Screening for Ultrasonography in Pregnancy

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Release Date: 1996

Routine third-trimester ultrasound examination of the fetus is not recommended. There is insufficient evidence regarding its use during the second-trimester in low-risk pregnant women. Despite the lack of evidence on its positive impact on health outcomes and the 1996 USPSTF recommendation against its routine use, ultrasonography in pregnancy has become common practice in the U.S. Based on currently available evidence, the USPSTF believes there would be limited potential impact on clinical practice in updating the 1996 recommendation. The USPSTF will not update its 1996 recommendation.

Internet Citation:

Screening for Ultrasonography in Pregnancy, Topic Page. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsuspg.htm