The anomaly scan or mid pregnancy scan as it is sometimes called is ideal for those parents looking for reassurance or as a secondary option when an earlier screening test has not been performed. Furthermore, it provides an added opportunity to assess the baby’s well being.

Your baby’s internal organs are examined in cross section which may be difficult for you to make out. Bones appear white, fluid is black and soft tissues may seem to be varying degrees of grey.

At this time we will check for soft markers which are changes in the normal anatomy and may indicate an abnormality. The four most common markers are choroid plexus cysts, renal pelvic dilatation, echogenic bowel and an echogenic foci attached to the muscle of the heart. It is important to understand that although these can be seen in affected pregnancies they can also be seen in normal healthy babies. If you had screening earlier in your pregnancy e.g. NT then the presence of any soft markers later in pregnancy are even less likely to be of any significance.

The baby’s head is examined for shape and size. Internal structures such as the ventricles of the brain and cerebellum are examined. The sonogrpaher will do standard measurements and look at the baby’s lips and nose for any obvious defects.

The spine is assessed in both long and short axis views to make sure that all of the vertebrae are in alignment and that the skin is closed. The baby’s abdominal wall is checked at this time too to make sure that all of abdominal organs are in their correct position. 90% of all abdominal wall and spine defects can be picked up by ultrasound.

The chest is assessed to view the lungs and the position of the heart. At Ultrasound Dimensions we are concerned with raising the standard of detecting a baby with a possible heart defect. The first step in improving care of “heart babies” is improving the detection of heart disease before birth. The “5 Transverse Views” is a practical and proven way to screen for heart disease at the routine “20 week” scan set up by the Tiny Ticker organization a national charity in the UK.

The stomach and bladder are also imaged. The baby swallows some of the amniotic fluid that it lies in and so some of that fluid will be seen as a black bubble in the stomach and the urinary bladder as well. Yes, the baby has a wee inside about every half hour so the urinary bladder fills and empties during the scan.

Baby’s legs, arms, hands and feet are examined. The umbilical cord is assessed to make sure there are three vessels.

The placenta will be documented to lie anteriorly or posteriorly and to ensure that the placenta does not cover that cervix.

There should be enough amniotic fluid at this stage to allow baby to move around freely.

Procedure Includes:
• Ultrasound exam
• Medical obstetric ultrasound report
• Glossy picture print
• CD with pictures.
• Video clips on a CD will also be included if possible

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This scan is performed to determine the gender, position and growth of the fetus. From 18 weeks on we can determine the gender of your baby with an accuracy of 95%. We check the heart rate, baby’s position, placental position and give you a report with baby’s measurements.

Procedure Includes:
• Ultrasound exam
• Glossy picture print

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An accurate way of estimating the risk of a fetus having Down Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities is carried out from 11.2 to 13.6 weeks and depends on the age of the mother, amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus, presence or absence of the fetal nasal bone and the presence or absence of any physical abnormalities. The nuchal translucency scan is not a diagnosis but can identify those babies that may be at risk of having a chromosomal abnormality such as Down Syndrome.

The fluid at the back of the foetal neck can give information that may raise the suspicion of a problem. The measurement of this fluid is taken at a very specific time in the pregnancy between 11.2 and 13.6 weeks gestation.
Nuchal Translucency (NT) is only a screening and is effective when taken in combination with:

Nuchal Translucency (NT) is only a screening and is most effective when taken in combination with:
• Maternal age
• Ultrasound at 11.2 – 13.6 weeks
• An accurate measurement of the nuchal translucency

This method of screening increases the detection rate of Down syndrome and other major chromosomal abnormalities. Sonographers and doctors need special training and high resolution ultrasound equipment to perform it correctly. They must be certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London UK, the organization that provides the international standards and software that enable us to evaluate your baby’s risk.

For this first trimester NT measurement and detailed ultrasound contact us for further details.

* The level of two hormones (b-hCG and PAPP-A) in the Mother’s blood can be assessed for additional accuracy. We do not offer this at our centre.

Procedure Includes:

• Ultrasound exam
• Medical obstetric ultrasound report
• Glossy picture print

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This well baby pregnancy scan is performed to determine the position, growth and the health of the fetus by measuring the size of the fetal head, abdomen, thigh bone and calculation of an estimated fetal weight. We will also examine fetal movements, placental position, amount of amniotic fluid and assess blood flow from the placenta by colour flow doppler.

We check to see if the baby may be feet-first or buttocks first (breech), side-on (transverse) or at an angle (oblique) presentation. The placental site will also be assessed to rule out placental praevia. We would include standard measurements and heart rate.

Procedure Includes:
• Ultrasound exam
• Medical obstetric ultrasound report
• Glossy picture print
• CD with pictures
• Video clips on a CD will also be included if possible

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Procedure Includes:
· 10-15 minute DVD (2D, 3D and 4D segments ) with music soundtrack.
· 2 black and white 2D images
· 2 colour 3D prints
· CD with all 3D images taken at your session (20-40 images) for printing, e-mailing to friends and family or for your mobile phone.
· Gender determination (upon request)
· Gift certificates available.

Overview: Reassurance and Bonding Scan – Non Medical – 3D Scan /4D scan

This 4D scan gives you a unique opportunity to bond with your unborn baby. Using the latest ultrasound technology scanners, we can show you what your baby looks like in 3D. At the time of the scan, the scanner generates life-like moving images of the baby in the womb. An initial 2D ultrasound is performed to check the baby’s position and heartbeat.

At Ultrasound Dimensions we know that the quality of ultrasound images varies from patient to patient. Utilizing the expertise of our sonographers and the latest ultrasound technology, we take great care to produce perfect images. While there are many factors that can affect the images of the baby (position, fluid, stage of pregnancy) we won’t let you leave without good images of your precious baby – guaranteed!

You should allow 30-45 minutes for your appointment. Occasionally you may be asked to return after a walk and a drink; in such case the time may be a little longer. During your session we will scan for around 20 minutes, which will allow us enough time to obtain 2D, 3D and 4D images of your baby. Your safety and comfort are our top concern in delivering this unique and special experience to you.

We recommend that 3d scans be done at the 22 – 34 week period, when more detailed facial images can usually be seen. At your request we can also determine the gender of the baby with an accuracy of about 95%. If you don’t want to know this, that is not a problem. Just let us know and we will do our best to protect this area from view.

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