Ultrasound Scanning Services

Fetal Viability Scan (6-10 weeks)

This 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 number of fetuses present and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus. This scan is useful for women who are experiencing pain or bleeding in the pregnancy and those who have had previous miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies.

Nuchal Scan (11-13⁺⁶ Weeks)

Scanning at this gestation is to:

Date the pregnancy accurately

This is particularly relevant for women who cannot recall the date of their last period, have an irregular cycle, or who have conceived while breastfeeding or soon after stopping the pill. By measuring the crown-rump length (CRL) of the fetus, the gestational age, and therefore the expected date of delivery can be accurately calculated.

Assess the risks of Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities

Each woman will be given an estimate of her individual risk for this pregnancy. This is calculated by taking into account:

The Mothers age
The thickness of the area of fluid behind the baby’s neck (nuchal translucency),
Presence or absence of nasal bone
tricuspid regurgitation
fetal abnormalities
measurement of the hormones bhCG and PAPP-A in the mother’s blood.

After the scan, on the basis of all the above factors, the estimated risk for Down Syndrome will be calculated and the parents will receive full counselling concerning the significance of this risk and the various options for further testing. Irrespective of whether or not you decide to have an invasive test, it is recommended that you have a scan at 20 weeks to check for physical abnormalities

Diagnose multiple pregnancy

Approximately 2% of natural conceptions and 10% of assisted conceptions result in multiple pregnancy. Ultrasound scanning can identify if twin babies are sharing the same placenta which can lead to problems in the pregnancy. In such cases it would be advisable to monitor the pregnancy more closely.

Diagnose certain major fetal abnormalities

Major abnormalities may be visible at this gestation but a 20 week anomaly scan is still essential.

Diagnose early pregnancy failure

Unfortunately, in about 3% of women who attend for a nuchal
scan it is found that the fetus has died, often several weeks before and without any warning. Couples will receive full counselling as to the possible causes of this problem and the options for subsequent measures that may be necessary.

Fetal Anomaly Scan (20-24 weeks)

This is a detailed scan during which each part of the fetal anatomy is examined. Special attention is paid to the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys and limbs. If any abnormalities are detected the significance of the findings will be discussed and the couple will be given the opportunity to have further counselling.

Doppler Blood Flow Measurement

Doppler blood flow measurements of the uterine artery to predict the later development of IUGR and pre-eclampsia.

Fetal Wellbeing Scans (24-42 weeks)

Some obstetricians advise that an ultrasound scan to assess fetal wellbeing is offered to all women at about 34 weeks of pregnancy. Others reserve such scans for those women who have had previous complications of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia, growth retardation, diabetes, stillbirth, and for those women who develop an abnormality during the course of their current pregnancy.

This scan aims to determine the growth and health of the fetus by:

Measurement of the size of the fetal head, abdomen and
Examination of the movements of the fetus.
Evaluation of placental position and appearance.
Measurement of the amount of amniotic fluid.
Assessment of blood flow to the placenta and fetus by colour Doppler scan.