For all Obstetrics scans, no special preparation is needed, although it is best to wear loose clothing that can easily be lifted or removed in order to expose your abdomen. You will lie on your back on an examination couch and the transducer moved back and forth across your stomach in order to gain the best possible image of the fetus. Ultrasound imaging in pregnancy is widely used to evaluate the baby. It can determine if a baby is present, the position of the fetus and if there is a multiple pregnancy. It can also help to diagnose abnormalities or problems, help determine the age of the pregnancy and subsequent due date as well as showing the position of the placenta in relation to the birth canal. There is also then a routine scan at 20 weeks.
Nuchal scan | Ultrasound scans | Welcome to the Fetal Medicine Centre
Back to Your pregnancy and baby guide. Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build a picture of the baby in the womb. The scans are painless, have no known side effects on mothers or babies, and can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy. Talk to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about any concerns you have. For many women, ultrasound scans are the highlight of pregnancy. It's very exciting to "see" your baby in the womb, often moving their hands and legs. Having a scan in pregnancy is usually a happy event, but be aware that ultrasound scans may detect some serious health conditions, so try to be prepared for that information.
A dating scan is an ultrasound scan to determine how many weeks pregnant you are and your due date. Read on for more information about what a dating scan offers. A dating scan might be recommended to confirm your due date if you are unsure of your last menstrual period or your date of conception. It is usually offered to pregnant women from 10 weeks to 13 weeks gestation, but can be carried out any time from 6 weeks.
In order to meet the demand for scans the clinic has a tight appointment schedule and it is therefore very important that you arrive in time. If you arrive late, we may not be able to scan you and may have to reschedule your appointment. Your choice will be respected if you decide not to have the scans, and you'll be given the chance to discuss it with your maternity team before making your decision. This first routine scan is carried out for the following reasons:. It is not diagnostic.