Ultrasound can be a standard examination, but it can also be a high-risk test if the doctor is assessing a specific high-risk condition, such as pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, placenta previa, and so on. During a high-risk ultrasound, the doctor may need to perform additional tests or follow up with you later in your pregnancy. You should discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before getting an ultrasound. He or she will be able to tell you what kind of scan it is and how risky it is for you. This information will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the procedure. There are two types of ultrasound scans: abdominal and fetal. They both use sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body, but they do so at different times during your pregnancy. Abdominal ultrasounds look at organs such as the liver, pancreas, spleen, stomach, intestines, and kidneys. Fetal ultrasounds examine the contents of the uterus including the fetus and the placenta. Abdominal and fetal ultrasounds are both safe procedures that can reveal important information about your baby's health and the quality of your pregnancy. However, there are risks associated with each type of scan.