Your placenta will also have its moment in the spotlight, as the technician assesses any risk of placenta previa. The ultrasound technician will also check the umbilical cord to ensure it meets the abdomen and has three vessels. A normal heart rate range at this stage of gestation is 120 to 180 beats per minute. They’ll also check the spine to ensure that the vertebrae are aligned and entirely covered by your baby’s skin.ĭuring the ultrasound, you’ll get to hear the sweet pitter-patter rhythm of your baby’s heartbeat. If a problem is detected the sonographer will arrange for you to see the appropriate specialist as soon as possible, either in the early pregnancy unit or fetal medicine unit, which we work with closely.The ultrasound technician will carefully take measurements to make sure your baby’s growth is on track. After your appointmentįor the majority of women the scan is reassuring, however occasionally a problem may be found. The sonographer will talk you through this, if it is necessary. Occasionally, the baby is in an awkward position and the scan cannot be performed right away – if this happens, we’ll ask you to go for a walk and we’ll try again later in the day. You will have the chance to purchase a photograph of your baby if you wish. The sonographer will explain the findings of your scan to you and there is a secondary monitor so that you and your partner can view your scan. Some gel will be applied to your abdomen and the sonographer will then move the transducer. You will be invited into the ultrasound room and be asked to lie on a couch. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the sonographer know and the students will be asked to step outside. Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical and midwifery students may be present for some appointments. Waiting times can be up to an hour, and your scan should take 15 to 30 minutes. When you arrive, please report to the reception desk within the ultrasound department. If you would like a photograph of your baby, please bring enough change to purchase a ticket which costs £4. Please bring your maternity handheld notes along to your scanning appointments. Plan your journey so you can arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Please remove any belly piercings as they can damage the utrasound tranducers. We suggest you wear loose fitting clothes, preferably that part in the middle so your abdomen can be easily exposed. Your partner is welcome to attend with you. The routine appointments are usually scheduled at nationally recommended gestations during your pregnancy, for example at around 12 weeks for a dating scan and between 18 and 20 weeks and six days for an anomaly scan. You will be referred to the ultrasound department by either your midwife or obstetrician. Your maternity ultrasound appointment Before your appointment You can find out more details about the maternity ultrasounds clinics and how to contact them on the, ' contact our maternity team' page.įor more information on who can attend your maternity ultrasound scan, please visit the patient and visitors page. Please note that there is a charge associated with this additional service. In addition to our regular maternity ultrasound scans, we offer 3D/4D scans of your baby, which show moving images of your baby. You can also buy an image of your baby to take home. The scans are painless and do not involve x-rays. Ultrasound waves are sent to and from the body using a handheld sensor (transducer), which is moved over the surface of your abdomen. This is done by building up pictures from the return of sound waves as they bounce back from resistance they meet within your body. Ultrasound scans use high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of your baby inside the womb. Additional scans are performed at the request of your midwife or doctor for reasons that are specific to your individual pregnancy. You will also be offered a 20-week scan between 18 weeks and 20 weeks and six days of your pregnancy. If you book your maternity care with Imperial, all of your ultrasound appointments will either be at Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea or St Mary's hospital.Īll women are offered a dating scan at around 12 weeks, with the option of nuchal screening.
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