[header] How to get an ultrasound for pregnancy [title] Understand the importance of the ultrasound exam. [step] The ultrasound exam is used to evaluate the fetus' growth and development, and to determine how the pregnancy is progressing. Two ultrasound exams are performed over the course of your pregnancy-one in the first trimester and one in the second. 
[substeps] The first trimester ultrasound is used by health care providers to confirm and date the pregnancy, so you will get a fairly accurate idea of your due date. This ultrasound can also be used to check for the presence of more than one fetus.