What Antenatal Scans Will I Have in Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, regular antenatal care plays an essential role in monitoring the health and development of both mother and baby. One of the key components of antenatal care is a series of antenatal scans that provide vital information about the baby’s growth and overall health. These scans, conducted at specific stages, help healthcare professionals detect any issues early, allowing for timely interventions if necessary. This article will guide expectant parents through the types of antenatal scans available, what each scan involves, and the importance of antenatal appointments and check-ups.

Why Are Antenatal Scans Important?

Antenatal scans, which are typically done through ultrasound technology, provide a view of the baby and the environment within the womb. These scans offer critical insights into the baby’s health, development, and position, ensuring that any potential complications are identified early. Regular antenatal scans also provide parents with reassurance, helping them feel more connected to their baby and confident in their pregnancy journey.

Objectives of Antenatal Scans

Each antenatal scan has a unique purpose, but generally, these scans are conducted to:

Confirm the baby’s gestational age and due date.

Monitor the baby’s development and growth.

Identify any structural abnormalities or health concerns.

Assess the health and position of the placenta.

Monitor amniotic fluid levels and other vital factors.

These objectives contribute to an overall pregnancy care plan that promotes both maternal and foetal health.

Types of Antenatal Scans

Throughout pregnancy, expectant parents will have various antenatal scans as part of routine pregnancy clinic visits. While the exact timing and frequency may vary, most pregnancies involve three primary types of scans: the dating scan, the nuchal translucency scan, and the mid-pregnancy anomaly scan. Additional scans may be recommended depending on individual circumstances.

Dating Scan (Around 8-14 Weeks)

The dating scan is typically the first antenatal scan offered and is conducted between 8 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This scan confirms the pregnancy, detects the baby’s heartbeat, and estimates the baby’s gestational age, which helps in establishing a due date.

What to Expect in a Dating Scan

During a dating scan, an ultrasound technician will place a small amount of gel on the mother’s abdomen and use a device called a transducer to capture images of the baby. This scan is usually brief, but it provides valuable information about the baby’s size, positioning, and general health. For many parents, the dating scan is the first opportunity to see their baby, making it an emotional and reassuring experience.

Nuchal Translucency Scan (11-14 Weeks)

The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is an optional but commonly offered scan that screens for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. Conducted between 11 and 14 weeks, this scan measures the fluid collection behind the baby’s neck, which can indicate a higher risk of certain genetic conditions. The NT scan is often accompanied by a blood test, with both results used to assess the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.

Why the NT Scan Matters

The NT scan is essential for early detection of potential health issues. If this scan indicates a higher risk, further tests may be recommended to provide more information, allowing parents to make informed decisions about additional prenatal care or intervention.

Mid-Pregnancy Anomaly Scan (18-21 Weeks)

The mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, often referred to as the 20-week scan, is one of the most detailed antenatal scans. Conducted between 18 and 21 weeks, this scan examines the baby’s major organs, bones, spine, and brain, as well as the placenta. It can detect structural abnormalities and confirm that the baby’s development is on track.

What to Expect During the Anomaly Scan

The anomaly scan is more comprehensive than previous scans and usually takes a bit longer. During this scan, healthcare providers will carefully examine the baby’s anatomy, paying close attention to organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver. The position of the placenta is also checked, as conditions like placenta previa (a low-lying placenta) can affect delivery plans. For many parents, this scan is a significant milestone, as it provides detailed images and a chance to learn more about their baby’s development.

Growth Scans (From 28 Weeks Onwards)

In certain cases, additional growth scans may be recommended in the later stages of pregnancy, especially for women who are at higher risk of complications or if there are concerns about the baby’s growth. These scans, often conducted around 28, 32, and 36 weeks, monitor the baby’s growth, position, and amniotic fluid levels.

The Importance of Growth Scans

Growth scans are especially important for pregnancies where factors such as maternal health issues, previous pregnancy complications, or concerns about foetal growth are present. By monitoring growth and development in the final trimester, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding delivery, ensuring that both mother and baby remain safe.

Additional Antenatal Scans and Specialised Tests

While the dating, NT, anomaly, and growth scans are standard in most pregnancies, some expectant parents may undergo additional or specialised antenatal scans based on individual needs.

Cervical Length Scan

A cervical length scan may be recommended if there is a risk of preterm labour, as it measures the length of the cervix. A shorter cervix can indicate a higher likelihood of preterm birth, so regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to intervene if necessary.

Doppler Ultrasound

A Doppler ultrasound is a specialised scan that evaluates blood flow in the umbilical cord and placenta. This scan is often conducted if there are concerns about the baby’s oxygen and nutrient supply. For pregnancies with complications like pre-eclampsia or restricted growth, the Doppler scan provides vital information that helps healthcare providers manage the pregnancy effectively.

Foetal Echocardiography

In cases where there is a family history of heart conditions or other risk factors, a foetal echocardiogram may be conducted to examine the baby’s heart in detail. This scan, usually performed between 18 and 24 weeks, checks for congenital heart defects and ensures that the baby’s heart is developing normally.

Antenatal Care Beyond Scans

While antenatal scans provide essential insights into the baby’s health, they are only part of a comprehensive antenatal care plan. Regular antenatal appointments include other important tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and blood pressure checks, which all contribute to ensuring a healthy pregnancy. During these appointments, healthcare providers can also offer guidance on nutrition, antenatal vitamins, and lifestyle adjustments that support the wellbeing of both mother and baby.

The Role of the Antenatal Clinic

An antenatal clinic offers a wide range of services, from routine scans to consultations with healthcare professionals. These clinics provide expectant parents with a central place for all their pregnancy care needs, from antenatal education to access to necessary resources. By regularly attending clinic appointments and completing recommended scans, parents can feel reassured that they are taking proactive steps to support a healthy pregnancy.

How to Prepare for Antenatal Scans

To make the most of antenatal scans, preparation is key. Here are a few tips for expectant parents:

Know the Schedule: Familiarise yourself with the typical scan schedule and ask your healthcare provider if additional scans may be needed.

Ask Questions: If you have questions about the purpose or process of each scan, don’t hesitate to ask. Understanding the purpose of each scan will make you feel more confident and informed.

Consider Bringing a Partner: Many parents find that having a partner or support person with them provides reassurance during scans.

Be Ready for Results: Sometimes, antenatal scans reveal unexpected information, and being prepared to ask follow-up questions or discuss options with your provider can help.

Conclusion

Antenatal scans are a cornerstone of antenatal care, offering invaluable insights into the health and development of the baby and helping to ensure that pregnancy progresses smoothly. By following a routine schedule of scans during pregnancy clinic visits, parents can gain peace of mind, knowing they are doing everything possible to monitor their baby’s health. Each antenatal scan, from the dating scan to the anomaly scan and beyond, serves a specific purpose that contributes to the overall safety and success of pregnancy.

Through regular antenatal checkups and support from an antenatal clinic, expectant parents have access to all the resources they need to make informed decisions and enjoy a healthy pregnancy journey. These scans not only enhance the connection between parents and their baby but also provide vital information that empowers healthcare providers to offer the best possible prenatal care.

Alt Image Text: Pregnant woman has ultrasound scan with sonographer during antenatal appointment.