Ultrasound Pregnancy Scans

7-12 Weeks

This pregnancy scan is available for anyone who feels a bit worried or just wants to make sure that all is well with the pregnancy. It is also reassuring for women who have had some vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (threatened miscarriage).

These scans are usually done by means of an abdominal scanner. Sometimes the tummy scanner is inconclusive and an internal (vaginal) scan can give more information as to the health of the pregnancy. This baby scan can show the number embryos, a heartbeat, the size of the embryo and confirm the number of weeks of pregnancy.

What Can Be Seen on a 7-12 Week Ultrasound?

Heartbeats, embryos, gestational age dating, uterine/embryo locations, basic anatomy & measurements.

11-14 Weeks

The Sonographer will measure the “nuchal fold” or “nuchal translucency”. This is the fluid in the skin at the back of the baby’s neck.. This fluid may be increased in babies with Down syndrome or other genetic problem. If the nuchal translucency scan is abnormal, a referral to a Consultant in Fetal Medicine will be made.  You may be offered a definitive diagnostic test, amniocentesis, if the baby scan is abnormal.

14-22 Weeks

A baby scan is not usually necessary at this stage of pregnancy but you might have one if you’ve had some bleeding or feel unwell. The baby will be measured on scan and the placenta and amniotic fluid will be assessed. Some mothers request thiss can to ease anxiety or just need extra confidence that development remains on track. 

What will be checked during a reassurance baby scan?

During this deeper ultrasound inspection, we will measure fetal growth parameters, visualise anatomical structures, check the placenta health and amniotic fluid levels, look for any problems, and confirm a strong fetal heartbeat.

19-28 Weeks

A scan at this stage can determine the sex of your baby. We also measure the baby at the scan. Our sexing scan are highly reliable but may be more difficult if the baby is in an unfavourable position or if the mother is overweight. We will not tell you the sex of the baby if we are not sure about it, but it is very unusual for us not to be able to do so.

What If Baby's Sex Can't Be Seen Clearly on Scan?

If identification is uncertain during the exam, we will not guess - we will suggest a follow up scan later to confirm when possible.

20-24 Weeks

At the beginning of the Anomaly scan, measurements will be made of the baby’s head, brain, abdomen and legs. These will be plotted on a chart. We will then perform a detailed scan of the baby’s organs to detect any abnormalities. This can never completely guarantee that all is well, but it gives very strong reassurance. We also check the placenta, amniotic fluid, and the umbilical cord.

If you wish, you can find out the sex of the baby from the Anomaly scan. Below is a list of different types of birth defect and how likely a scan will identify each problem during pregnancy:

• Spina Bifidia / open spinal cord / 90% 
• Anencephaly / Absence of top of head / 99% 
• Hydrocephalus / Excess fluid within the brain* / 60% 
• Major heart problem / 40% 
• Diaphragmatic hernia / A defect in the muscle that separates the chest and the abdomen / 60% 
• Exomphalos/gastroschisis / A defect in the tummy wall / 90% 
• Major kidney problem / missing or abdominal kidney / 85% 
• Major limb abnormality / Missing bones or very short limbs / 15% 
• Cerebral palsy / Spasticity , weakness of limbs / not seen 
• Autism / not seen 
• Down syndrome / may be associated with heart and bowel problems / About 40%

*Many cases present late in pregnancy or even after birth

What gets evaluated in an anomaly scan?

Every part of fetal development gets assessed including the heart, brain, kidneys and stomach as well as measurements of the bones in the arms and legs.

17-22 Weeks

If you are at risk of premature birth, it may be useful to have an internal scan (vaginal scan) to measure the length of your cervix. Sometimes, a short cervix at this time help to predict an early delivery. A short cervix is defined as less than 25mm in mid-pregnancy, has been linked to higher chance of early labor and birth. Tracking cervical length over the course of the pregnancy can help predict and monitor preterm birth risk as fluctuations can occur.

23-40 Weeks

This is also called a “fetal growth scan”. During this pregnancy scan, we measure the baby’s head, tummy and thigh bone. These measurements will be used to calculate the baby’s weight. In addition to fetal biometry measurements, the sonographer will evaluate amniotic fluid levels around the fetus, fetal activity levels and movement patterns, anatomical survey for abnormalities, placental position, and umbilical cord blood flow 

3D & 4D Scan 

24-30 Weeks

3D/4D scan are not usually needed for medical reasons. Some people refer to them as “entertainment scans”. If you are having a 3D/4D baby scan, we always do a wellbeing scan first before trying to view the face or other body parts. It may take some time to get a good view of the baby. If the baby is not in a favourable position, you may be asked to take a break and move around to see if the baby will also move. Capturing good 3D/4D ultrasound images can take some time and patience.

Pictures: the cost of the 3D/4D scan includes a baby scan report, 3D scan pictures and a DVD with a recording of the scan. The DVD allows you to see slight movements and facial expressions not captured in the still frames.

What Do You See on a 3D/4D Baby Scan?

These specialised scans can show  clear and detailed 3D images of the baby's face, fingers, toes and facial expressions as they develop. 4D ultrasound shows these structures in motion.

Are 3D & 4D Scans Safe for Baby?

There are no known risks to suggest that a 3D or 4D scan is potentiall hamrful to a baby. If you have any concerns, please dont hesitate to as us.
 

Our state-of-the-art scanning equipment provides the latest in ultrasound technology. The majority of gynaecology scans are performed using a vaginal probe (internal scan) to obtain the clearest views of the pelvis. This is done with an empty bladder. The uterus, cervix and both ovaries are visualised and measured. Any cysts or abnormalities are noted. A full report will be sent to your GP and/or Gynaecologist.