What’s an ultrasound scan like?
There are three main scans that are offered
For pregnant women, one is the 6 weeks dating scan and the other is the 20 weeks anatomy 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 upwards and 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, or unsure of dates, 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 health care professional – they should be able to answer any questions you have. Remember the scan will check that everything is OK with your baby, which will make for a far less stressful pregnancy.
Dating scan
This will give you a fairly accurate due date and assesses several important details:
- The age of your baby
- Check the heartbeat
- Whether there is more than one baby
- Whether there are any obvious abnormalities
- Whether your ovaries are in healthy condition
The scan lasts around 10 minutes during which time images of your baby will be taken. Seeing your baby on the monitor is such an exciting experience and many parents often feel quite emotional too. You’ll be given a printout and photos 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. Some mums-to-be may chose to have it done in a private hospital at their own expense. Speak to your health care professional for your options.
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 mum-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, in some circumstances.
If there is a high probability of any abnormalities, 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 health care professional.
Mid-trimester scan
The mid-trimester pregnancy scan is one that most mums 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/clinics will let you buy pictures taken from the scan.
This scan is usually offered around 20 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/palate
- 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 most likely speak with a specialist and may be offered another scan.
Growth scan during pregnancy
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.