23/02/2023
WHEN TO DO ULTRASOUND SCANS IN PREGNANCY.
FOR ALL ULTRASOUND SCANS CALL Randburg Community Hospital
When are scans usually carried out?
During your first trimester, you may have an early scan at about six weeks or seven weeks. However, this will only happen if you're experiencing problems, such as pain or vaginal bleeding.
Your first scan is likely to be a dating scan when you're between 11 weeks and 13 weeks plus six days pregnant. This will confirm your expected date of delivery.
In your second trimester you will be offered an anomaly scan at about 20 weeks. This is to check that your baby is developing normally.
The anomaly scan may need to be repeated at 23 weeks if the sonographer hasn't been able to see everything she needs to assess your baby's health.
This may be if you're overweight, or if your baby was in an awkward position at your first scan.
In your third trimester, your doctor or midwife may recommend that you have a growth scan between 28 weeks and 40 weeks. This will be if you:
previously gave birth to a small baby are having twins.
have other complications, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
are pregnant with a baby who measures smaller than expected
are measuring larger than expected and your midwife suspects that there's too much fluid around your baby.
Does an ultrasound hurt?
An abdominal scan is usually painless except for the mild discomfort of the transducer pressing on your tummy if you have a very full bladder.
If you are in pain, tell the sonographer. She may ask you to half empty your bladder, which will make the examination more comfortable.
You shouldn't be asked to fill your bladder for scans in the third trimester.
At this stage, your baby is much bigger and the amniotic fluid around him will help conduct the echoes to create the image on the screen.
Some women prefer a vaginal scan, as it's best done with an empty bladder.
There's no need to feel embarrassed, as the sonographer does these scans every day.
She’ll cover you with a sheet, and if you relax your muscles to allow the transducer to slide in easily, it shouldn't be uncomfortable.
Do I have to have an ultrasound?
Most women have at least one scan during pregnancy, but you don't have to have one.
Scans give useful information about your pregnancy, and most women find them reassuring.
However, many abnormalities can’t be seen on a scan, and sometimes the scan findings can cause mums to worry unnecessarily.
If your midwife recommends a scan and you'd rather not have one, ask her to explain her reasons.
The final decision will always rest with you.
What if the scan shows a problem?
It's natural to be worried if your scan suggests that there's a problem with your baby.
Sometimes a clear diagnosis can be made from the scan, such as for spina bifida. Or the scan may show minor changes (markers) which are usually nothing to worry about.
If the sonographer finds anything unusual during the scan, she should refer you to a doctor within 24 hours.
If necessary, you'll be seen by a fetal medicine specialist, usually within 72 hours.
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