Receiving a pregnancy ultrasound involves a team of highly trained medical professionals, which often leads to confusion about who is responsible for each part of the examination. The person performing the scan is typically not a medical doctor, but a technical specialist. The individual providing the official diagnosis is a physician with specialized training in interpreting medical images. Understanding these distinct roles helps clarify the path from image acquisition to receiving the final report and management plan.
The Ultrasound Technologist (Sonographer)
The person who conducts the physical ultrasound examination is known as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, often referred to as an ultrasound technologist. These professionals are allied health workers who specialize in using high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the body’s internal structures. Their education typically involves completing an accredited program, leading to certification such as the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).
The sonographer’s primary responsibility is the technical performance of the scan, including operating the equipment and maneuvering the transducer to capture specific anatomical views. They ensure the collected images meet high diagnostic standards for quality and completeness. Sonographers are not medical doctors and are prohibited from providing a medical diagnosis or interpreting the findings for the patient. They focus on the detailed acquisition of visual data, which they then summarize for a physician who issues the official report.
The Specialist Who Reads the Images
The medical doctor responsible for interpreting the images and providing the official, legally binding diagnosis is most often a Radiologist. A Radiologist is a physician who specializes in the interpretation of all types of medical imaging, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. They review the static images and video clips captured by the sonographer, often without having been present during the actual scan.
The Radiologist’s expertise lies in recognizing subtle patterns of disease or normal anatomical variants within the visual data. They generate a formal report detailing growth measurements, placental position, fetal anatomy, and any potential findings, which is sent to the patient’s primary care provider. While a qualified Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) may perform diagnostic interpretation in women’s health settings, the Radiologist remains the standard specialist for complex imaging.
Specialists for Complex Pregnancy Scans
For pregnancies considered high-risk or when the standard scan reveals a potential complication, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist may be involved. These physicians are also known as Perinatologists. They are OB/GYNs who have completed an additional two to three years of advanced fellowship training focused specifically on the medical, obstetrical, and genetic complications of pregnancy.
MFM specialists often perform or supervise the interpretation of targeted or Level II ultrasounds, which are detailed examinations looking for specific fetal abnormalities. They manage high-risk conditions like maternal hypertension, pre-existing diabetes, or multi-fetal pregnancies. If an issue is discovered, the MFM specialist discusses the findings with the patient and coordinates any necessary further testing or specialized care.
The Role of Your Primary Obstetrician
The primary Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) or certified midwife coordinates the patient’s prenatal care, including the ultrasound process. They are the professional who initially orders the scan and provides the necessary context for the imaging center. While they do not perform the scan or the diagnostic reading, they serve as the central hub for all the information gathered.
Once the Radiologist or MFM specialist finalizes the diagnostic report, it is sent back to the primary OB/GYN. This doctor integrates the ultrasound findings with the patient’s complete medical history and current clinical picture. The primary provider communicates the results of the scan to the patient, explains the findings, and outlines any necessary adjustments to the care plan. They manage the overall trajectory of the pregnancy, making them the ultimate clinical decision-maker.