Your scans

It’s time to see your baby and whether it’s your very first scan or second, each one is just as special and exciting.

Ultrasound scans can tell you lots of information about your baby. They check that they are growing and developing normally, using sound waves to build a picture of your baby in your womb. They have no known side effects on mothers or babies and can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy. If you have any concerns or questions, make sure you speak to your midwife or obstetrician.

Scans are performed by radiographers or midwives who are specially trained in ultrasound. This will involve a small amount of cold gel being put on your tummy and a hand-held probe being rolled over your skin to get various views of your baby.

If you would like a photograph of your scan you can purchase one for £6 on the day.

Your 12 week scan

The main aim of this scan is to date your pregnancy and confirm how many babies you are carrying. The trained sonographers take measurements, which allows them to calculate your due date. It is the date from the scan that is used throughout your pregnancy, rather than going from your last period. The sonographers can also perform a screening test called a nuchal translucency scan – this value, along with maternal blood tests, is then used to calculate a chance of having a baby born with a chromosomal abnormality (Down’s Syndrome, Edward’s Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome).

Your 20 week scan

This scan checks that your baby is developing well. This scan is not designed to tell you the sex of your baby, but once all checks have been made the sonographer may be able to offer you the chance to find out if you are having a boy or a girl. Please note this is not always possible and is not always 100% accurate.

If you would like to purchase a print of your baby’s scan, simply let your sonographer know that you would like one. Just make sure you have change available to purchase a token from the machine situated in the waiting room in our Scan department.