Pregnancy Ultrasound
We provide a range of pregnancy ultrasound services to support expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced sonographers and specialists dedicated to delivering exceptional care. From early pregnancy assessments to detailed anatomy scans, our team is here to ensure that you and your baby receive the best possible monitoring and support.
Overview of Pregnancy Ultrasound
Pregnancy ultrasounds are a crucial part of prenatal care, offering valuable insights into the health and development of your unborn baby. These non-invasive imaging techniques use sound waves to create detailed images of the foetus and the surrounding structures within the uterus. Ultrasounds can help detect potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and peace of mind for expecting parents.
DATING SCAN
The dating scan is typically performed in the first trimester, usually between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
This ultrasound is essential for confirming the gestational age of the pregnancy, establishing a due date, and checking the number of foetuses. It can also identify early developmental issues.
During this scan, the sonographer will measure the foetus to determine its age and check for a heartbeat, providing reassurance to parents during the early stages of pregnancy.
Nuchal Translucency (NT) / Early Structural Assessment Scan + Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
The nuchal translucency scan is a specialised ultrasound performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This scan measures the fluid collection at the back of the baby’s neck, known as the nuchal translucency. Combined with a blood test, the NT scan assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. A detailed structural assessment of the foetus can usually be performed at this stage. This scan also provides the opportunity to screen for a bunch of placental issues, most notably pre-eclampsia – a condition where the mother’s blood pressure starts rising towards the latter stages of pregnancy, with potential for complications to the pregnancy.
Morphology Scan
Also known as the anatomy or mid-pregnancy scan, the morphology scan is typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks. This detailed ultrasound examines the baby’s organs, limbs, and overall anatomy to check for any structural abnormalities. It also evaluates the placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord.
The morphology scan is a key milestone in pregnancy, offering parents a comprehensive view of their baby’s development.
Growth & Wellbeing Scan
Growth scans are conducted in the third trimester to monitor the baby’s size, growth, and position. These scans can be particularly important for pregnancies with specific concerns related to the mother’s or her foetus’ wellbeing.
The sonographer will take measurements of the foetus’ body parts to assess size, in order to ensure they are growing appropriately. Our team will also evaluate the placenta’s function and the amount of amniotic fluid to ensure optimal conditions for the baby’s development.
The best care for you and your baby
We are the leaders on the Central Coast in supporting local mothers during their journey to motherhood and beyond.
Pregnancy ultrasounds play a vital role in detecting and managing a range of conditions that can affect both the mother and the baby.
This condition occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, which can lead to complications during delivery. Ultrasounds can identify placenta previa early, allowing for careful monitoring and planning for a safe delivery.
FGR, also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), occurs when the baby is smaller than expected for its gestational age. Ultrasounds can track the baby’s growth over time and help determine the best course of action to ensure the baby’s health.
Detailed anatomy scans can detect structural abnormalities, such as heart defects, cleft lip, or neural tube defects. Early detection allows for appropriate planning and care during and after pregnancy.
Ultrasounds can identify ectopic pregnancies, where the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is the most widely requested form of early pregnancy screening used to check for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and other common chromosomal aneuploidies.
Another important way to screen for chromosomal aneuploidies is through the combined First Trimester Screen (FTS), previously known as the Nuchal Translucency scan. If you decide to have NIPT, CFTS is still important for other valuable information.
Bundle Inclusions
- Genetic Counselling by our Genetic Counsellor
- Viability Scan approx. 10 weeks’
- Genetic Carrier Screening
- First Trimester Nuchal Bloods
- Pre-Eclampsia (blood pressure) Screening
- NIPT^
- Early Anatomy Scan
- Scans completed, and reported on by Intuition’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
Get in touch
If you wish to make a booking with one of our specialists or allied health team, please get in touch with our friendly support staff.
We understand the need for women-led care and have an easy referral system to other health care professionals who provide a range of services specialised to your individual needs.
