AI pregnancy scans twice as fast and just as accurate as traditional sonograms, study finds

Artificial intelligence is being hailed as a potential game-changer in prenatal care, cutting down the time it takes to identify fetal abnormalities by almost half, according to a groundbreaking new study.

Researchers at King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust found as well as being faster, AI is just as accurate as traditional methods, offering the potential to revolutionise the 20-week scan.

The technology, tested in the first trial of its kind, could significantly reduce scan times, easing anxiety for expectant parents and freeing up sonographers to focus on potential problem areas.

The AI also proved more reliable than human sonographers in taking crucial measurements.

This improved accuracy offers the potential for earlier detection of potential issues, allowing medical professionals to intervene sooner if required.

The AI tool was also found to alter the way in which the scan is performed, as sonographers no longer needed to pause, save images or measure during the scan.

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Source: The Independent, 27 March 2025