appointment.
How do I book a pregnancy ultrasound online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Ultrasound as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a pregnancy ultrasound?
Appointments for ultrasound are usually 1–3 days, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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