Internal and External Ultrasounds

Internal or trans-vaginal scans can provide clearer pictures in early pregnancy. We also use internal scans to check for gynaecological problems or for fertility assessments. External or trans-abdominal scans are the most common type of scan during pregnancy. They are rarely used for gynaecological checks.

Routine Pregnancy Scans

• Nuchal Translucency Scan at 12-14 weeks to assess the risk of Down’s syndrome, check your baby’s growth and look for any signs of abnormalities
• Abnormality scan at 20-22 weeks for a full range of health checks. We’ll assess your baby’s growth, look for any abnormalities and check that the placenta and umbilical cord are healthy.

Additional Pregnancy Scans

• Viability scan from 6 weeks to confirm and date the pregnancy
• Reassurance and wellbeing scans to check on your baby in between the routine scans
• Sexing scans from 16 weeks to find out your baby’s sex before the next routine scan
• Cervical scans to check your cervical length if there is a risk you’ll give birth early
• 4D scans between 26 and 32 weeks so you can see your baby’s face in 3D colour images

Gynaecology and Fertility Scans

• Full pelvic ultrasound scan to look for any health problems affecting your reproductive system
• Endometrial thickness scan to check that your womb lining is ready for an embryo to implant during fertility treatment
• Follicle tracking scan to find out when you are ovulating, usually as part of fertility treatment
• Ovarian screening scan to look for cysts on your ovaries and assess your risk of ovarian cancer
• IUCD location scan to detect and locate a contraceptive implant