Scanning in pregnancy is widely used to assess the baby. It can also help to diagnose abnormalities and help plan the future of the pregnancy.

Sonography may also be used throughout pregnancy to monitor the health and development of the baby.

At Harmonic Medical Sonography we currently complete scans for pregnancies under 12 weeks.

• Confirm if the baby is present.
• Check if there are multiple babies, e.g twins.
• Date the pregnancy (gestational age) and estimate delivery date (baby’s due date).
• Determine if it is an ectopic pregnancy (where the baby implants outside the uterus).
• Confirm the baby’s heartbeat and movement.
• Check for any abnormalities such as Down Syndrome.
• Assess the baby’s growth to see if there is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
• Check the location of the placenta in relation to the cervix.
• Determine the sex of the baby

It is important to note at Harmonic Medical we currently only carry out scans for pregnancies under 12 weeks. Our scans show if a baby is present, including the yolk and sac. We are able to determine a due date. These early viability scans do not show for abnormalities such as Down Syndrome.

The Society & College of Radiographers (SoR) and Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommend as standard:

First Trimester Scan – 0 to 12 weeks

This first scan can often be a combination of:

• Early Viability Scan – Check the heartbeat and movement of the baby
• Dating Scan – Confirm the due date of your baby. This is helpful if you are unsure of your last menstrual period or your date of conception.

Second Trimester Scan – 18 to 20 weeks

• Anomaly Scan – Detailed ultrasound scan that observes the position of the placenta, the umbilical cord, the amniotic fluid around your baby, and your uterus and cervix. Several measurements are taken to check the baby’s growth and development. The fetus is also assessed for any major anatomical abnormalities (such as problems with the head, limbs, heart and other internal organs).At this stage of pregnancy, the sex of the baby can often be determined. However, if the genital area is difficult to visualise due to the baby’s position, it can be difficult to tell whether the baby is a boy or a girl.

At Harmonic Medical Sonography we currently only carry out Early Viability and Dating Scans.

For all obstetrics scans, no special preparation is needed, although it is best to wear loose clothing that can easily be lifted or removed in order to expose your abdomen.

Our experienced sonographer will ask you to lie on your back on an examination couch and the transducer moved across your stomach in order to obtain the best possible images of the baby.