Diagnostic Ultrasound
Ultrasound scans play a vital role throughout pregnancy, helping monitor your baby’s development and ensuring everything is progressing well. Specific scans are recommended at key stages of pregnancy to provide accurate insights into fetal growth and overall health.
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6–10 Weeks – Viability Scan
The viability scan is performed between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy, typically using a vaginal ultrasound. This early assessment confirms the number of embryos implanted and ensures the pregnancy is developing as expected.
11–13 Weeks – Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan
The NT scan is usually done abdominally between 11 weeks and 13 weeks + 6 days. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a transvaginal approach for improved clarity. This key screening evaluates your baby’s early development and helps identify markers associated with chromosomal conditions.
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Date the pregnancy accurately:
Many women may not remember the exact date of their last menstrual period or may have irregular cycles. During the NT scan, the fetus is measured to accurately estimate gestational age and calculate the expected due date.
Identify multiple pregnancies:
Ultrasound helps determine if you are carrying more than one baby, assesses their development, and checks whether they share a placenta. Twin or triplet pregnancies usually require more frequent monitoring to reduce risks and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Detect early fetal abnormalities:
Only major structural abnormalities may be visible at this stage. A detailed fetal anomaly scan at 20 weeks is recommended to reconfirm healthy fetal development.
Assess the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions:
An individualized risk assessment is provided based on the mother’s age, blood hormone levels, and ultrasound findings such as nuchal translucency thickness, nasal bone presence, blood flow through the fetal heart and ductus venosus, and other markers. Full counseling is provided to explain results and discuss further testing options, including Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or diagnostic procedures.
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20–24 Weeks – Fetal Anomaly Scan:
The fetal anomaly scan provides a detailed examination of the baby’s anatomy to detect physical abnormalities. It also evaluates placental position, amniotic fluid levels, and fetal growth. Special attention is given to the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys, and limbs.
Cervical Scan: This scan is performed transvaginally to measure cervical length and assess the risk of preterm birth. It is recommended for women with multiple pregnancies, a previous preterm birth, uterine abnormalities, or a history of cervical surgery. It is usually done alongside the anomaly scan but may be performed earlier for high-risk cases.
Wellbeing Scan: Typically performed at around 32 weeks, this scan assesses the baby’s growth and overall health. Measurements of the fetal head, abdomen, and thigh bone help estimate weight. Fetal movements, amniotic fluid volume, and placental position are also evaluated. Doppler ultrasound is used to check blood flow between the placenta and the baby, ensuring they are receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients.