| Pregnancy
assessment
First
Trimester
An ultrasound scan can be undertaken between 6 and 12 weeks to confirm that you
are pregnant, see the number of babies in the uterus (womb) and detect a heartbeat.
A scan at this stage in pregnancy can be a reassuring test for women experiencing
bleeding or pain, or those who have previously had miscarriages.
A
Nuchal translucency scan is undertaken between 11 - 13
weeks 6 days of gestation. This scan will assess the risk
of your fetus having a chromosomal problem such as Downs
Syndrome. The Nuchal translucency is the area of fluid
behind the baby’s neck, an increase in the amount
of fluid may indicate an increased risk of a chromosomal
abnormality in the fetus.
We
can now combine the nuchal thickness measurement with the
mother’s
age, the size of your baby, the presence or absence of
a nasal bone and a blood sample taken from the mother to
give a more accurate risk assessment (92%) of a chromosomal
abnormality as early as 12 weeks.
We usually take the blood sample from 10 weeks onwards
and send it away to a laboratory specialising in this type
of screening. When we take your blood we will carry out an
ultrasound scan to:
- Confirm your dates - this is particularly relevant if
you cannot recall the date of your last period or have
an irregular cycle. We will be able to tell you when your
baby is due
- Show
you the baby’s heartbeat - this is particularly
reassuring at this stage in pregnancy when you cannot feel
your baby move or if you have had a miscarriage in the
past
- Detect multiple pregnancies - approximately 2% of natural
conceptions and 10% of assisted conceptions result in multiple
pregnancies. We can show you that your babies are developing
normally and see if they are identical or not
- Diagnose
an early pregnancy failure – sadly about
3% of women who come for a nuchal scan may find that the
baby has died, often several weeks before and without any
warning
We
then ask you to come back after 12 weeks so we can measure
the nuchal thickness and check your baby’s anatomy
as some major abnormalities may be visible at this stage
in pregnancy but this still means that you should attend
for your 20 week scan (you can choose to do this at KMI or
in your local NHS hospital) as not all problems can be detected.
If you cannot come in two visits it generally is not a
problem. We will discuss different options we have with you.
The
Fetal Medicine Foundation computer program will be used
to estimate this risk by combining all the factors. We
will take you through this risk and explain everything
to you.
Second
Trimester
A
20-24 week anomaly scan will identify if your baby has any
serious structural defects. The examination will show most
of the baby’s anatomy including the brain, heart, spine,
kidneys and limbs. The placenta will be checked for position
and measurements of the baby’s head, abdomen and femur
(thigh) will be undertaken to confirm your date of delivery
and that the baby is growing the correct amount.
Third
Trimester
After 28 weeks a growth scan can be undertaken to
ensure your baby is growing normally and to assess its well-being.
A detailed examination will be undertaken
by measuring the baby’s head, abdomen and femur.
The condition and site of the placenta will be checked
to ensure there are no pending problems along with the
amount of amniotic fluid (water surrounding the baby).
A 3D/4D ultrasound scan can be undertaken
at any stage in pregnancy but the best time is between
26 – 32 weeks
for the most realistic pictures. At this stage we will clearly
be able to see your baby’s face, hands, fingers, feet
and toes as well as any facial movements or gestures it may
be making.
Many parents-to-be have commented on the amazing quality
of the pictures, even noting genetic similarities to family
members. In this respect, the 4D scan has been shown to promote
maternal and paternal bonding.
We will always undertake a growth and well-being scan when
we do a 3D/4D scan to check your baby is healthy and growing
normally.
Click
here for more information on pregnancy ultrasound
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