Pregnancy Ultrasounds/Scans

An ultrasound is not only vital for analysing your baby’s health and development but it also serves as an opportunity for you to see your little one, in picture, for the first time.
 
Typically ultrasounds are carried out at the 6-12 week point and again at 20 weeks. The first scan gives you an approximate age and due date for your baby and the second scan is an anatomy scan, ensuring your baby’s health and wellbeing. Other scans may also be necessary at your doctor’s discretion, and you may also request private scans.
 
The mid-trimester scan is the most exciting ultrasound for soon to be parents. This is because the image projected by the scan will actually look like a little baby. During this scan you may also find out if your baby is a boy or a girl.
 
The mid-trimester scan is also particularly important for your baby. The sonographer will be ensuring his or her health and development by checking:

• Your baby’s heart shape and size.
• Your baby’s measurements.
• For any abnormalities.
• Your baby’s bladder and kidneys.
• The umbilical cord, placenta and fluid.
• Your baby’s head.

 
Ultrasounds will generally take between 10 and 30 minutes and are booked by your doctor or midwife. Often your sonographer will allow you access to your scan and images on a recorded DVD so you can keep it as one of your baby’s treasured memories.