FAQ

The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy and tuck a covering sheet and tissue paper around your clothing to protect it from the gel. The gel will provide a good contact between the probe and your tummy.

The sonographer passes a handheld device called a probe over your skin. It is the probe that sends out ultrasound waves and picks them up when they bounce back.

A black and white or sepia coloured image of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen. During the examination the sonographer will need to keep the screen in a position that gives them a good view of the baby – either directly facing them or at an angle.

The sonographer will carefully and meticulously examine your baby’s body. Having the scan does not hurt, but the sonographer may need to apply some pressure to ensure the best views of the baby.

If your body mass index (BMI) is increased or your body tissue is dense, it can reduce the quality of the image as there is more tissue for the ultrasound waves to get through before they reach the baby. If it is difficult to get a good image, the scan may take longer or must be repeated another time.

• The dating scan gives a better idea of how many weeks you are pregnant;
• Check whether you are having more than one baby;
• Detect structural abnormalities, unfortunately not all abnormalities are detectable with ultrasound;
• Calculate the risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality like Downs syndrome;
• It shows the position of your baby and the placenta. The position of the placenta determines if vaginal delivery is possible or not;
• Check that the baby is growing normally;
• Check that there is enough amniotic fluid around the baby, if there is enough space for the baby to grow in.

• To know the date of the first day of the last period or the estimated due date as calculated by a previous scan, usually by a gynaecologist;
• Blood group;
• History of the previous pregnancies, if any;
• Family history: Genetic conditions or structural abnormalities for instance cleft lips etc;
• Patient’s mother’s history of complications in her pregnancies;
• Previous ultrasound report in the pregnancy;
• List of medication used during pregnancy;
• Any chronic health conditions;
• Referral form from your Gynaecologist.

Yes, we do encourage that your husband or partner in present during the examination. If this is not possible it is also encouraged that a family member or friend is present during the examination for better re-call on the counselling and interpretation of the results. The main aim is for you and your husband or partner to focus on the examination and results. Other family or friends are also welcome to join, however they will be asked to wait in the waiting area until the examination is concluded and then only are they welcome to have a look. The reason for this is that sometimes the outcome is not positive and then it might be uncomfortable to have other people with you.

All children, regardless of age, will be asked to wait in the waiting area during the examination as the information discussed during the examination is for adults only. The older children (10 years and older) may be left in the waiting area unsupervised, however the younger children (under 10 years) need to be supervised.

If a high risk for a chromosomal abnormality like Downs syndrome is detected, the additional more accurate test will be discussed and offered with referral to a specialised unit for management.