🤰 Pregnancy Ultrasound

A vital scan using sound waves to monitor foetal growth, health, and development during pregnancy.

🔍 What is it?

A pregnancy ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free imaging test that uses sound waves to produce images of your baby in the womb. It's used for dating, screening, monitoring, and sometimes even gender reveal!

🧪 What does it show?

• Baby’s growth and development
• Placental position and amniotic fluid levels
• Foetal heartbeat and movements
• Number of babies
• Birth defects or complications

❓ Why might I need it?

📅 Dating the pregnancy
🧬 Checking for abnormalities
📦 Monitoring high-risk pregnancies
👶 Confirming twins or multiples
🚼 Evaluating symptoms like bleeding or pain

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

• Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
• Placenta previa or placental abruption
• Growth restriction
• Foetal anomalies
• Multiple pregnancies

🩺 How is it done?

A transducer is placed over your belly with gel, or internally in early pregnancy.

⏳ Duration: 15–45 minutes
🧘‍♀️ Safe, painless, and no prep needed
📸 Images may be printed or saved digitally

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

💰 £60–£250
(depends on trimester, type of scan, and location)

✅ Commonly Combined With:

• NIPT (Non-invasive prenatal testing)
• Blood screening tests
• Urine tests for protein or infections

📚 References:

• NHS – Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans
• Tommy’s – Baby Scan Guide
• NICE – Antenatal Care Guidelines