Early Dating Scan (6–10 weeks)
The purpose of an Early Dating Scan is to:
- Confirm that your baby is developing normally in the first trimester of pregnancy
- Date your pregnancy in order to estimate when your baby is due
- Reveal if you are carrying one baby, twins or more
- Detect your baby’s heartbeat
- Rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy
- Confirm that the baby is developing in the correct place within the uterus
- An Early Dating Scan is particularly beneficial if you have previously miscarried or experienced bleeding. Depending on the position of your uterus, a trans-vaginal scan may be required.
Nuchal Scan (11–13 weeks)
- The purpose of a Nuchal Scan is to:
- Allow the sonographer to measure the volume of translucent fluid in the space behind your baby’s neck
- Estimate your baby’s risk of having chromosomal abnormalities such as Downs Syndrome, Edwards, Patau and Turner Syndrome
- Determine whether more invasive diagnostic testing, such as CVS or Amniocentesis is necessary
- Examine your baby’s heart in greater detail
- Determine your baby’s sex (in around 70% of cases)
A routine blood test is also taken during this scan. For more information on Amniocentesis or CVS please see:
Anomaly Scan (17–24 weeks)
The purpose of an Anomaly Scan is to:
- Check that your baby is developing normally at the mid pregnancy stage
- Look at where the placenta is lying in your uterus
- Take various measurements to make sure that your baby’s growth is on track
- Check all your baby’s body parts for conditions such as cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, and any abnormalities of the brain, heart and other organs
- Determine your baby’s sex if it couldn’t be determined during the nuchal scan
An Anomaly Scan is a wonderful event as it allows you to see your baby’s face, limbs, hands, feet and heartbeat for the first time.
Wellbeing Growth Scan (24–42 weeks)
- The purpose of a Wellbeing Growth Scan is to:
- Determine the growth and health of the baby by taking body measurements and estimating his / her weight
- Measure the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
- Assess the blood flow from the placenta to your baby by Doppler ultrasound
- Assess the position in which your baby is lying in the womb, i.e. posterior or breech
- Check the placental position and appearance
- Examine the movements of the baby
The Office
Chelsea Birth Clinic
266 Fulham Road, London SW10 9PJ
The Clinic
The Women’s Wellness Centre
274-276 Fulham Road, London SW10 9EW
The Kensington Wing
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH
Your Pregnancy Doctor
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