Early Pregnancy Scanning:
Early pregnancy scanning can be used to
- Exclude ectopic pregnancies
- Confirm the gestational age
- Exclude twins
- Confirm viability
Nuchal translucency scans are performed at 12 weeks and in conjunction with a blood test a risk for Down’s Syndrome is calculated.
Fetal anomaly scans are performed at 20 weeks to exclude fetal abnormalities. A detailed scan of all the fetal organs is carried out.
Fetal Doppler scans are used to assess fetal wellbeing after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
3d scans are useful to examine the external features of the baby, best done from 24-34 weeks gestation.
Fetal sexing can be determined from 16 weeks of gestation. It’s possible to perform earlier but may not be as accurate.
3D & 4D Pregnancy Scanning
London Wellwoman Clinic is equipped with the latest ultrasound technology – the GE “Voluson E8”. This offers high detail images for more accurate diagnosis as well as 3D and 4D scans. The 3D scan focuses on the baby’s face and facial features and can serve to enhance the experience for parents of watching their baby grow. A 20 minute DVD is available to complete the experience.
Our team of Consultant Obstetricians and Specialist Sonographers have close links with major London teaching hospitals ensuring our service grows in line with latest developments and national guidelines. As part of our ultrasound service, you will receive images of your baby to take away with you. All scans are carried out in a comfortable, stress-free environment allowing you time to ask questions. Please bring your partner, family member or friend along with you for the appointment. They will be able to come into the scanning room and share the experience with you.
Ultrasound Examinations
We recommend that you have a minimum of 3 ante-natal scans – a nuchal scan, a 20 week anomaly scan and a growth scan.
There are additional scans that you may choose to have. All are briefly described below.
Early Pregnancy or ‘Dating’ Scan
An early ultrasound scan provides you with important information about the number of babies and the expected delivery date. Confirmation of pregnancy and the fetal heart can be seen from 6 weeks gestation by vaginal scan and from 8-9 weeks by abdominal scan. This scan also enables the nuchal scan to be booked at the correct date.
Nuchal Translucency Scan
This is a screening test for Down’s syndrome that we offer at 11-14 weeks. It involves an ultrasound to measure the thickness of the layer of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck. Babies with Down’s syndrome have a thicker layer.
The results of the ultrasound can be combined with a blood test to work out a risk figure. Your Consultant will discuss this with you and arrange for a blood test. This will be done by the Phlebotomists at the Hospital after your ultrasound. Please bring the blood test forms with you to your ultrasound appointment. We will direct you to Phlebotomy after your scan.
20 Week Anomaly Scan
This scan is performed between 20 to 24 weeks and is a detailed examination of the baby’s anatomy and wellbeing. The scan also checks the position of the placenta and the fluid surrounding the baby. At this scan you may be able to find out the sex of your baby if you wish to, if the baby is in the right position.
Growth and Wellbeing Scan
This scan is performed in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy between 27 and 40 weeks to check your baby’s growth and wellbeing.
Contact Us Today for early pregnancy scan
For information on early pregnancy scanning you can contact us for the next available appointment by calling 020 7806 4098 or emailing [email protected].
