Scans during pregnancy...

Scans can make some mums-to-be a little nervous, but there really is no need to feel this way! They all help to confirm that your baby is developing healthily.

Plus you get to see your baby moving about too! Every mum-to-be will have a scan at 20 weeks and some hospitals also offer one at 12 weeks too. The information below will describe the main scans you may have through your pregnancy so you’ll always know what to expect. But if you do have any more questions then speak to your midwife or doctor.

What’s an ultrasound scan like?

Most pregnancy scans described here are carried out using ultrasound. A gel is applied to your tummy and then a small hand-held device called a transducer is moved over your skin, which sends an image of your baby to a screen. You may be asked to have a full bladder for some of your scans. This will help push your uterus forward and create a clearer picture.

Early pregnancy scans

If you are experiencing pain or bleeding, have had a previous miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, between six and ten weeks you may find you’ll have an early scan. As your baby will be so tiny at this stage, to get as clear a picture as possible, this pregnancy scan may be carried out using a small probe that goes inside your vagina.
This type of scan is a simple procedure but it’s natural to feel a bit worried about it so speak to your doctor – they should be able to answer any questions you have. The scan will check the age and size of your baby and will also check for the heartbeat.

Dating scan

Offered at around 12 weeks this scan is offered as standard at many (but not all) hospitals and doctor’s clinics. It will give you an accurate due date and assesses several important details:

•    The age of your baby.
•    Whether there is more than one baby.
•    Check their heartbeat.
•    Whether there are any obvious abnormalities.
•    Whether your ovaries are in a healthy condition.

The scan lasts around 10 minutes during which time images of your baby will be taken. Seeing your baby on the monitor is such an exciting experience and many mums often feel quite emotional too. You’ll be given a printout to take home with you (some hospitals charge for this), which you can show to your loved ones so they can share in your excitement too.

20 week scan

The 20 week anomaly pregnancy scan is the one that most mums feel excited about – not only because it’s a real milestone but also because your baby will be looking less like a vague shape and more like a baby! You could even find out if you’re having a boy or a girl, though, if you’d prefer a surprise at the birth they’ll keep it from you. It takes around 15-20 minutes.

This scan is usually offered between 18 and 21 weeks. It allows the specialist to check your baby from head to toe, so they’ll look at:

•    Your baby’s head to check for any obvious brain problems or cleft lip.
•    The spine and abdomen to see that everything is aligned and developed.
•    The size and shape of your baby’s heart.
•    The stomach, which you should be able to see below the heart. You might be able to see some of the amniotic fluid your baby has swallowed – it will look like a black bubble in their tummy!
•    Your baby’s kidneys and bladder.
•    Your baby’s hands and feet.
•    The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.
•    The measurements of your baby’s head, abdomen and thigh bone are taken to ensure that they are growing equally well.

If there are any signs of problems, you’ll speak with a specialist and be offered another scan.

Growth scan

This ultrasound scan checks that your baby is growing and developing healthily.  They’re only usually carried out if there is any concern about your baby’s growth.