Pregnancy Ultrasound Tests in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ultrasound is one of the most common and important tests used during pregnancy in Grand Rapids. Whether you’re receiving care through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or a local OB/GYN clinic, you can expect ultrasound to be part of your routine prenatal care.

What Is a Pregnancy Ultrasound?

An ultrasound (also called a sonogram) is a scan that uses high‑frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body.

  • A handheld device called a transducer sends sound waves into your body.
  • These waves bounce off internal structures and return as echoes.
  • A computer translates the echoes into a grainy, two‑dimensional (and sometimes three‑dimensional) image on a monitor.

During pregnancy, ultrasound is used to:

  • Check your baby’s growth and development
  • Confirm how far along you are (gestational age)
  • Help detect certain birth defects or structural abnormalities
  • Check the position of the placenta and baby
  • Monitor your pregnancy if there are complications

Ultrasound images are not always perfect, and some abnormalities cannot be seen. If anything looks unusual, your provider may recommend additional tests.

Is Pregnancy Ultrasound Safe?

Ultrasound is considered very safe for both mother and baby:

  • It is non‑invasive (no needles or incisions)
  • It is painless
  • It uses sound waves, not radiation

There are no known risks, complications, or side effects for you or your unborn baby from standard obstetric ultrasound.

In Grand Rapids, pregnancy ultrasounds are routinely performed in:

  • Hospital imaging departments (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • Outpatient imaging centers
  • OB/GYN offices and maternal‑fetal medicine clinics

When Is Ultrasound Used During Pregnancy?

You may have one or more ultrasounds during your pregnancy, depending on your health, your baby’s health, and your provider’s recommendations.

First Trimester Ultrasound (up to 12–13 weeks)

A first trimester ultrasound is often done within the first three months of pregnancy. It is used to:

  • Confirm the pregnancy and that the embryo is developing inside the uterus (and not in a fallopian tube – ectopic pregnancy)
  • Confirm the number of embryos (single or multiple pregnancy)
  • Measure the embryo to estimate gestational age
  • Estimate your due date
  • Check for early signs of certain problems, such as bleeding or pain

In Grand Rapids, many patients have their first ultrasound at a hospital-based clinic or through their OB/GYN practice, especially if there are any concerns like severe cramping or bleeding.

Second Trimester Ultrasound (18–20 weeks)

Often called the “anatomy scan,” this detailed ultrasound is usually performed between 18 and 20 weeks. It is used to:

  • Examine your baby’s spine, limbs, brain, heart, kidneys, and other internal organs
  • Check your baby’s overall growth
  • Look at the size and location of the placenta
  • Measure amniotic fluid levels
  • Check the umbilical cord
  • Determine the baby’s sex, if you wish to know

This is typically the longest and most detailed ultrasound. Many Grand Rapids parents schedule this scan at major health systems like Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids, where maternal‑fetal medicine specialists can review the images if needed.

Third Trimester Ultrasound (after 30 weeks)

A third trimester ultrasound may be recommended if:

  • Your baby is measuring small or large for dates
  • You have high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or other medical conditions
  • There are concerns about the placenta or amniotic fluid
  • The baby’s position needs to be checked (for example, breech position)

This scan is used to:

  • Check that your baby is continuing to grow at a normal rate
  • Confirm the baby’s position (head‑down, breech, or sideways)
  • Recheck the placenta to make sure it is not covering the cervix (placenta previa)
  • Monitor high‑risk pregnancies

Types of Pregnancy Ultrasound

There are two main types of ultrasound used during pregnancy in Grand Rapids:

Transabdominal Ultrasound

This is the most common type of ultrasound.

What to expect:

  • You may be asked to drink water and come with a full bladder. Sound waves travel well through fluid, so your full bladder acts like a “window” to the uterus.
  • You will lie on an examination table.
  • A clear gel is applied to your abdomen to help the transducer make good contact with your skin.
  • The sonographer (the trained professional who performs the scan) moves the transducer over your abdomen to capture images.
  • Pictures appear instantly on a nearby monitor.
  • The sonographer may need to press a bit firmly at times to see deeper structures.
  • The scan usually takes about 30 minutes.

Transabdominal ultrasound is commonly used in the second and third trimesters, and often in the first trimester as well.

Transvaginal (Vaginal) Ultrasound

In some cases, a transabdominal ultrasound does not provide clear enough images. For example, early in pregnancy or when there is a lot of gas in the bowel (air is a poor conductor of sound waves), a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended.

What to expect:

  • A slender, covered transducer is gently inserted into the vagina.
  • The probe is moved slightly to obtain images of the uterus, cervix, and early pregnancy.
  • The scan usually takes about 30 minutes.
  • This type of ultrasound is often used in early pregnancy or to check the cervix later in pregnancy.

Transvaginal ultrasound is safe and typically well‑tolerated. It provides clearer images in early pregnancy and can be especially helpful during cold Michigan winters, when bulky clothing and abdominal layers can sometimes make abdominal imaging more challenging.

Immediately After the Ultrasound

After your ultrasound:

  • The sonographer will give you tissues to wipe away the gel.
  • You can empty your bladder and return to normal activities.
  • There are no restrictions on driving, working, or exercising based on the ultrasound itself.

The images and report are sent to your doctor or midwife, so you will usually need a follow‑up appointment to discuss the results.

Understanding Your Results

Normal Results

A normal ultrasound is very reassuring, but it does not guarantee that your baby has no health problems. Some conditions cannot be seen on ultrasound, especially mild or functional issues.

Abnormal or Unclear Results

If your ultrasound suggests a possible fetal abnormality or if something is unclear:

  • Your provider may recommend a repeat ultrasound, often with a maternal‑fetal medicine specialist (high‑risk pregnancy doctor).
  • Additional tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), may be offered to look for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.

These follow‑up tests are optional. You can choose whether or not to have them after discussing benefits, risks, and alternatives with your provider.

Other Pregnancy Tests: Amniocentesis and CVS

If your ultrasound or blood tests suggest a higher risk of chromosomal conditions, your Grand Rapids obstetrician may discuss these diagnostic tests with you.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

What happens:

  • Under continuous ultrasound guidance, a slender needle is inserted through your abdomen into the amniotic sac.
  • A small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn.
  • The fluid contains fetal cells, which are examined in a laboratory for chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) and certain genetic conditions.

Risks:

  • The risk of miscarriage following amniocentesis is around 1 in 250.

Because of this small but real risk, amniocentesis is usually offered only when the chance of a chromosomal problem is considered higher than average (for example, due to maternal age, abnormal screening tests, or ultrasound findings).

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

CVS is usually performed earlier in pregnancy, between 10 and 13 weeks.

What happens:

  • Under ultrasound guidance, a slender needle or thin tube is inserted through the abdomen or cervix.
  • A small sample of placental tissue (chorionic villi) is taken.
  • The sample is tested in a laboratory for chromosomal abnormalities and some genetic conditions.

Risks:

  • The risk of miscarriage following CVS is about 1 in 100.

As with amniocentesis, CVS is optional. Discuss your personal risk factors, family history, and values with your provider before deciding.

Taking Care of Yourself After Testing

After a standard pregnancy ultrasound:

  • You do not need any special precautions.
  • You can return to your usual daily activities, including work, exercise, and caring for other children.

If you have an invasive test like amniocentesis or CVS, your provider will give you specific instructions about rest, activity limits, and warning signs to watch for.

Long‑Term Outlook

For most pregnant patients in Grand Rapids:

  • Ultrasound scans provide reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing normally.
  • If a problem is found, early detection allows your care team (OB/GYN, maternal‑fetal medicine, pediatric specialists) to plan the safest delivery and newborn care, often at regional centers such as Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Because Grand Rapids serves as a healthcare hub for West Michigan, families here have access to advanced imaging, genetic counseling, and high‑risk pregnancy services if needed.

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Living in Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region can shape your prenatal care needs:

  • Cold winters and icy conditions can increase fall risk in pregnancy. Your provider may use ultrasound to check your baby if you experience trauma or a hard fall.
  • Seasonal infections (like flu and RSV) are common in colder months; if you become seriously ill, ultrasound may be used to monitor your baby’s well‑being.
  • Access to care is supported by multiple hospital systems and clinics across Kent County, making it easier to schedule ultrasounds close to home.

For public health information and pregnancy support programs, the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health offer resources, referrals, and education for expectant parents.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are pregnant in Grand Rapids and have questions about ultrasound or other pregnancy tests, you can contact:

  • Your family doctor (GP) or primary care provider
  • Your OB/GYN or certified nurse‑midwife
  • Maternal‑fetal medicine specialists at major health systems
  • Any ultrasound or medical imaging department at:
    • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health facilities
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

You can also reach out to:

  • Kent County Health Department for prenatal programs and local resources
  • Local community health centers and pregnancy resource programs in the Grand Rapids metro area

Key Points

  • Pregnancy ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non‑invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of your baby.
  • There are no known risks, complications, or side effects for either the mother or unborn baby from routine obstetric ultrasound.
  • A normal ultrasound is reassuring but does not guarantee that your baby has no abnormalities.
  • If an ultrasound suggests a problem, further tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) may be offered.
  • The risk of miscarriage is around 1 in 250 after amniocentesis and about 1 in 100 after CVS.
  • In Grand Rapids, MI, high‑quality ultrasound and prenatal testing are available through major hospital systems, imaging centers, and OB/GYN practices across the city and Kent County.