The most common reasons to have ultrasound in pregnancy are to determine the age (gestation) of the baby, to confirm its well being and to make sure the baby is growing normally.

Routine obstetric ultrasounds are generally carried out at 11 to 14 weeks gestation and at 18 to 20 weeks gestation. The 11 to 14 week routine scan is used to confirm that you are pregnant and determine the age of the baby, diagnose multiple pregnancies, assess the pregnancy if there is any pain or bleeding and assess the risk of Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. We do this final assessment using Nuchal Translucency Measurement. It must be done between 11 and 14 weeks.

The Fetal Anatamy Scan is the second routine scan and is carried out at 18 to 20 weeks gestation. At this scan, we will examine the baby, the fluid around the baby and the placenta and assess if the pregnancy is progressing normally.  A thorough explanation is provided during the scan from our expert sonographer or radiologist. There is also an option to include a short 4D scan (movie) and printed 3D images. 

Before the Ultrasound
Please bring your referral form with you.
For pregnancies over 8 weeks, no preparation is required before the ultrasound. For pregnancies under 8 weeks, your bladder must be at least half full.

The Obstetric Ultrasound
For most scans, you will be asked to lie on an examining table  and a warm gel will be applied to your skin.  Our expert sonographer or radiologist then presses a hand-held ‘transducer” firmly against the skin, moving it until the desired images are captured.  You will be able to see the images during the scan.
Early in the pregnancy, we may need to scan with a special probe placed in the vagina (a transvaginal scan). At the time of your appointment we will assess whether this is required and discuss this with you.
Ultrasound imaging is painless, produces no radiation and is the preferred imaging modalaity for pregnant women and unborn babies. The examination will take between 10 and 30 minutes.

Post Ultrasound
A full report will be sent to your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC).
The images we record during your scan, including any 4D images, will be given to you before you leave.