Your first ultrasound appointment is a major milestone in your pregnancy journey. Whether you are brimming with excitement or feeling nervous about the unknown, this initial scan gives you a first look at your baby and helps confirm that your pregnancy is progressing normally. It is a time filled with emotion—but it is also an important medical checkup that can provide valuable information.

For many expectant parents, especially first-timers, it can be overwhelming to know what to ask. The room might be dark, the equipment unfamiliar, and the moment emotional. That is why preparing ahead with a list of questions can help you feel more in control and make sure you leave the appointment feeling informed.

In this blog, we will walk you through the top 5 questions to ask at your first ultrasound appointment—questions that will help you better understand your baby’s development and what comes next.

1. “How Far Along Am I, and What Is My Estimated Due Date?”

Why This Question Matters

One of the primary purposes of the first ultrasound is to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. While many people estimate their due date based on their last menstrual period (LMP), this is not always accurate—especially for people with irregular cycles or who do not remember the exact date.

The ultrasound can give a more precise estimate by measuring the crown-rump length (CRL) of the fetus. This measurement helps determine your gestational age and, in turn, gives your healthcare provider a more accurate estimated due date (EDD).

What You Will Learn

• How many weeks and days pregnant you are
• Your official due date (which may be adjusted based on the ultrasound)
• Whether your pregnancy is progressing on schedule

Follow-Up Tip

If your calculated due date is different from what you expected, ask your OB/GYN to explain why. It may change how your prenatal visits are scheduled and when to expect future screenings.

2. “Is the Baby Developing Normally?”

Why This Question Matters

During your first ultrasound, the technician and doctor will be looking for signs that the pregnancy is viable and progressing normally. That includes checking for the presence of a fetal heartbeat, measuring the fetus, and making sure the gestational sac is located correctly inside the uterus.

While the first ultrasound is generally too early to see detailed features, it can help rule out potential concerns such as ectopic pregnancy or blighted ovum (when a fertilized egg implants but does not develop into an embryo).

What You Will Learn

• Whether a heartbeat is present (usually visible by 6–7 weeks)
• If the baby’s size matches the expected gestational age
• Whether the pregnancy is located in the right place
• If there are any visible issues that require follow-up

Follow-Up Tip

If the technician cannot detect a heartbeat, do not panic—this can be normal if it is simply too early. Ask when you should come back for a follow-up scan.

3. “Is Everything Okay with My Uterus, Ovaries, and Placenta?”

Why This Question Matters

Even though most of the attention during the ultrasound is on the baby, it is also a chance to check on your reproductive organs and overall uterine environment. The technician and OB/GYN will examine your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and placental location (if visible at this stage).

This information is important because it can uncover early signs of conditions such as:

• Ovarian cysts (often harmless but worth monitoring)
• Fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus)
• Placenta previa (when the placenta forms too low in the uterus)

What You Will Learn

• If your uterus appears healthy and suitable for carrying the pregnancy
• If there are any concerns with your ovaries or other reproductive structures
• If any conditions are present that could affect your pregnancy

Follow-Up Tip

If the ultrasound reveals something unexpected (like a fibroid), ask how it could affect your pregnancy and whether you will need extra monitoring or treatment.

4. “Should I Expect More Ultrasounds and When Will They Happen?”

Why This Question Matters

Your first ultrasound is likely just one of several imaging appointments during your pregnancy. Asking this question gives you a roadmap of what to expect moving forward. It also helps reduce anxiety, especially for first-time parents who often need reassurances throughout the pregnancy.

Knowing when you will have your next ultrasound also helps you plan ahead, particularly for the anatomy scan at around 18–22 weeks, which provides a detailed look at your baby’s organs and development.

What You Will Learn

• How many ultrasounds are typical for your type of pregnancy
• When you will have your next scan
• What future scans are looking for (such as growth checks, anatomy, or gender)

Follow-Up Tip

If you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific health concerns, you may need more frequent ultrasounds. Ask if your pregnancy falls into a special category that requires additional monitoring.

5. “Can I Have a Copy of the Ultrasound Image?”

Why This Question Matters

This might be one of the most exciting parts of your appointment—getting that first printed or digital image of your baby. For many parents, this is a treasured keepsake, often shared with friends, family, or saved in a memory book.

While it may seem like a small detail, not all clinics automatically provide printed photos or digital files. Asking ahead ensures you do not leave without your baby’s first “picture.”

What You Will Learn

• Whether you will receive a printed photo or digital copy
• If the clinic charges a fee for extra images
• Whether you can take a quick photo of the ultrasound screen (some offices allow this during the scan)

Follow-Up Tip

Bring your phone or camera (if permitted) and ask your partner or friend to take a photo or short video when the technician says it is okay. Some offices even offer 3D or 4D ultrasounds for a fee later in the pregnancy.

Extra Questions You Might Also Want to Ask

While the top five questions are essential, here are a few more to consider if you have time during your appointment:

• “Can you tell the baby’s gender yet?”
  (Typically not possible before 14–16 weeks, but worth asking if you are further along.)
• “What should I do if I start cramping or bleeding after the scan?”
  (Always good to know how to respond to changes in your body.)
• “Is there anything I should be doing differently at this point in my pregnancy?”
  (Great for understanding early prenatal care recommendations like diet, supplements, or activity.)

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ultrasound Visit

• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to check in and relax before the appointment.
• Drink Water if Advised: Some early ultrasounds require a full bladder for better imaging. Follow any instructions provided by the clinic.
• Bring a Support Person: If allowed, bring your partner, friend, or relative for emotional support and to share the moment.
• Write Down Questions: Bring a list so you do not forget anything during the excitement of the scan.
• Ask for Clarification: Do not be afraid to ask the technician or doctor to explain terms or images you do not understand.

Your first ultrasound appointment is a powerful and emotional experience. It marks the moment you begin to connect with your growing baby in a very real and visual way. But it is also an important medical check that gives your healthcare provider critical information about your pregnancy's health and progress.

By asking the right questions—like how far along you are, whether development looks normal, and what to expect next—you will walk away from your appointment feeling informed and empowered. And by remembering to ask for your baby’s first photo, you will also have something tangible to treasure and share.

Whether you are just starting this journey or you have done it before, taking an active role in your prenatal care begins with curiosity and conversation. Do not be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and make this special moment as meaningful and helpful as it can be.

This information is presented as a general guide to the Top 5 Questions to Ask at Your First Ultrasound Appointment. It is for informational purposes only.  The information provided is not intended to be the only information available about the Top 5 Questions to Ask at Your First Ultrasound Appointment. The material provided is not expected to be a substitute for advice or information from your physician or health care provider.

If you have any questions, concerns, fears, apprehensions, unease, or worry about the Top 5 Questions to Ask at Your First Ultrasound Appointment contact your health care provider immediately.