Ante-natal Ultrasound Scanning
The Fetal Ultrasound Unit is equipped with the latest ultrasound technology - the GE “Voluson E8”. This offers high detail images for more accurate diagnosis as well as 3D and 4D scans. The 3D scan focuses on the baby's face and facial features and can serve to enhance the experience for parents of watching their baby grow. A 20 minute DVD is available to complete the experience.
Our team of Consultant Obstetricians and Specialist Sonographers have close links with major London teaching hospitals ensuring our service grows in line with latest developments and national guidelines.
The service is fully integrated into the Birth Unit team and works alongside the dedicated midwifery team to provide you with the best care throughout your pregnancy.
As part of our ultrasound service, you will receive images of your baby on to take away with you. All scans are done in a comfortable, stress-free environment allowing you time to ask questions.
Please bring your partner, family member or friend along with you for the appointment. They will be able to come into the scanning room and share the experience with you.
We also provide dedicated scan packages designed exclusively for Birth Unit patients.
Ultrasound Examinations
We recommend that you have a minimum of 3 ante-natal scans – a nuchal scan, a 20 week anomaly scan and a growth scan. There are additional scans that you may choose to have. All are briefly described here.
Early pregnancy or ‘dating’ scan
An early ultrasound scan provides you with important information about the number of babies and the expected delivery date. Confirmation of pregnancy and the fetal heart can be seen from 6 weeks gestation by vaginal scan and from 8-9 weeks by abdominal scan. This scan also enables the nuchal scan to be booked at the correct date.
Nuchal translucency scan
This is a screening test for Down's syndrome that we offer at 11-14 weeks. It involves an ultrasound to measure the thickness of the layer of fluid at the back of the baby's neck. Babies with Down's syndrome have a thicker layer.
The results of the ultrasound can be combined with a blood test to work out a risk figure. Your midwife will discuss this with you and arrange for a blood test. This will be done by the Phlebotomists at the Hospital after your ultrasound. Please bring the blood test forms with you to your ultrasound appointment. We will direct you to Phlebotomy after your scan.
20 week Anomaly scan
This scan is performed between 20 to 24 weeks and is a detailed examination of the baby's anatomy and wellbeing. The scan also checks the position of the placenta and the fluid surrounding the baby. At this scan you may be able to find out the sex of your baby if you wish to, if the baby is in the right position.
Growth and wellbeing scan
This scan is performed in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy between 27 and 40 weeks to check your baby’s growth and wellbeing.
How to book your Ultrasound
To make an appointment for your Antenatal Ultrasound please contact the Imaging Department Appointments team on:
- Telephone 020 7806 4030
- Fax: 0207 806 4002
- email: imaging@hje.org.uk
Please make your appointments well in advance to ensure you are able to be scanned at the appropriate gestational age.
