How many ultrasound scans do I get during pregnancy?

In a straightforward pregnancy in Australia, three ultrasound scans are routinely offered: a dating scan before 12 weeks, a nuchal translucency scan at 11–13 weeks (if chromosomal screening is wanted), and a morphology (anatomy) scan at 17–22 weeks. Additional growth scans or follow-up scans may be ordered if there are concerns. All three routine scans attract a Medicare rebate.

What is a dating scan?

A dating scan (MBS item 55700) is performed before 12 weeks of pregnancy. It confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus (not ectopic), checks for a heartbeat, establishes how many babies are present, and dates the pregnancy accurately using crown-rump length. This establishes your estimated due date. Medicare fee is $70.65 with 75% rebate.

What is a nuchal translucency scan?

A nuchal translucency (NT) scan (MBS item 55707) is performed when the baby measures 45–84mm crown-rump length — usually around 12–13 weeks. It measures the fluid behind the baby's neck (nuchal translucency). An increased measurement can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome. It is usually combined with blood tests (first-trimester combined screening) to calculate a risk estimate. The scan is optional — your GP or obstetrician will explain the options.

What is a morphology scan?

A morphology scan (also called the anatomy scan or 20-week scan, MBS item 55706) is performed at 17–22 weeks. It checks the baby's anatomy in detail — brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, face, and abdominal organs. It assesses placental position and amniotic fluid. It is the most detailed routine ultrasound of the pregnancy. Most structural abnormalities, if present, are detected at this scan. Medicare fee is $117.85 with 75% rebate.

Does Medicare cover pregnancy ultrasounds in Australia?

Yes. Medicare covers the routine pregnancy ultrasounds. Dating scan (55700): $70.65 schedule fee, 75% rebate. Nuchal translucency (55707): $82.50, 75% rebate. Morphology scan (55706): $117.85, 75% rebate. Growth scan after 22 weeks (55718): $117.85, 75% rebate. Whether you pay a gap depends on whether the sonographer bulk bills or charges above the schedule fee. Many obstetric ultrasound providers bulk bill these routine scans.

Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans

The routine scans

In a straightforward singleton pregnancy, three ultrasounds are routinely offered in Australia. All attract a Medicare rebate. Whether you pay a gap depends on the provider.

📅 Dating scan

Before 12 weeks

Confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus (rules out ectopic pregnancy), checks for a heartbeat, counts how many embryos are present, and dates the pregnancy accurately using the crown-rump length (CRL). This establishes your estimated due date (EDD) — more accurate than period dates, especially with irregular cycles.

May be done transvaginally (internal probe, most accurate in early pregnancy) or transabdominally depending on gestation and position. A full bladder helps with abdominal scans early on.

🇦🇺 MBS item 55700 · Schedule fee $70.65 · Medicare pays 75% = $52.99 · Once per pregnancy before 12 weeks

🧬 Nuchal translucency (NT) scan

11–13 weeks (CRL 45–84mm)

Measures the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby's neck (nuchal translucency). An increased NT measurement is associated with higher risk of chromosomal conditions — most commonly Down syndrome (trisomy 21), but also trisomy 18 and 13, and some heart defects.

The NT measurement is combined with maternal blood tests (free beta-hCG and PAPP-A from first trimester blood screen) to produce a risk estimate. This combined first-trimester screening is the most accurate non-invasive screening method for chromosomal conditions in early pregnancy.

This scan is optional — it is a screening test, not diagnostic. A high-risk result does not mean the baby has a chromosomal condition. Your GP or obstetrician will explain the options, including diagnostic testing (CVS or amniocentesis) if wanted.

🇦🇺 MBS item 55707 · Schedule fee $82.50 · Medicare pays 75% = $61.88 · Once per pregnancy

🫁 Morphology scan (anatomy scan)

17–22 weeks

The most detailed routine scan. Systematically checks the baby's anatomy — brain structure, face (including cleft lip screening), spine, heart (four-chamber view, outflow tracts), lungs, diaphragm, abdominal wall, kidneys, bladder, and limbs. Also assesses placental position, cervical length, and amniotic fluid volume.

Most significant structural abnormalities, if present, will be identified at this scan. Some conditions are better seen at 20+ weeks when structures are larger.

Ideal timing is 19–20 weeks — enough fetal size for detail, but early enough to allow further investigations if needed. The scan can take 45–60 minutes.

🇦🇺 MBS item 55706 · Schedule fee $117.85 · Medicare pays 75% = $88.39 · Once per pregnancy at 17–22 weeks

📏 Growth scan (third trimester)

After 22 weeks

Not routine for all pregnancies. Ordered when there is a specific concern — reduced fetal movements, small fundal height, suspected growth restriction, placenta praevia follow-up, multiple pregnancy monitoring, or risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes.

Measures the baby's head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and estimated weight. Also checks amniotic fluid and, if needed, Doppler flow in the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries.

🇦🇺 MBS item 55718 (requested) · Schedule fee $117.85 · Medicare pays 75% = $88.39 · Once per pregnancy after 22 weeks (additional scans may use other items)

▶ What to expect at an ultrasound

Full bladder for early scans: Drink 2–4 glasses of water (roughly 500ml–1L) 30–90 minutes before dating scans before 12 weeks. Bladder requirements for the morphology and growth scans vary by provider — some ask for a lighter fill, others need none at all. Check the instructions given when you book.
Transabdominal vs transvaginal: Most scans are done on the tummy with gel. Early scans may use an internal (transvaginal) probe for clearer images — this is routine and safe.
Bring your referral: Your GP provides the request form. Some providers accept verbal referrals but a written request is standard.
Results: A report is sent to your GP or obstetrician. In most cases your sonographer will show you the baby during the scan but will not interpret results — results are discussed with your GP or midwife.

▶ Coverage by country

🇦🇺 Australia — Medicare covered

All three routine scans attract Medicare rebates (75% of schedule fee). Many obstetric ultrasound centres bulk bill routine scans — no gap. Private providers may charge a gap of $20–$80 per scan. Ask when booking. Your Medicare card is all you need.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — NHS

Two routine NHS scans: a dating scan at 8–14 weeks and an anomaly (morphology) scan at 18–21 weeks. NT screening is offered as part of combined first trimester screening. All free on NHS. Private 3D/4D scans are available for a fee.

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Dating scan and morphology scan are funded by Health NZ for eligible pregnant people. First trimester combined screening (NT scan + blood test) is available — ask your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). No direct cost for funded scans.

🇨🇦 Canada

Routine obstetric ultrasounds are covered by provincial health insurance when ordered by a physician or midwife. Typically one or two routine scans. NT screening availability varies by province. No out-of-pocket cost for covered scans.