Pregnancy - Details of the Ultrasound Scans

Fetal viability scan 6 - 10 weeks

At this scan it is possible to accurately date the pregnancy, determine the number of fetuses present, detect the fetal heart beat and determine if the pregnancy appears to be progressing normally.

This scan is of particular use to women who are uncertain of their dates, have experienced any bleeding or pain in the pregnancy, or who have had a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy .

 
Mr Penman

Nuchal scan 11 - 13+ weeks ( including DVD & CD) +/- Blood test screening (PAPP-A & bHCG)

Nuchal translucency is a term used to describe the scan appearance of the fluid filled space at the back of the baby’s neck.

By taking into account your age, past history, the thickness of this space, and the exact stage of pregnancy, we are able to calculate a revised risk of your baby being affected with Down syndrome. The presence or absence of the bridge of the fetal nose and other scan findings can also be included in the risk assessment. We expect to detect 85% of babies with Down syndrome and 95% of babies with the other major chromosome abnormalities ( Edwards, Patau and Turner syndrome) at this scan.

During this scan we can again accurately date the pregnancy and identify a significant number of major structural abnormalities. It is possible in over 70% of cases to determine the sex of the baby (with 70-95% accuracy) and in many cases obtain good 3D/4D images. There is no additional charge for this. Optimal time for scan is 12 ½ weeks.

 

Fetus

Fetal growth / wellbeing scan 24 - 42 weeks ( including DVD & CD)

The growth of the baby is assessed by taking measurements of the fetal head, abdomen and thigh bone and an estimate of the fetal weight can be calculated. The volume of the amniotic fluid, the placental position and appearance, the fetal presentation (breech/head first) and the blood flow in the umbilical cord are also assessed.

It is usually possible to obtain 3D/4D ultrasound pictures of the fetal face especially between 26 – 32 weeks.

The fetal growth scan is particularly useful when there is any concern about the growth/size of the baby especially in women who have had complications such as pre-eclampsia, growth restriction, or diabetes in a previous pregnancy or who have developed a problem during the current pregnancy.

Fetal anomaly scan 22 weeks ( including DVD & CD)         

During this scan we look in great detail at the anatomy of the baby. Particular attention is paid to the brain, face, spine, limbs, heart, stomach, kidneys and other internal organs. The sex of the baby can be determined in the majority of cases with approximately 99% accuracy. As with all scans, the cost includes a full consultation with Mr Penman who will give you a full explaination of all the findings at the end of the scan.

It is normal practice for all pregnant women to be offer an anomaly scan and while this can be performed from 18 – 24 weeks, it is best done at about 22 weeks.

 

22 week 3D scan

Blood test screening (Serum screening)

The levels of a number of chemicals can be measured in a blood sample taken from the mother (at no risk to the baby) that can also be used to assess the risk for Down syndrome. Serum screening is especially useful if the pregnancy is beyond 14 weeks when attending for the nuchal scan or if the results of the scan finding produce a risk that is still high enough to cause anxiety but not high enough to  prompt invasive testing (CVS or amniocentesis). The cost of the these blood tests depends on the stage of the pregnancy and the range of chemicals to be analysed.

Paternity testing

Prenatal and postnatal paternity testing is also provided. Please contact secretary for further details.

 

Invasive tests CVS & amniocentesis

These tests may be appropriate if there is a high risk for chromosome abnormality (Down syndrome etc). The CVS involves obtaining a tiny sample of placental tissue while an amniocentesis involves obtaining a small sample of the amniotic fluid. Both tests are done by passing a fine needle through the mother’s abdomen with continuous ultrasound scanning.

The initial results from either test, for Down syndrome and the other major chromosome abnormalities are usually available in 2-3 working days.

CVS is performed after 11 weeks and carries a 1 - 2% risk of miscarriage while amniocentesis is performed after 16 weeks and has a 0.5 - 1% risk of causing a miscarriage.
Fees    
 
Viability scan (6 - 10 weeks)
£90
 
Nuchal scan (11 - 13+ weeks)
£110
 (includes DVD & CD)
 
Anomaly scan (22 weeks)
£160
 (includes DVD & CD)
 
Growth/wellbeing scan (24 - 42 weeks)
£130

(includes DVD & CD)
 
Late Pregnancy scan & Group B Strep Swabs (36 weeks +)
£168.50
 
CVS (11 - 14 weeks)
£500
 
Amniocentesis  (16+ weeks)
£450