Ultrasound in pregnancy
Insurance covers three basic ultrasounds — they cover what is medically necessary. Anything beyond is elective. Here, honestly, is what each scan delivers.
The three basic ultrasounds
- Weeks 9–12: Is the child alive, where is it, how old, are there several? The due date is set here.
- Weeks 19–22: The big look — growth, amniotic fluid, placenta; on request the extended organ assessment (heart, brain, abdominal wall etc.) — also covered with a correspondingly qualified examiner.
- Weeks 29–32: Growth check, position, placenta — setting the course for birth planning.
For any medical reason — bleeding, pain, reduced movements, abnormal previous findings — additional scans are of course covered. "Three" is the minimum for an unremarkable course, not a cap.
Optional scans — honestly classified
Additional scans without medical reason ("baby TV") are elective. Honestly: they do not make the pregnancy safer — the evidence shows no medical benefit with an unremarkable course. They are reassurance and beautiful moments, and both are legitimate as long as you know what you are buying.
First-trimester screening (nuchal translucency + blood values, weeks 11–14) and Doppler examinations are a different category: real diagnostics with defined validity. Whether they make sense for you depends on age, history and your need for information — we discuss this before the examination, including the question of what you would do with an abnormal result.
3D/4D images
Vivid images of your child’s face — technically impressive, medically without added value. We are happy to include them alongside medically indicated examinations when the child’s position allows. Pure "baby cinema" sessions without a medical frame we deliberately do not offer — since 2021, commercial baby TV without medical indication is also prohibited under German radiation protection law.
Frequent questions about pregnancy ultrasound
Is ultrasound harmful to my child?
Not according to current knowledge — diagnostic ultrasound in pregnancy is considered safe. Which is exactly why the principle exists: as much as necessary, not as much as possible.
Can I learn the sex — and from when?
We may tell you from week 14 (statutory rule); it is usually reliably visible from weeks 16–20. Tell us whether you want to know — or expressly not.
What if something shows in the basic scan?
Then screening becomes diagnostics — with targeted additional examinations, all covered, and where needed referral to specialised prenatal diagnostics. You learn every step beforehand, not afterwards.
Does an extra scan per month add safety?
Honestly: no. With an unremarkable course, more frequent scanning does not improve outcomes — that is well studied. If worry drives you, a conversation is often more effective than the machine; and with real cause we scan anyway.
Your question not here?Write to us — directly and securely via the online reception.
Ask your questionQuestions about your next scan?
Before every examination we explain what we look at and why — and for electives, first the price and the honest benefit.
Request a consultation Ask a question — online reception