29/06/2023
Scans during pregnancy are very important for screening the health and wellbeing of your baby. Scans can confirm things like the estimated due date of the baby, whether the pregnancy is taking place in the uterus, determine the amount of amniotic fluid present, and whether the growth and development of your baby is on track.
The standard scans during pregnancy are:
- A dating scan, is best performed at around 8 weeks into the pregnancy to provide information on when the conception took place and when the expected arrival date of the baby might be, and confirm the pregnancy is progressing normally.
- A first trimester pregnancy screening scan is normally performed within the first 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. This test is performed to screen for specific chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome and normally takes place alongside other tests such as blood screening. The non invasive pre-natal test (NIPT) will also tell you the s*x if you want to know.
- A second trimester pregnancy screening scan is normally performed at 20 weeks and its major purpose is to screen for any anatomical abnormalities such as problems with the heart or internal organs. If the ge****ls can be easily seen the doctor might also be able to confirm the s*x of the baby at this stage.
As a private OB, I offer ongoing scans throughout your pregnancy to track the growth & health of your baby. These are not standard in public health, and even for some private providers, but are a way I help to safeguard and offer a higher level of care for my mums.
Many women are surprised to learn that they do not have another scan in the pregnancy after the 20 week scan.
I also provide a screen so that you can share in the scanning experience.
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