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Ultrasound scans use sound waves to create a picture of your baby in your womb. The picture will be displayed on a screen that you will be able to see. Most scans are performed by a trained healthcare professional called a sonographer. These scans are painless and there are no risks to you or your baby.
What are the different types of ultrasounds offered in pregnancy?
There are three main types of ultrasounds offered in pregnancy.
A dating scan can be used to confirm your due date if you are unsure of your last menstrual period or your date of conception. It is usually offered to pregnant women from 10 weeks to 13 weeks gestation, but can be carried out any time from 6 weeks.
A nuchal translucency scan might be offered to help you work out the risk of your baby having a chromosomal abnormality. It might be done as part of a dating scan, or it can be done separately. You might be advised to have a blood test with it.
A morphology scan is a detailed ultrasound scan that looks at your baby’s body and observes the position of the placenta, the umbilical cord, the amniotic fluid around your baby, and your uterus and cervix. It is usually done at 18-22 weeks gestation.
Sometimes ultrasounds are performed more often during pregnancy. This might happen if: you are having twins or triplets you have a complication in your pregnancy your healthcare professional has concerns about the health of your baby.
How is an ultrasound done?
Most ultrasounds that are done after 10 weeks of pregnancy are performed abdominally. The sonographer will place some gel on your belly, and will rub a hand-held device (probe) across your belly in order to obtain a picture of your unborn baby.
For an abdominal ultrasound during your first trimester, you may need to drink a few glasses of water. This is so your full bladder will push your uterus up out of your pelvis, allowing the baby to be seen clearly in the ultrasound images.
Sometimes the sonographer needs to perform a vaginal ultrasound. The probe used for this does not need to go in very deep, so most women find that it fits comfortably inside the vagina. This might be recommended if: you are less than 8 weeks pregnant you are overweight the baby is deep inside your abdomen.
How much do ultrasounds cost?
There’s no simple answer. Medicare covers some of the costs of ultrasounds, but not others. Some private health insurance schemes cover some of the costs. Before having an ultrasound, check the costs with your doctor, your midwife or the person doing the ultrasound.
Do I have to have ultrasound scans during my pregnancy?
It is your choice whether or not you have ultrasound scans during your pregnancy. Many women find it reassuring to know if they have a healthy pregnancy and to help prepare for the birth. If any abnormalities are seen, it may also be possible to arrange immediate specialist care to help manage your pregnancy and prepare for the birth.
If you are unsure whether you would like to have a scan, you can discuss it with your midwife or doctor to help make the right decision for you.
Sources: BabyCenter (Pregnancy ultrasound