Obstetric Ultrasound

You will be asked to drink 600 mls of water at least one hour before your examination and then not empty your bladder before your scan.

You will be positioned on an examination bed. Ultrasound gel will then be applied to the abdominal and pelvic area, and an ultrasound transducer will be used to scan and examine relevant anatomical development of your baby for each gestational period.

In some circumstances, a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended. Transvaginal ultrasound is more likely to be used during the early stages of pregnancy, when capturing a clear image may be more difficult.

Once the Sonographer has captured all the necessary images and completed the ultrasound, you may empty your bladder.

Our Radiologist will review the images and issue a report. Once completed, the report will be sent electronically to your referring health professional.

The Nuchal Translucency measurement is an assessment of the amount of fluid in the skin at the back of the baby’s neck.

These scans are performed between 11 weeks and two days and 13 weeks and 6 days. The measurements obtained at the scan are combined with blood test results and maternal age to assess the risk of Down’s Syndrome. Baby's structure is also assessed to be appropriate for this age.

The term ‘morphology’ refers to ‘the structure of the baby’ – these important medical scans are used to screen for a wide range of structural abnormalities. The sonographer will carefully review the different parts of your baby and gender at this stage.

Scans are performed to monitor the growth and well-being of the baby and assess other parameters that give information about the pregnancy.

There are no associated side effects with obstetric ultrasound examination.

We allow one additional person to be present for your obstetric ultrasound examination.  Unfortunately, we are unable to allow children under 6 years of age in the scan room.

Up to 1 hour. Scan times will vary depending on stage of pregnancy and activity of baby.