What’s an ultrasound scan like ?
There are two main scans that are offered through the NHS for pregnant women, one
is the 12 weeks dating scan and the other is the 20 week anomaly scan. Whilst some
authorities offer both, in other areas you may only be offered the 20 weeks scan
as standard. However you can have many scans carried out privately.
Most pregnancy scans described here are carried out using ultrasound. A gel is applied
to your tummy and then a small hand-held device called a transducer is moved over
your skin, which sends an image of your baby to a screen. You may be asked to have
a full bladder for some of your scans. This will help push your uterus forward and
create a clearer picture.
Types of scans
Early pregnancy scans
If you are experiencing pain or bleeding, have had a previous miscarriage or an
ectopic pregnancy, between six and ten weeks you may find you’ll have an early scan.
As your baby will be so tiny at this stage, to get as clear a picture as possible,
this pregnancy scan is usually carried out using a small probe that goes inside
your vagina.
This type of scan is a simple procedure but it’s natural to feel a bit worried about
it so speak to your doctor – they should be able to answer any questions you have.
And remember the scan will check that everything is OK with your baby, which will
make for a far less stressful pregnancy.
Dating scan
Offered at around 6 to 12 weeks this scan is offered as standard at many (but not
all) hospitals on the NHS. It will give you an accurate due date and assesses several
important details:
• The age of your baby.
• Whether there is more than one baby.
• Check their heartbeat.
• Whether there are any obvious abnormalities.
• Whether your ovaries are in healthy condition.
The scan lasts around 10 minute during which time images of your baby will be taken.
Seeing your baby on the monitor is such an exciting experience and many moms often
feel quite emotional too. You’ll be given a printout to take home with you (some
hospitals charge for this), which you can show to your loved ones so they can share
in your excitement too.
Nuchal translucency (NT) scan
This test is non-invasive and is not a risk to your baby. If carried out, it’s usually
done between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy but some hospitals don’t offer
this type of pregnancy scan. If yours doesn’t, you can still have it done privately.
A Nuchal fold scan gives a risk assessment of your baby having Down’s Syndrome or
other chromosomal abnormalities. This risk assessment is based on the moms-to-be’s
age, the thickness of the nuchal fold at the back of your baby’s neck, your baby’s
nasal bone and a blood test.
If there is a high probability, then you might need to take further tests such as
an amniocentesis test
to get a definite answer. You and your partner will be
able to discuss this fully with your doctor.
Mid-trimester scan
The mid-trimester pregnancy scan is offered on the NHS and is the one that most
moms feel excited about – not only because it’s a real milestone but also because
your baby will be looking less like a vague shape and more like a baby! You could
even find out if you’re having a boy or a girl, though, if you’d prefer a surprise
at the birth they’ll keep it from you. It takes around 15-20 minutes and most hospitals
will let you buy pictures taken from the scan.
This scan is usually offered between 18 and 21 weeks. It allows the specialist to
check your baby from head to toe, so they’ll look at:
• Your baby’s head to check for any brain problems or cleft lip.
• The spine and abdomen to see that everything is aligned and developed.
• The size and shape of your baby’s heart.
• The stomach, which you should be able to see below the heart. You might be able
to see some of the amniotic fluid your baby has swallowed – it will look like a
black bubble in their tummy!
• Your baby’s kidneys and bladder.
• Your baby’s hands and feet – although the specialist probably won’t count the
fingers or toes.
• The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.
• The measurements of your baby’s head, abdomen and thigh bone to ensure that they
are growing equally well.
If there are any signs of problems, you’ll speak with a specialist and be offered
another scan.
Growth scan
This ultrasound scan checks that your baby is growing and developing healthily.
They’re only usually carried out if there is any concern about your baby’s growth.