The most common imaging techniques undertaken when a woman is pregnant are pregnancy ultrasound and nuchal translucency measurement. Here we explain why these tests are performed; if you want more information about having these tests, click on the Sub Menu to the right.

Why have ultrasound in pregnancy?
The most common reasons to have ultrasound in pregnancy are to determine the age (gestation) of the baby, to confirm its well being and to make sure the baby is growing normally. In early pregnancy, we determine the age of your baby by measuring the length of the embryo. Later, after 16 weeks gestation, the age is confirmed from calculations using the head, abdomen and upper leg measurements.

During the scan

Family members are most welcome to join you during the ultrasound scan, but please bear in mind the ultrasound room will only accommodate a small number of people.

The ultrasound examination is a medical test. For this reason we ask you and your family not to bring telephones, video recorders and cameras into the ultrasound room as they can be disruptive to the patient and the Sonographer..

Why have nuchal translucency measurement?
Nuchal translucency measurement is used to screen for chromosomal abnormalities within a developing fetus. This measurement is performed during an ultrasound examination, between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. The scan will identify fetuses at a higher risk of abnormality. More precise testing may be recommended should the nuchal measurement indicate a risk of abnormality. The nuchal measurement ultrasound scan is painless and carries no known risk to the pregnancy.