The scan usually takes place between 8 and 14 weeks and allows us to tell you the all-important due date.
Early pregnancy scans let us know the number of babies to expect and give reassurance that your baby is developing as expected. The scan may also highlight if you have a low lying placenta.
Ultrasound scans are carried out by an experienced ultrasonographer who is qualified through the Fetal Medicine Foundation to perform ultrasound examinations.
You will be asked to lie on a reclined bed and expose your abdomen. The ultrasonographer will apply a conducting gel to help the machine pick up a good image.
A handheld probe is then passed gently over the skin. This emits ultrasounds waves which are harmless to your baby. As the waves reflect and return to the probe they produce an image which you will be able to view throughout the procedure.
Ultrasound scans are a non-invasive and non-painful technique for examining your baby safely. As the probe is moved over your tummy there may be the need for some mild pressure to obtain clear and useful images.
On average the scan takes up to 30 minutes, but this depends on you and your baby. Key to a successful scan is obtaining clear images. If your baby is in an awkward position it may take longer to position the probe properly.
Similarly, if you are overweight this increases the distance between the probe and baby. In these cases, slight further pressure may need to be applied and it may take longer to record clear images.
At this stage in your pregnancy the NT (Nuchal Translucency) Scan is offered. We combine results of imaging with that of a simple blood test to assess your baby’s risk of Down’s Syndrome. Known as the Harmony test, it has been shown to have detection rates of over 99% and is safe in pregnancy as it is non-invasive.
The family of any baby identified as high risk can be notified within days of testing. As this is a screening test and not a diagnostic one, you may choose to undergo further tests later on if you wish to have a concrete diagnosis.
Some parents prefer not to know the results of such a test, in this case the dating scan can be offered without the accompanying blood test.
In a small minority of cases, an early pregnancy scan can detect potential issues with the pregnancy. The next step will be to confirm any findings with a second opinion, i.e. a repeat scan which we can normally offer the same day.
Further testing may be advisable in some cases but decisions do not have to be made right away. An experienced doctor will provide support and guidance every step of the way.
As with the vast majority of mothers, you are likely to find that your baby is healthy and developing normally. If this is the case, you can continue as normal with your routine antenatal care.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) advice is to have an early pregnancy scan. It gives useful information that allows you and your consultant to make any important decisions that need to be made in a timely manner. For most women it provides reassurance that all is well with the pregnancy.
Any scan that includes screening for potential health problems can be a cause for worry. Remember that issues in pregnancy are infrequent and the majority of babies develop happily and healthily. If help is needed at any point, your consultant and team at 25 Harley Street will be by your side every step of the way.
