Questions people ask about fake ultrasounds

Buying or making a novelty picture is legal in the US, the UK and most other places. What can be illegal is what you do with it: using it to deceive a doctor, employer, insurer, school, court or benefits office, or to get money from someone, can be fraud or forgery. This isn't legal advice; if you're unsure about a specific use, that use is probably the problem.

Almost always, and quickly. They look at scans every day, and they would never rely on a picture brought in from outside anyway; they'd scan you themselves. Which is one more reason a novelty print has no place in a medical setting.

Yes, most sellers and generators let you add a name and a date. For a prank or a prop, a made-up clinic name is the safer choice than a real one.

Start with a reverse image search; most fakes reuse a handful of sample pictures. Then check whether the stated week matches what the baby looks like. Our real or novelty guide walks through the rest.

No. Plenty go to people who really are pregnant and want a picture for an announcement without sharing their own scan. Props departments, shower games and gender reveal parties use them too. See how people use them.

It can be. With the right person, told within minutes, it's a good laugh. With someone who has been trying for a baby or has lost one, it's cruel, even if you didn't know. Our ground rules cover who to leave out.

Take a home pregnancy test (pharmacies and many dollar stores sell them), then contact a doctor, clinic or midwife. In the US, community health centers and Planned Parenthood offer low-cost tests and advice. A novelty scan can't tell you anything about your health.

No. This is a guide, with no shop and nothing for sale.