Is it okay not to have an ultrasound at 37 weeks of pregnancy?

May 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
At 37 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound is generally not necessary. The main purpose of an ultrasound at this stage is to assess the amount of amniotic fluid and the condition of the placenta. By 37 weeks, the fetus has typically developed fully and the fetal position is usually fixed. If there are no other abnormalities, ultrasound examination may be omitted. However, routine monitoring of fetal heart rate and fetal movements for any signs of abnormality is still essential.

At 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is generally acceptable not to have an ultrasound, but monitoring of fetal heart rate and fetal movements is necessary. The specific analysis is as follows:

At 37 weeks gestation, the main purpose of performing an ultrasound is to assess the condition of amniotic fluid and placenta inside the uterus. If there are any abnormalities in the amniotic fluid or placenta, the fetus may be affected. However, by 37 weeks, the fetus has typically developed fully and the fetal position is usually fixed. Provided there are no other complications, an ultrasound examination may not be required. Nevertheless, it is important to regularly monitor fetal heart rate and movements for any signs of abnormality. If any irregularities occur, an ultrasound should be performed at the hospital promptly.

After 37 weeks of pregnancy, if fetal heart rate and movements remain normal, one ultrasound examination can be scheduled close to the expected delivery date.