Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan
When is it carried out?
- Between 10+0-11+0 weeks’ gestation, estimated from your last menstrual period (LMP) or a prior ultrasound scan.
What is the purpose of the early pregnancy scan?
- Confirm fetal viability and diagnose multiple pregnancy if present.
- Estimate the gestational age from the length of the baby (crown-rump length).
- Provide counselling options for screening for Down's Syndrome (including Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Is it necessary to have this scan in addition to the First Trimester Assessment?
- The early pregnancy scan is only necessary if you are uncertain of your dates, or wish to have Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (e.g.Illumina/Panorama/SAFE) screening at the earliest possible opportunity (10+0 weeks for Illumina/SAFE and 9+1 weeks for Panorama).
- Alternatively, all of the above, including NIPT, can be undertaken in a single visit between 12+0-13+6week when a full first trimester assessment is carried out.
What will it involve?
- A consultation.
- An ultrasound scan (transabdominal +/- transvaginal ultrasound).
- A blood test (for NIPT if required).
Where does this take place and how long will it take?
- The consultation and ultrasound scan will take place at OneWelbeck Women’s Health Clinic and takes approximately 30 minutes for the consultation and scan.
- The blood test (NIPT) will be performed after the ultrasound at the OneWelbeck Women's Health Clinic.
Are there any additional costs?
- All NIPT costs are additional. Illumina costs £295, which is payable at the OneWelbeck Women’s Health Clinic. Please enquire if you are interested in Panorama or SAFE test.
- Multiple pregnancies incur an additional tariff of £135 per fetus per scan.
When are the results available?
- The results of the scan are available immediately and the significance of any findings will be discussed with you at the time. Dr To will contact your obstetrician directly should any urgent intervention be required. If more detailed counselling is required, it may be necessary to schedule this at another time or at the end of the clinic, where possible.
- The results of the NIPT will usually be available within approximately 5 working days and will be emailed to you once available (if low probability). If there is any delay in the availability of your results, we will inform you as soon as possible. Counselling and advice for high probability/no result will be provided as needed.