Palmetto Preventive
Outpatient Ultrasound

OB Third Trimester Ultrasound

Later-pregnancy ultrasound can assess fetal growth, presentation, amniotic fluid, and placental position. Nonurgent, low-risk requests may qualify without an outside OB order after clinical review. Complications require an outside OB-provider order and appropriate follow-up.

What the exam evaluates

  • Fetal growth and estimated weight
  • Amniotic fluid
  • Position and presentation

Common reasons for this exam

  • Assessment of whether the baby is head-down, when approved after clinical review.
  • Uncomplicated follow-up without concerning prior findings after clinical review.
  • Assessment of a growth, placental, or amniotic-fluid concern with an outside OB-provider order and appropriate follow-up.

Approximate duration

Most exams take about 30 to 45 minutes once approved. You can typically return to normal activities immediately afterward.

What to expect

The sonographer applies gel and moves a handheld probe over your skin. You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath. Pressure over a tender area can be uncomfortable; tell the sonographer so they can adjust. Ultrasound uses sound waves, with no ionizing radiation. You can usually resume normal activities afterward.

How to prepare

Follow your appointment instructions

  • This exam must be scheduled at least three days in advance so the appropriate sonographer can be available.
  • Bring prior pregnancy scans and any order you already have. Confirm whether a specialized assessment is needed; complications require an outside OB-provider order and appropriate follow-up.
  • Ask whether bladder preparation is needed; do not assume you must arrive with a full bladder.
  • Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area being scanned. Bring earlier imaging reports and your order, if available.
  • Continue prescribed medicines unless your clinician gives different instructions. Tell the team about pain, limited mobility, or positioning needs.

No Order Needed — clinical review before confirmation

Routine, uncomplicated pregnancy ultrasounds may qualify without an outside order after clinical review. Pregnancy complications, concerning symptoms, or unclear history or findings require an outside OB-provider order and appropriate follow-up. Our team may recommend an optional beta-hCG blood test at an additional cost; it is never automatically added.

Quantitative beta-hCG test details and current price

Understanding your results

  • Estimated fetal weight is an estimate, not an exact measurement.
  • This scan does not replace routine prenatal visits or automatically include a biophysical profile or specialized Doppler studies.
  • Multiple gestation, high-risk pregnancy, symptoms, or abnormal prior findings require an outside OB-provider order and appropriate follow-up.

What happens next?

A radiologist interprets the images. Review the report and any recommended next steps with your clinician. The sonographer may not be able to give a diagnosis during the appointment. Persistent symptoms still need follow-up even when the scan is normal. This outpatient ultrasound does not replace ongoing prenatal care. Review the report and next steps with your obstetric clinician, and confirm who will arrange any repeat imaging or testing.

When to seek care sooner

Reduced fetal movement, bleeding, leaking fluid, or severe pain requires prompt contact with your obstetric team or labor and delivery unit.

Sources & further reading

This patient summary draws on published clinical literature and professional guidance. Patient resources are identified separately below. Preparation also depends on your specific order and the collecting laboratory or imaging team.

Content updated October 11, 2026. General education; individual advice comes from your care team.

Transparent pricing

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Palmetto Preventive is a direct-pay service. You will see clear payment terms before your booking is finalized — no surprise imaging-center bill.

Self-pay price

$360.00/ exam

One transparent price for this exam. Payment terms are presented before your booking is finalized.

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Our pricing promise

Transparent self-pay pricing — you see the price before you book.

No surprise bills after your visit.

If your service is not approved, your payment is refunded in full.

A note on what we are. Palmetto Preventive provides non-emergency outpatient diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. We are not an emergency department, urgent care center, hospital, or a substitute for emergency evaluation, and we are not a longitudinal primary-care practice. If you are experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care or call 911.

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