Dating scan

A first-trimester ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, location (intra/extra uterine), number or foetuses, viability, and accurately estimate gestational age.

What to expect
A sonographer applies gel and moves a probe across your abdomen. Often, a transvaginal scan may be offered for clearer images.

Duration
10–20 minutes.

Preparation
Drink water. 

Results
Ultrasound findings are discussed at your visit by a Specialist.

NIPT + scan

Non-invasive prenatal testing (blood test) combined with an ultrasound to confirm fetal viability and dating.

What to expect
NIPT is a simple maternal blood test to evaluate the risk of the fetus having common chromosomal disorders; the combined visit includes a short ultrasound (10–20 minutes), that may be offered transvaginal for better images.

Preparation
Drink water. 

Results
NIPT results return from the laboratory in usually 5-7 days (discussion with a genetic counsellor or specialist may be indicated); ultrasound findings are discussed at your visit by a Specialist.

1st trimester anatomy, including pre-eclampsia screening (and combined first trimester screening if no NIPT)

Ultrasound to assess early fetal anatomy and chromosomal abnormalities soft markers (as nuchal translucency and nasal bone); screening for aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia will be offered at this visit.

What to expect
A transabdominal and, often, transvaginal ultrasound to measure the fetus, the nuchal translucency and evaluate early anatomy (45-60 minutes). For pre eclampsia screening, the measurement of your uterine artery resistance will be combined with your blood pressure and other markers in your blood.

Preparation
Full bladder for transabdominal ultrasound.

Results
Ultrasound findings are discussed at your visit by a Specialist. Pre eclampsia screening (and combined first trimester screening for T21/13/18) results will be immediate if blood tests available and communicated later if blood results not ready. If any abnormality is detected, a referral to a Maternal Fetal Medicine Department will also be discussed.

Morphology scan

Detailed anatomy scan around 19–22 weeks to examine fetal biometry, anatomy, placental position and cervical length.

What to expect
A detailed scan of fetal anatomy lasting 45–60 minutes. You’ll need a moderately full bladder for improved imaging early in the exam. You may be offered a transvaginal ultrasound for an accurate measurement of the cervical length to assess the risk of preterm birth or to obtain clearer images of the lower fetal parts. 

Results
Ultrasound findings are discussed at your visit by a Specialist. If any abnormality is detected, a referral to a Maternal Fetal Medicine Department will also be discussed.

3rd trimester scan

Ultrasound to evaluate fetal position, growth, wellbeing, amniotic fluid, placental function and review the fetal anatomy to exclude abnormalities that can be diagnosed at a late gestation.

What to expect
Focused assessment of fetal presentation, growth, liquor volume, placental function/position and review of the fetal anatomy (15–30 minutes). No full bladder needed.

Results
Ultrasound findings are discussed at your visit by a Specialist. If any abnormality is detected, a referral to a Maternal Fetal Medicine Department will also be discussed.

CVS (chorionic villus sampling)

An ultrasound-guided invasive procedure to collect placental tissue for testing (genetic/infections), usually performed in the first trimester. Your specialist will discuss risks and benefits of the procedure after an ultrasound have been performed.

What to expect
Procedure performed under sterile, ultrasound guidance, to collect placental tissue (transabdominally or transvaginally, depending on placental location). Rarely, the procedure is not technically possible and may have to be postponed. You will be counselled beforehand, sign consent, and have local anaesthetic given. Mild cramping and light bleeding may occur afterward. 

Risks
Bleeding, small risk of miscarriage, and even rarer, infection. You will be offered anti-D immunoglobulin if your blood group is Rhesus negative.

Aftercare
Avoid heavy activities for 24–48 hours; contact our rooms/emergency for fever, heavy bleeding or severe pain. 

Results
Results will be communicate to you as soon as received, timing depends on tests ordered.

Amniocentesis
An ultrasound-guided test, usually offered from 15 weeks,  that collects a sample of amniotic fluid for genetic and other testing. It provides detailed diagnostic information; risks and preparation are discussed beforehand.

What to expect
Under ultrasound guidance, a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to withdraw fluid (procedure ~10–15 minutes; total visit longer). You will be counselled and sign consent beforehand; local anaesthetic is not required for this procedure. Mild cramping is not uncommon after the procedure. 

Risks
Small miscarriage risk, infection or Rh sensitisation – anti-D offered when indicated.

Aftercare
Avoid heavy activities for 24–48 hours; contact our rooms/emergency if fever, heavy bleeding, persistent pain or fluid loss. 

Results
Results will be communicate to you as soon as received, timing depends on tests ordered.