So you need a fake ultrasound. You’re planning the ultimate prank on your best friend. You’re a filmmaker who needs a realistic prop. Or you want to create a memorable pregnancy announcement without the pregnancy part (yet). Whatever your reason, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve spent way too much time researching this niche. I tested services, compared quality, and figured out what makes a fake ultrasound look convincing. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is a Fake Ultrasound?
A fake ultrasound is a novelty image designed to look like a real prenatal sonogram. These images replicate the distinctive black-and-white appearance of medical ultrasounds. They include the grainy texture, measurement markers, and patient information fields you’d see on the real thing.
The key word here is novelty. These aren’t medical documents. They’re props, gag gifts, and creative tools. Think of them like those fake parking tickets people use for pranks, except way more specialized.
Quality varies dramatically. Some fake ultrasounds are obviously fake (we’re talking clip-art-level bad). Others are remarkably convincing with proper formatting, realistic fetal imagery, and authentic-looking hospital details.
Why People Use Fake Ultrasounds
Before we go further, let’s talk about the legitimate reasons people seek out fake ultrasounds. In my experience, they fall into a few categories:
Pranks and Gag Gifts
This is the big one. April Fools’ Day, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday surprises. Fake ultrasounds are a classic prank prop. The key is knowing your audience. Your best friend with a great sense of humor? Hilarious. Your mother-in-law with a heart condition? Skip this one.
For prank ideas, check out our guide to funny fake ultrasound pranks.
Film, Theater, and Photography
Productions need props that look real on camera. They don’t require medical documentation. Student films, indie productions, theater performances, and photo shoots all use fake ultrasounds. The camera is unforgiving. These props need to hold up to scrutiny.
Learn more about fake ultrasounds for film and theater.
Creative Announcements
Here’s one that surprises people: some folks use fake ultrasounds for real pregnancy announcements. Why? The timing of their ultrasound appointment doesn’t work for their announcement plans. They want a specific look their real ultrasound doesn’t have. They’re doing a creative photo shoot and need multiple props.
See our pregnancy announcement ideas for inspiration.
Keepsakes and Memory Items
Some people create fake ultrasounds as memorial items. For pregnancies without an ultrasound, for adoption situations, or for other personal reasons. These are deeply personal use cases deserving respect.
Types of Fake Ultrasounds
Not all fake ultrasounds are created equal. Here’s what’s out there:
Template-Based Ultrasounds
These use a standard template with minimal customization. You change the name and date, but the ultrasound image stays the same. They’re cheap (sometimes free) but also the most obviously fake. Everyone who sees them sees the same baby.
Custom Fake Ultrasounds
This is where things get interesting. Custom services let you specify details like:
- Patient name and information
- Hospital or clinic name
- Date and gestational age
- Single baby or twins
- Gender indicators (if desired)
- Specific measurements and markers
The best custom services create unique images rather than recycling the same template for everyone. This makes a huge difference in believability.
For a breakdown, see our custom vs template comparison.
Generator Apps
There are apps claiming to generate fake ultrasounds on your phone. Spoiler alert: most of them are terrible. The quality is usually poor, and they often look nothing like real ultrasounds. I’ve reviewed the major ones in our fake ultrasound apps guide. Save yourself the disappointment.
Want to try a quick option first? The free fake ultrasound generator lets you create a basic image with your name at no cost.
What Makes a Fake Ultrasound Look Realistic
After looking at dozens of fake ultrasounds (a weird hobby, I know), I’ve identified what separates the convincing ones from the obvious fakes:
Image Quality and Texture
Real ultrasounds have a specific grainy, slightly blurry quality. They’re not crisp photos. They’re sound wave interpretations. Fake ultrasounds looking too sharp or too clean look wrong immediately. The best fakes nail this texture.
Proper Formatting
Authentic ultrasounds include specific elements:
- Patient name and ID in consistent positions
- Date and time stamps
- Hospital/clinic identification
- Measurement markers and scales
- Machine settings and technical data
Cheap fakes often skip these details or get them wrong. Good fakes include them all in the right places.
Realistic Fetal Imagery
The baby image itself matters. The image should look like what you’d see at the specified gestational age. Not a fully-formed baby at 8 weeks or a blob at 20 weeks. Proportions and development stages should match.
Paper and Printing
If you’re getting a physical print, the paper matters. Real ultrasounds are printed on thermal paper with a specific sheen. Some services offer this authentic printing. Others use regular photo paper. For most purposes, quality photo paper works fine. Thermal paper adds extra authenticity.
Learn more in our guide to realistic fake ultrasounds.
Where to Get a Fake Ultrasound
You’ve got options, ranging from free (and usually terrible) to professional-quality custom jobs:
Free Online Templates
A Google search will turn up free templates you download and edit yourself. The quality varies from “might work in a pinch” to “this looks like MS Paint made it.” You get what you pay for.
Mobile Apps
Various apps promise instant fake ultrasounds. Most are ad-filled disappointments producing unconvincing results. A few are passable for casual use. See our app reviews for specifics.
Professional Services
This is where you’ll find the best quality. Dedicated services specialize in creating realistic novelty ultrasounds with full customization. Prices range from $10-50 depending on options and turnaround time.
After testing several services, my go-to recommendation is Baby Maybe Shop. Their quality is consistently excellent. Customization options are extensive, and turnaround is fast. They’ve been in the business long enough to know what makes an ultrasound look authentic.
For a full breakdown of your options, check out our best fake ultrasound websites review.
Customization Options
When ordering a custom fake ultrasound, here’s what you personalize:
Patient Information
- Name: Any name you want on the ultrasound
- Date of birth: For the “patient”
- Patient ID: Usually auto-generated but sometimes customizable
Pregnancy Details
- Gestational age: How far along (affects what the baby looks like)
- Due date: Calculated based on gestational age
- Single or twins: One baby or two
- Gender: Some services indicate boy/girl if desired
Facility Information
- Hospital/clinic name: Real or made-up facility name
- Location: City, state, address details
- Doctor name: Physician listed on the ultrasound
For step-by-step instructions, see our customization guide.
Want to add your own name? Check out how to add your name to a fake ultrasound.
Interested in twins? We’ve got a guide for creating fake twin ultrasounds.
Legal Considerations
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: is this legal?
Short answer: Yes, fake ultrasounds themselves are legal to create, sell, and possess. They’re novelty items, like fake lottery tickets or prank parking tickets.
The catch: How you use them matters enormously.
Legal Uses
- Pranks among friends and family
- Film, theater, and photography props
- Gag gifts
- Personal keepsakes
- Educational demonstrations
Illegal Uses
- Defrauding someone for money or benefits
- Presenting as medical documentation to employers, insurers, or government agencies
- Any form of fraud or material misrepresentation
The line is clear: use your fake ultrasound for fun and creative purposes, not to deceive for gain. Don’t use a fake ultrasound to get pregnancy benefits you’re not entitled to. Don’t use one to manipulate someone in a relationship. Don’t use one for any kind of fraud.
For more detail, read our full guide on fake ultrasound legality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fake ultrasound cost?
Prices range from free (low-quality templates) to around $50 for premium custom jobs with express shipping. Most decent custom ultrasounds fall in the $15-30 range. I’d recommend budgeting at least $20 if you want something looking convincing.
How long does delivery take for a fake ultrasound?
Digital delivery is same-day or within 24 hours from most services. Physical prints ship within 1-3 business days. Standard delivery takes another 3-7 days depending on your location. Rush options are available for an extra fee.
How do you tell if an ultrasound is fake?
Quality varies enormously. Cheap templates are usually obvious to anyone who’s seen a real ultrasound. High-quality custom jobs from reputable services are difficult to distinguish. They include all the proper formatting, realistic imagery, and authentic details. For more on this, see our real vs fake comparison guide.
Is it possible to make my own fake ultrasound?
Yes, if you have decent image editing skills. We have a tutorial on making your own. Getting all the details right is tricky, though. Most DIY attempts end up looking obviously fake. For most people, ordering from a service is easier and produces better results.
Are fake ultrasounds safe to use for pranks?
Know your audience. A fake pregnancy announcement prank is hilarious among friends who’ll appreciate the joke. The same prank is genuinely distressing for people dealing with fertility issues, recent pregnancy loss, or other sensitive situations. Use good judgment and make sure the reveal happens quickly. Don’t let people sit with false excitement or concern.
Is it possible to get a fake ultrasound with twins?
Yes. Most custom services offer twin ultrasounds. These show two babies in the image rather than one. They’re popular for pranks (double the shock value) and for creative announcements. See our twins ultrasound guide.
What’s the best fake ultrasound website?
Based on my testing, Baby Maybe Fake Ultrasounds consistently delivers the best combination of quality, customization options, and customer service. Check out our full comparison of fake ultrasound websites for runner-ups and alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning an epic prank, need a prop for a creative project, or want to understand what’s out there, I hope this guide has been helpful. The fake ultrasound world is surprisingly nuanced once you dig in. There’s a real difference between the cheap stuff and quality work.
My advice? If your fake ultrasound needs to look convincing, invest in a custom option from a reputable service. The difference is night and day, and you’ll be much happier with the result.
Got questions I didn’t cover? Feel free to explore the other guides on this site. I’ve gone deep on pretty much every angle of this topic.
