Frequently asked questions about ultrasound scans
How early can I have a scan?
A fetal viability scan can be done between 6 and 10 weeks and is an ultrasound examination that is usually carried out vaginally but can be done abdominally at around 7 weeks onwards. It aims to determine the prsence/absence of heart beat, geastational age, number of fetuses present and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus
What is nuchal translucency?
This is a collection of fluid under the skin at the back of the baby's neck at 11 – 13 weeks 6 days that can be measured using ultrasound. All babies have some fluid, but in many babies with Down's syndrome, the nuchal translucency (NT) is increased.
Why do I need a blood test?
The blood test allows the screening process to be more accurate and is recommended by the National Screening Committee (NSC) and the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF). The blood test measures the amount of two hormones in the mothers blood (ß-HCG and PAPP-A) .If the ß-HCG is high and/or the PAPPA is low this increases the risk of Down’s syndrome.Do I get the results of the nuchal scan straight away?
Yes, our software system allows us to give you a Downs’ risk based on the nuchal scan immediately after the scan. The results from the blood test are usually available the following day and the clinic will call you with these and discuss any significant findings and if necessary offer further counselling. A written report will be sent out to you.What happens if the test shows that I am at high risk?
You will have further counselling. You will be offered an invasive test (CVS or amniocentesis). You may need to have further detailed scans and monitoring of the pregnancy.What is Chorion Villus Sampling?
Chorion villus sampling (CVS) involves the examination of chorionic villi (placental tissue). Both the baby and placenta (afterbirth) originate from the same cell and so the chromosomes present in the cells of the placenta are the same as those of the baby.
How is CVS done?
Local anaesthetic is given to the skin. A fine needle is then passed through the mother's abdomen and a sample of villi is taken. The needle is carefully observed using ultrasound scan. The procedure lasts 1-2 minutes.
When is it done?
At 11 to 14 weeks.
What should I expect after the CVS?
For the first couple of days you may experience some abdominal discomfort, period-like pain or a little bleeding. These are relatively common and in the vast majority of cases the pregnancy continues without any problems.
When can I expect to get the results?
The results for Down's syndrome and other major chromosomal defects are usually available within 2-3 days, and for rare defects two weeks. You will be contacted as soon as the results become available.
Will the procedure need to be repeated?
In approximately 1:1000 cases the test will need to be repeated because the results are inconclusive.
What are the risks associated with the test?
The risk of miscarriage due to CVS is about 1 per cent and this is the same as the risk from amniocentesis at 16 weeks. If you were to miscarry due to the test, this would happen within five days. Some studies have shown that when the CVS is performed before 10 weeks there is a small risk of abnormality in the baby's fingers and/or toes. To avoid this risk the CVS is not performed before 11 weeks.
Do I need to take time off?
It is recommended to rest on the day of the procedure and for 48 hours after.
Why is my blood group relevant?
If your blood group is rhesus negative we will need to give you an injection of anti D following the procedure to prevent the development of rhesus disease in future pregnancies.
What is Amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is one of several diagnostic tests that can be carried out during pregnancy. It is used to detect any possible chromosome abnormalities in the unborn child that may cause Down's syndrome or other congenital problems.
How is it done?
It involves passing a fine needle through your abdomen into the uterus in order to aspirate with a syringe some of the fluid (10 mls) from around the baby. An ultrasound scan is used throughout the procedure, which takes only 1-2 minutes to perform.
When is it done?
At 16-20 weeks, although it can also be done in later pregnancy.
What should I expect after the Amniocentesis?
Most women do not find the procedure painful. Some find it uncomfortable.
How long does it take to get the results?
The preliminary results for Down's syndrome are available within 2-3 days. The full chromosome analysis takes between two and three weeks.
What are the risks?
The risk of miscarrying due to the procedure is 1 per cent.
Will the procedure need to be repeated?
Rarely the results are inconclusive and a second procedure (such as fetal blood sampling) may need to be performed.
Why is my blood group relevant?
If your blood group is rhesus negative we will need to give you an injection of anti D following the procedure to prevent the development of rhesus disease in future pregnancies.
What is 4D ultrasound?
The latest ultrasound technology adds the fourth dimension of time to a 3D image resulting in a moving 3D image of your unborn child.
How is 3D ultrasound different from a normal scan?
In conventional 2D scanning the ultrasound image is made up of thick slices and only one slice can be seen at any one time. Although the image is very informative the picture viewed does not resemble the fetus. In 3D ultrasound a volume of echoes is taken which can be stored digitally and shaded to produce life-like pictures of the fetus.
Can you tell me the sex of my baby on the 3d/4d scan?
In most cases we will be able to tell you the sex of your baby. Please ensure that you tell us at the time of your appointment if you DO NOT wish to know.
How long will I have to wait for a scan?
As a private clinic we are proud to say that we do not have waiting times.
Can my other antenatal tests be taken care of at The Avenue Clinic?
Yes, full antenatal care is available at the clinic.
What are the opening times?
The clinics run on Mondays, Tuesdays,Wednesdays, and Saturdays. However, special arrangements can be made on request. Evening appointments are available.
How do I book?
Patients can call the clinic on 01732 465 995 or e-mail us at enquiries@theavenueclinic.comDo I need a doctor to refer me?
We do not require a referral for our screening scans such as fetal viability scans, nuchal scans, 20 week scans or growth scans. There are times however, when a GP or midwife will write to us if there are specific issues relevant to your pregnancy.
How long does it take?
The majority of scans will take approximately 30 minutes.
How do I pay for the examination?
The Avenue Clinic accepts cheques or cash on the day of the scan. Unfortunately, we do not accept credit cards.
Do I need to pay for photos of my baby?
No these are free.
Why should I have a private delivery?
Most of the time the NHS provides excellent care during pregnancy and delivery. However, sometimes the care cannot fully meet your requirements. You may wish to have a consultant you know and trust delivering your baby or accommodating your chosen form of delivery.
What happens if I want to have a private delivery but stay on the NHS for my antenatal care?
You can transfer over to being a private patient late on in the pregnancy. You would need a minimum of two consultations usually within 6 weeks before your expected date of delivery. Once you begin these private consultations you will be registered as a private patient. The Consultant will then deliver the baby and do a private postnatal check a few weeks later.
If I am an NHS patient can I have scans done privately?
Yes, you can have scans privately without being transferred over to full private care.