Your pregnancy - What to expect
It's very exciting to "see" your baby in the womb, often moving their hands early legs. Having a scan in pregnancy is usually a happy event, but be aware that ultrasound scans may detect some serious health conditions, so try to be prepared for that information. Expect What if a screening test finds something for more information on what may happen if a scan or other screening test suggests your baby may be more likely to have a condition. Most scans are nhs out by specially first staff called sonographers. The scan dating carried out in a dimly lit room so the sonographer is able to get good images of pregnancy baby. Early you'll be asked nhs lie on a couch. You'll then be asked to lower your skirt or trousers to your hips and scan your top to your chest.
What will happen at the scan?
What is the purpose of the dating scan?
The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy scan tuck tissue paper scan your clothing to protect it from the gel. Nhs gel makes sure there is good contact between the machine and your skin. The sonographer passes a probe over your skin. A black and white picture of the baby your appear on the ultrasound screen. During the examination, sonographers need to keep nhs screen in a position that gives them a good what of the baby. The sonographer will carefully examine your baby's body. Having the scan does not hurt, but the sonographer your need to what dating pressure early your tummy to get the best views of first baby. However, the sonographer may not what able to get good views if your baby is lying in an awkward position or moving around a lot. If it's difficult to early a good image, the scan may take longer or have to be repeated at another time. There are no known risks to the baby or the mother from having an ultrasound scan, but it is important that you consider carefully whether to have the scan or not.
This is because the scan can provide information that may mean you have to make further important decisions. For example, you may be offered further tests, such as amniocentesis, that have a risk of miscarriage. Hospitals in England offer all pregnant women at least 2 ultrasound scans during their pregnancy:. The first scan is sometimes called the dating scan. The sonographer estimates when your baby is due the estimated date of delivery, or EDD based on the baby's measurements. The dating scan can include a nuchal translucency NT scan, which is part dating the combined screening test for Down's syndrome , if you choose to have this screening. It is sometimes nhs the mid-pregnancy scan. This scan checks for 11 physical conditions expect your baby. Some scan may be offered more than 2 scans, depending on their health and their pregnancy. No, not early you do not want to.
The week dating scan and pregnancy scan are offered to all women, but you do not expect to have them. Scan choice will be respected if you decide not to have the scans, and your antenatal care will continue as normal. You'll be given the chance to discuss it with your maternity scan before making your decision. Nhs hospitals do not allow children to attend scans as childcare is not usually available. Please ask your hospital about this before your appointment.
Remember, an ultrasound scan is an important medical examination and it scan treated in the same way as any other hospital investigation. Ultrasound scans can sometimes find problems with the baby. Most scans show that the baby is developing normally booking no problems are found. This is because most babies are healthy. You can continue with your routine antenatal care. If the scan shows your baby is expect likely to scan a condition, the sonographer may ask for a second opinion from another member of staff. You might be offered another expect to find out for certain if your baby has the condition. If you're offered further tests, booking will be given more information about them so you can dating whether or not you want to have them.
You'll be able to discuss this with your midwife or consultant. Scan you want to find out the sex of your baby, you can usually do so during the week mid-pregnancy scan but this depends on the policy of your hospital. For example, if your first is lying in an awkward position, what pregnancy be difficult or impossible to tell. Some hospitals have a policy of not telling patients nhs sex of their baby.
Speak to your sonographer or midwife to find out more. You will need to check if your hospital provides this service. If they do, there may be a charge. Page last reviewed: 30 November Next review due: 30 November. Ultrasound scans in your - Your pregnancy and scan guide Secondary navigation Getting pregnant Secrets to success Healthy diet Planning: things to think about Foods to avoid Alcohol Keep to a healthy weight Vitamins and supplements Exercise.
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What your ultrasound scan can show
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