What to expect from your obstetric ultrasound

When you’re expecting, there’s a long list of things to be curious about—baby’s development, movement, health milestones. If you’ve been referred for an obstetric ultrasound, you might be wondering just how much it can tell you—and when.

If you’re searching for an ultrasound in Leeton,Narallen, Camden, Griffith & Leppington, or asking around for a trusted ultrasound local, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how accurate ultrasounds are, and when it might be possible (but not guaranteed) to learn your baby’s sex during a medically warranted scan.

Let’s unpack the facts, timing, and technology behind this important pregnancy milestone.

When is the best time for a pregnancy ultrasound?

Your mid-pregnancy morphology scan—typically done between 18 and 22 weeks—is one of the most comprehensive ultrasound checks. This is when your healthcare provider reviews your baby’s development in detail, checking growth, organs, and positioning.

At this point, it may also be possible to determine your baby’s sex. But here’s the catch: it’s not guaranteed. Your baby’s position, movement, and the clarity of the images can all influence what’s visible.

Unlike gender-specific scans done purely for curiosity (which we don’t offer), all obstetric ultrasounds at Xplore are medically warranted. If sex can be determined during your routine scan, your sonographer will let you know—if it’s visible.

Can ultrasound results be wrong?

In short—yes, they can. But they’re usually very reliable when done at the right gestational age.

Ultrasound relies on visual interpretation. For determining sex, trained sonographers look for physical markers—notDNA. After 18 weeks, those markers are clearer, but there’s always room for ambiguity. Umbilical cords can be mistaken for male anatomy, or your baby might simply be curled up, legs crossed, and uninterested in giving you a clear view.

The good news? Obstetric ultrasound is an extremely effective tool for assessing foetal development and wellbeing. Just remember—it’s a snapshot, not a crystal ball.

Is 3D or 4D ultrasound better for pregnancy scans?

You’ve probably seen those lifelike 3D baby photos stuck to fridge doors or shared on socials. But when it comes to medical imaging, 2D ultrasound is still the gold standard.

3D and 4D imaging offer enhanced visuals of surface features—like your baby’s face or limbs—but they’re not necessarily more accurate for internal diagnostics. However, they can be helpful in specific cases, like when positioning makes 2D imaging more difficult.

Some private providers offer these scans as optional extras, but for most pregnancies, 2D ultrasound is the safest, fastest and most reliable choice.

Tips for a clearer pregnancy scan

While there are no guarantees, a few simple things may help improve image quality:

• Book at the recommended time—usually between 18–22 weeks for the mid-trimester scan
• Hydrate well in the days leading up to your appointment
• Follow bladder instructions carefully—you may be asked to drink water beforehand
• Wear comfortable clothes, as you may need to move around to help baby reposition
• Trust your sonographer—they’re trained to get the best images possible

Sometimes, even after all of that, your baby has other ideas. If you don’t get a clear view this time, your GP may discuss next steps if further imaging is required for medical reasons.

How early can an ultrasound assess your baby’s development?

Ultrasounds are often used at various points in pregnancy:

• Dating scan: Around 7–12 weeks, to confirm gestational age and check for multiples
• Nuchal translucency scan: Around 11–14 weeks, used with blood tests for screening
• Morphology scan: At 18–22 weeks, for detailed assessment of development
• Third trimester scans: Sometimes needed to monitor growth, fluid levels, or placenta

Some parents wonder if sex can be seen earlier—sometimes it can, around 14–16 weeks. But at that stage, accuracy varies, and it’s not a focus unless clinically relevant.

For medically warranted imaging, trust that your local ultrasound provider will prioritise what matters most—your baby’s health.

FAQs

Need an obstetric ultrasound in Leeton,Narallen, Camden, Griffith & Leppington or surrounds?

Contact your GP or get in touch with your ultrasound local clinic to arrange a referral. At Xplore, we’re committed to supporting healthy pregnancies with expert care and high-quality imaging.