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The Rosie Ultrasound Department on on Level 1 of the Rosie Hospital
- entrance on Robinson Way.
Why do we offer scans?
Women are offered ultrasound examinations (‘scans’)
during their pregnancy - these are useful for dating pregnancy,
to see if you are having more than one baby and also for detecting
some problems.
As with all tests offered, it is your choice whether or not to
undergo a scan. Your partner is welcome to join you in the scan
room; however, other relatives and small children might be asked
to stay in the waiting area.
The early scan
This scan is usually carried out before 14 weeks of pregnancy
for the following reasons:
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to check when the baby is due (see below)
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to see if you are expecting more than one baby
-
to confirm the baby’s heart beat
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to detect problems of development that can sometimes be seen
at this early stage
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to detect other problems such as ovarian cysts in the mother.
The due date:
The early scan helps us to work out the date your baby is due,
and we might suggest a different date from that indicated by your
periods. It is important to know your final due date if you decide
to have the maternal serum screening test, and for your care later
in pregnancy.
Number of babies:
Most families would like to know if twins are expected, to help
them to plan ahead, and it will also help us to plan your care
appropriately.
Heart beat and other problems:
In early pregnancy, it can be difficult to determine if the pregnancy
is healthy, either because it is too early, or it is too difficult
to see. If this is the case, you will then be asked to return
after two weeks for another scan. Occasionally, during the scan,
a miscarriage might be diagnosed even though you might still 'feel
pregnant'. In this case, the scan will be checked by another ultrasonographer
and a doctor will be asked to see you.
The 20-week scan
This scan is carried out in order to:
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look for any abnormalities in the baby’s structural
development (see below)
-
look for 'soft markers' (see below)
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check the placental position.
Abnormalities:
For the majority of women, the 20-week scan is a reassuring
and memorable experience, but sometimes problems are found. Whenever
a problem is detected you will be told, and we will arrange for
you to see a doctor at the earliest opportunity.
Soft markers:
Occasionally, the 20-week scan can identify features in the baby
known as ‘soft markers’. These are usually of little
significance, but they may indicate that the risk of a chromosome
abnormality (such as Down’s syndrome) is slightly increased.
Further tests (such as amniocentesis) might be offered.
Some findings will resolve themselves, and may not be significant.
Others can forewarn of problems that would otherwise not be detected
until birth, or even infancy. Some information can cause considerable
anxiety and can lead parents to consider termination of the pregnancy.
It must be remembered that a normal scan does not guarantee fetal
health and well being. Only some abnormalities are detected by
scan, others do not develop until later and are difficult to detect.
Scan photo:
We are able to sell you a print of the scan picture (ask us for
current prices). It is the policy of the Department not to allow
videos into the scan room.
32-week scan:
If the placenta is very low-lying, we will ask you to return
at 32 weeks to check the position again. If it is still low, we
will arrange for you to see a doctor. Normally, the placenta will
move away from the lower part of the uterus as pregnancy progresses.
Growth scans
If your doctor or midwife is concerned about the baby’s
growth, or if there are other reasons to check the baby later
in the pregnancy, an additional scan will be arranged. At this
time, the ultrasonographer (the person who does the scan) will
measure the baby’s size, the fluid around the baby and, in
certain circumstances, the bloodflow through the baby’s umbilical
cord.
The scan findings will be recorded in the notes you carry. If
you have any queries either during the scan or afterwards, please
ask, as we would wish to resolve your anxieties as soon as possible.
We have an Antenatal Diagnostic Counsellor who is available to
discuss the findings of the tests and to provide support for you
and your family. The counsellor can be contacted Mon–Fri: 0800–1600;
Tel: 01223 216 185 or 01223 245 151: bleep number 151-639.
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