Ultrasound scans in Pregnancy
Ultrasound scans have been used during pregnancy for over 25 years and have not shown
to harm you or your baby. They provide useful information such as:
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That you are pregnant
That there is a heartbeat and movement
If you are expecting more than one baby
How far your pregnancy has advanced and that you baby is developing normally
Where the placenta (afterbirth) is located
If there is a problem
Your scan will be performed by a specially trained sonographer who will explain what has
been seen at the end of the scan and put a written report in your hand-held notes. Please
make sure you bring your hand-held records with you when you visit the ultrasound
department.
When do I need to have a scan?
You will routinely be offered 2 scans in your pregnancy:
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Dating scan (11-14 weeks): Your midwife usually arranges a dating scan which
will give your expected date of birth and also allow other tests to be performed at
the correct time. On leaving the Ultrasound department you will be offered an 18-20
week scan and asked to make an appointment for this if you have accepted one.
Most pregnancies are completely normal, but sometimes the dating scan will pick
up early signs that a baby is not developing normally. If a problem is found, this will
be explained to you by the sonographer after the scan has been completed. You
may be referred to the Early Pregnancy Unit or Pregnancy Day Care to discuss the
findings and what this may mean for the future of your pregnancy.
Ann Allen - Clinical Lead Sonographer
January
2014
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Mid-Pregnancy/Anomaly Scan (18 - 20 weeks): This is carried out to ensure that
your baby is growing and developing normally. The sonographer will carry out a
careful examination to confirm that a baby has normal anatomy, and will check to
see if there are any abnormalities. We can tell the sex of your baby during an
anomaly scan in about 80% of babies, however we are unable to see if the baby is
lying in an awkward position. We will not tell you the sex of your baby unless you
specifically ask for it. Occasionally sexing by ultrasound has been wrong and we
cannot guarantee we will always be right.
Routinely these are the only two scans we offer. However there may be circumstances
where additional scans are recommended – your midwife or Consultant will discuss this
with each woman individually.
Thankfully most of the scans performed during pregnancy show that everything is normal,
but sometimes this is not the case and the sonographer will make sure that any
appropriate action is taken promptly and efficiently.
Will I need a full bladder?
Yes- for the dating scan. This is especially important during early pregnancy as a full
bladder helps to push the womb upwards and acts as a ’window’ through which the
contents of the womb can be viewed. You do not need a full bladder for the 18-20 week
scan.
Can anyone accompany me and can I have a photo?
At Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust you will be able to bring one person of
your choice with you into the scan room. Your scan should be an enjoyable experience for
you and your partner, but please try and remember that there is an important reason for
your scan as well as just watching your baby on TV. Young children often get bored during
the scan and their presence may be difficult for you and the sonographer if anything
abnormal is found on the scan.
Ann Allen - Clinical Lead Sonographer
January
2014
You can purchase a photograph of your baby; you will need £1 coins to do this. Video
cameras, camera phones and recording equipment are not allowed in the scan rooms.
What if I need more information?
Further information is available in the booklet “Screening Tests for you and your baby” and
in your hand-held notes. If you would like more information please call the Ultrasound
Department or speak to your midwife or Consultant.
Contact Information:
Antenatal Ultrasound Department, King’s Mill Hospital – 01623 622515 ext 3211
Ultrasound Department Sherwood Women’s Centre, Newark – 01636685779
Ann Allen - Clinical Lead Sonographer
January
2014