PARENTHOOD.IE

You will have your first appointment at a clinic or hospital when you are between weeks 12 and 14 weeks pregnant. The initial tests will include blood and urine tests, blood pressure and possibly your weight. Most normal pregnancies will have two scans, but your age and medical history can require that you have more scans or tests.

Ultrasound scans

An ultrasound is an image of the womb, baby and placenta is produced by silent high frequency sound waves. The pregnancy scans are used to assess the size, maturity, growth and health of your baby, possible multiple birth and amniotic fluid around your baby. The scans are also used to detect some abnormalities, such as spina-bifida, but cannot detect other, such as Down syndrome.

Fat or bone makes ultra sound examination difficult, as they disrupt the sound waves. The first ultrasound will reveal the foetal heart pulsations, number of sacs in the womb and development stage.

Scans are done with a probe that is moved over your skin on your belly, a water-based gel will be put on your skin to facilitate the scan. If a very early scan is required the ultrasound will be done in the vagina with a small probe and gel. The scans are painless and will not disrupt your baby. While there is no definite proof that an ultrasound can affect the foetus, most hospitals will keep the number of scans to a minimum.

Early pregnancy scan

The early pregnancy scan is not offered by all hospital as routine. It is usually done if there is a history of complications or miscarriages. To do this scan you may need a referral letter from your GP, and you will have the ultrasound done from eight weeks pregnant. An early pregnancy scan is not routine, as it is often difficult to hear the foetal heartbeat.

Due date scan

The due date scan pregnancy scan is normally the first ultrasound scan you will have; it is performed when you are 13 to 22 weeks pregnant. It is done to determine the due date, check the heart rate, measure your baby’s size, head and length, but also check that everything is developing well, such as the spine and organs. The scan will also measure the amniotic fluid around the baby and mark the position of the placenta.

The expected due date is confirmed by comparing the first day of your last period, with the size of the foetus and sac. In most cases you will need to have a full bladder for this scan. Drink between 1-2 pints of water, about an hour before the scan.

Your second scan

Your second scan is normally when you are 30 to 40 weeks pregnant. You are well into your pregnancy and this scan is to reconfirm the due date, the baby’s development and position for the birth.

Gender scans

Gender scans can usually be done between weeks 22 and 32, but is usually done after at 30 to 33 weeks. Be aware that there is a 10-20% chance the results are incorrect and that some hospitals do not perform these scans.

Nuchal Translucency Scan

By measuring the fluid in a pad at the back of a baby's head, this scan gives you an estimate of a possible chromosomal abnormality. The more fluid, the higher the risk of an abnormality, such as Down syndrome. This scan is done between weeks 11-13. If the results place you at high risk, you will be asked to do additional diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis and CVS.

The risk of a chromosomal disorder, such as Down syndrome, increases with the woman’s age and particularly after the age of 35. If the nuchal translucency scan isn't offered or a delay can make you miss the specifics weeks, you can do it privately.

To consider

Be aware that the scan dates can vary, depending on the guidelines of your GP and maternity hospital. Some private clinics may offer these scans for both earlier and later dates. Always make sure to contact your healthcare provider if you feel unsure or worried about your pregnancy.