All about your dating scan

1. All about your dating scan Your dating scan is an exciting moment in your pregnancy. In most cases your pregnancy scan will be the first time you will see a picture of your baby. Your scan usually takes place early in pregnancy any time between 10 and 16 weeks and at Ultrasound Direct it is available to women aged 16 and above. Parents tell us their first baby scan is an emotional milestone and the moment when they really begin to bond and feel closer to their baby - they see their baby moving around on the screen and can even witness the thrill of seeing them kicking their legs or sucking a thumb. The reality that they are to become parents in a few short months starts to kick in and they come away with a scan picture to show to all their friends and relatives so they can celebrate the moment too. Dating scans are also the most accurate way of calculating your estimated delivery date (EDD); this is because ultrasound scans use sound waves to build up a picture of your baby and measurements can be taken to check how far advanced the pregnancy is. You may have already been given an EDD but this will have been based on the date of the first day of your last period and does not take into account the day the baby was conceived, so after your dating scan this will usually be amended. What can a dating scan can tell you? Lovely as it is to see moving images of your baby- the early pregnancy scan does have some serious medical purposes and these are the primary reasons for having a dating scan. These include: Dating your pregnancy: Your ultrasound scan will tell you how old your baby is and predict the day he or she will be born, and also to check that the pregnancy is viable and still progressing. To do this, our qualified sonographer will carry out a number of measurements. Telling you how many babies you are expecting: A pregnancy scan can also tell you if you're having one baby or more - something you'll probably want to know about sooner rather than later! Checking your baby's heartbeat: This will tell you whether your baby is still developing. If there's a problem and no heartbeat is present you can be assured that you will be expertly counselled and supported. Seeing your baby close up: From 12 weeks we can see the latest 4D Freeview™ technology to give you a 3D moving picture of your baby. With a 4D Freeview ™ pregnancy scan you'll get to see your baby's internal organs - see their heart beating, and a checklist of other signs indicating their wellbeing will be completed, as well as a close up of their face. Report and pictures to take home: We'll give you a full report and 2D black and white prints (3D for a 4D Freeview scan after 12 weeks) in a sleeve for just £99 (including fees). What a dating scan can't tell you A dating scan can't tell you the sex of your baby. Although there'll be some signs of genital "buds" growing in the early weeks, it can be easy to get the sex wrong at this early stage with an ultrasound scan - so you'll have to wait for that news until later on. Why choose private pregnancy scans?

2. At Ultrasound Direct we can offer appointments that fit in with your work diary and family commitments and arrange them for your convenience at one of 69 clinics locations nationwide. We fully appreciate this is a special occasion for you and offer a full 20 minute consultation. The whole package costs just £99 including all fees. What happens before and during the scan? You'll be asked to drink 0.5 litres of water about an hour before the pregnancy scan and asked not pass any urine until after the early pregnancy scan. You're advised to wear either a top and skirt, or top and trousers so you can pull them up or down for the scan. You'll have gel rubbed on your lower abdomen and then a transducer will be passed over it and you'll be asked to look at the TV monitor to see your baby and your sonographer will point out your baby's developing body, taking some careful measurements. What happens afterwards? We'll give you a full report about your baby scan to take to your midwife and/or obstetrician so they are kept fully informed of what is happening in your pregnancy. What if a problem is detected? All our sonographers are qualified practitioners experienced in dealing with pregnant women and have been trained and have had experience in how to counsel and support parents if a problem is discovered with your pregnancy scan. How can I find out more? If you'd like to book a dating scan with Ultrasound Direct click here. Find details of your nearest Ultrasound Direct location here click here