![]() If everything appears normal, what happens next? Ultrasound scans can sometimes find problems with the baby. Remember, an ultrasound scan is an important medical examination and it is treated in the same way as any other hospital investigation. Please ask your hospital about this before your appointment. Most hospitals do not allow children to attend scans as childcare is not usually available. You may like someone to come with you to the scan appointment. check that the baby is growing normally – this is particularly important if you're carrying twins, or you've had problems in this pregnancy or a previous pregnancyĬan I bring family or friends with me when I have the scan?.show the position of your baby and the placenta – for example, when the placenta is low down in late pregnancy, a caesarean section may be advised.check whether you're having more than 1 baby.check your baby's size – at the 12-week dating scan, this gives a better idea of how many weeks pregnant you are your due date, which is originally calculated from the first day of your last period, may be adjusted according to the ultrasound measurements.You'll be given the chance to discuss it with your maternity team before making your decision. Your choice will be respected if you decide not to have the scans, and your antenatal care will continue as normal. The 12-week dating scan and 20-week scan will be offered to you, but you do not have to have them. Some people want to find out if their baby is more likely to have a condition, while others do not. The sonographer will be able to tell you the results of the scan at the time. You can find out more about the 12-week dating scan and the 20-week or mid-pregnancy scan. You may be offered more than 2 scans, depending on your health and the pregnancy. This scan checks for 11 physical conditions in your baby. It's sometimes called the mid-pregnancy scan. The second scan offered during pregnancy usually takes place between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. The dating scan can include a nuchal translucency (NT) scan, which is part of the combined screening test for Down's syndrome, if you choose to have this screening. ![]() The sonographer estimates when your baby is due (the estimated date of delivery, or EDD) based on the baby's measurements. The first scan is sometimes called the dating scan. Hospitals in England offer at least 2 ultrasound scans during pregnancy: For example, you may be offered further tests, such as amniocentesis, that have a risk of miscarriage. This is because the scan can provide information that may mean you have to make further important decisions. There are no known risks to the baby or the mother from having an ultrasound scan, but it's important that you consider carefully whether to have the scan or not. If it's difficult to get a good image, the scan may take longer or have to be repeated at another time.Ĭan an ultrasound scan harm me or my baby? However, the sonographer may not be able to get good views if your baby is lying in an awkward position or moving around a lot. The sonographer may need to apply slight pressure on your tummy to get the best views of the baby.Ī scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The sonographer will carefully examine your baby's body. The sonographer passes a probe over your tummy and a picture of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen.ĭuring the exam, sonographers need to keep the screen in a position that gives them a good view of the baby. ![]() The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy, which makes sure there is good contact between the machine and your skin. ![]() ![]() You'll be asked to lie on your back and reveal your tummy. The scan is carried out in a dimly lit room so the sonographer is able to get good images of your baby. Most scans are carried out by sonographers. See What if a screening test finds something for more information on if a scan or other screening test suggests your baby may be more likely to have a condition. Having a scan in pregnancy is usually a happy event, but be aware that ultrasound scans may detect some serious health conditions, so try to be prepared for that information. Talk to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about any concerns you have. The scans are painless, have no known side effects on mothers or babies, and can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy. Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build a picture of the baby in the womb. ![]()
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