Maternal Fetal Ultrasound Overview

About Maternal Fetal Ultrasound at Charter Medical / Welcome

Welcome to Maternal Fetal Ultrasound @ Charter Medical. Maternal Fetal Ultrasound has been developed to allow patients easy access to the highest level of clinical expertise when conducting medical ultrasound examinations.

Equipped with the latest in 3D/4D obstetric ultrasound equipment and supported by internationally acclaimed experts in high risk pregnancy management and fetal medicine, patients can be assured of the most accurate and precise diagnostic services and consultations.

Our Services:

Early Dating/Fetal Viability Scan (6-14 weeks):

The first two months of pregnancy can be very concerning for many women as symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping are quite common. This leads to concerns about whether the pregnancy is developing normally or might result in a miscarriage or even an ectopic pregnancy.

This Ultrasound scan is usually carried out at 6 to 14 weeks to confirm that the pregnancy is developing normally and to provide reassurance regarding possible miscarriage. Additionally, this scan will confirm or exclude whether twins are present.

1^st Trimester Screen and Nuchal translucency scan (11 weeks – 3 weeks + 6 days) for Down's syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities with a blood test

Most of the babies we scan with ultrasound at the clinic are normal and go on to develop normally in the womb. However all women, whatever their age, will have a small risk of having a baby with a problem.

Some of these problems can be due to a chromosomal abnormality such as Down’s syndrome. The most accurate way of estimating the risk of a baby having a chromosomal abnormality without having an invasive test such as an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (see below) is to undertake a Nuchal translucency scan with a blood test. This scan combined with the blood test has a sensitivity of 90 % whilst the Nuchal scan on its own has an accuracy of about 70%.

The Nuchal translucency is an area of fluid behind the baby’s neck. An increase in the amount of fluid may indicate an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down’s syndrome.

We can now combine the mother’s age, the size of the baby, the Nuchal thickness measurement, with a blood sample taken from the mother to give a more accurate risk assessment of a chromosomal abnormality as early as 12 weeks.

We usually take the blood sample from 10 weeks onwards and send it away to a laboratory specialising in this type of screening.

We carry out an ultrasound scan to:

Confirm your dates - this is particularly relevant if you cannot recall the date of your last period or have an irregular cycle. We will be able to tell you when your baby is due.
Show you the baby’s heartbeat - this is particularly reassuring at this stage in pregnancy when you cannot feel your baby move or if you have had a miscarriage in the past.
Detect multiple pregnancies - approximately 2% of natural conceptions and 10% of assisted conceptions result in multiple pregnancies. We can show you that your babies are developing normally and see if they are identical or not.
Diagnose an early pregnancy failure – sadly about 3% of women who come for a Nuchal scan may find that the baby has died, often several weeks before and without any warning.

We then ask you to come back after 12 weeks so we can measure the Nuchal thickness and check your baby’s anatomy as some problems or abnormalities may be visible at this gestation but this still means that you should attend for your 18- 24 week scan.

Fetal Anomaly and Gender Scan (18-24 Weeks)

After checking your baby’s heartbeat, the main purpose of this scan is to check your baby’s anatomy for normality. A thorough examination of your baby’s brain, heart, spine, kidneys, organs and limbs will be undertaken. The placenta will be checked for its position and measurements of your baby will be performed to ensure it is growing normally.

Why have a Fetal Anomaly Scan?

The vast majority of babies are normal. However all women, whatever their age, have a small chance of delivering a baby with a physical or a mental problem. Many such abnormalities can be diagnosed and ruled out with the Fetal Anomaly Scan. Reasons to have this scan include:

To reassure you that your baby is likely to be normal.

To confirm the gestational age of your pregnancy.
To confirm the number of fetuses and, if twins, whether they are identical or not.
To detect birth defects, such as a spina bifida or heart problems.
If you are concerned about the chances of chromosome problems like Down’s syndrome, this scan can search for subtle markers that may suggest a higher risk that your baby may have one of these problems.
If you want to know your baby’s gender this can usually be seen at this scan.

Anomaly scans are important as they can reassure the parents that everything appears to be as it should be; however, in a few cases a potential problem may be indicated. In these cases a further follow up scan may be needed and it may be necessary for us to discuss the problem with your midwife or doctor.

Growth and fetal well-being scan (26 weeks - to term)

Measurements of your baby’s head, abdomen and femur (thigh) are taken and plotted on graphs to check that your baby is growing normally. From these measurements we are able to estimate your baby’s weight. The amniotic fluid (water surrounding the baby) is assessed along with the position of the placenta to ensure that it is not near the birth canal which could affect delivery. This scan can also confirm the position of your baby.

3D/4D Bonding and Fetal Well Being Scan (26 weeks to 34 weeks)

Ultrasound is the only non-invasive way to see a baby in the womb. Recent advances in imaging have resulted in the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound.

Used in conjunction with traditional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound, 3D/4D ultrasound provides more detail in “real” time, so your baby can be seen moving around.

A 3D/4D ultrasound scan can be undertaken at any stage in pregnancy but the best time is between 26 – 34 weeks for the most realistic pictures. At this stage we will clearly be able to see your baby’s face, hands, fingers, feet and toes as well as any facial movements or gestures it may be making.

Many parents-to-be have commented on the amazing quality of the pictures, even noting genetic similarities to family members. In this respect, the 4D scan has been shown to promote maternal and paternal bonding.

There can be limitations sometimes with a 3D / 4D Fetal Well Being Scan. If there is inadequate amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, or if it has its face covered or is looking away, making it difficult to get a clear picture of the face.

If we can’t get good pictures for you then we will rebook you or only charge you for a growth and well-being scan, which we would normally do anyway.

Although some centre’s offer non-medical 3D / 4D Fetal Well Being Scans, Charter believe that prospective parents should be supported by specialist fetal medical opinion during their baby’s pregnancy. Thus clients have the benefit of fetal specialist opinion when availing of our 3D / 4D Fetal Well Being Scans.

All Fetal Ultrasounds are performed by an accredited sonographer who holds the certification for nuchal scanningas regulated by the Fetal Medicine Foundation.

The Fetal Medicine foundation is a UK registered charity. It has established a process of training and quality assurance for the appropriated introduction of nuchal screening into clinical practice.