Routine pregnancy scans

You will be offered a minimum of two routine scans in pregnancy. One at around 12 weeks, and one at around 20 weeks

Lots of people look forward to their scans as it is often the first time they see their baby. Scanning is an important part of the care that we offer. It helps us to find out how far along in pregnancy you are and whether your baby is developing as expected.

If an unexpected problem is found during antenatal screening, one of your routine scans, or during your pregnancy you may be offered additional scans.

You can purchase pictures of your scan. There is a machine in the antenatal clinic near the midwives’ desk. Take the receipt from this machine into the scan room with you. Cash and cards are accepted.

We do ask that you do not bring children with you to your scans. All mobile phones should be switched off for the duration of your scan. We do not permit the video recording of any scans.

First Trimester Scan (Around 12 Weeks)

The purpose of the First Trimester Scan is to find out how far along in pregnancy you are. This is called ‘dating’ the pregnancy. It is done by measuring the length of your baby from the top of their head to their bottom (known as the Crown-Rump Length). We often ask you to have a full bladder when you come to the scan. This can make it easier for us to see your baby and obtain this measurement. We will then be able to tell you an estimated date of delivery (due date) based on how many weeks you are at the scan.

If you have requested to have the Combined Test for antenatal screening, of Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s Syndromes, then this will be available at the time of your first trimester scan if you are between 10 and 14 weeks pregnant. If you are beyond 14 weeks of pregnant, but still less than 20 week, the Quadruple Test for antenatal screening of Down’s Syndrome can be offered.

Your community midwife will measure your bump at every contact she has with you. She will plot these measurements on a graph that will be given to you at this first scan appointment. This is to measure the growth of your baby. This graph is individual to you and so the sonographer (the person performing your scan) may ask you some questions about your ethnic background and the birth weights of any previous children if there are any. It is helpful if you have this information to hand.

20 Week Scan

The 20 Week Scan will be offered to you at a point when you are around 20 weeks pregnant. It may be slightly earlier or later.

The 20 week scan helps us to check that your baby is growing well and is developing as expected. This is done by taking many different measurements of different parts of your developing baby. We also check the location and growth of your placenta on the inside of your uterus (womb).

Sometimes, we come across an unexpected problem in the way that your baby is growing and developing, or how the placenta is forming. If this happens, your sonographer will explain to you what they have seen. They will arrange any appropriate referrals, follow up appointments or further scans before you leave the hospital.

The sonographer will talk you through the different images you will be able to see so that you understand what you are looking at.

COVID-19 Guidance

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made a number of changes to the way people access our services. You can find out more here.

These guidelines are reviewed regularly to make sure we can continue to provide you with the safest and most effective care.

We appreciate that a pregnancy is often a family event. Our team are doing everything they can to support your family to be a part of the journey with you, whilst keeping those using our services and our staff safe. We understand that this is a challenging time for all and we want to let you know we are still here for you and we want you to talk to us. Accessing care is now more important than ever. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact the maternity assessment unit, your community midwife or GP.

Location of Department

You can find us on Level 4 of the Leazes Wing at the RVI.

Students

As a teaching hospital we will often have students from various specialities come to the ultrasound department to gain experience during their studies. They could be:

Midwives
Doctors
Paramedics
Nurses
Occupational therapists
Sonographers

The students can be at various stages of their training and may be male or female. They always appreciate your permission to watch or participate in any part of your care as this experience is vital to their training. It is your decision as to whether you will allow any student to participate or watch any or all of your care or whether you would like to decline students altogether.