What Is This Scan?
An obstetric ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to assess your pregnancy and monitor the health and development of your baby. It provides valuable information throughout pregnancy, from confirming an early pregnancy to monitoring foetal growth and wellbeing.
At IMPACT Radiology, our examinations are performed using premium ultrasound equipment by experienced sonographers and interpreted by specialist radiologists. We are committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality pregnancy imaging with a focus on both maternal and fetal health.
Conditions We Commonly Assess
Early Pregnancy
- Confirmation of an intrauterine pregnancy
- Pregnancy dating
- Foetal heartbeat
- Number of babies
- Early pregnancy bleeding
- Threatened miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy (in conjunction with clinical assessment)
- Subchorionic haemorrhage
First & Second Trimester
- Foetal anatomy assessment
- Major structural abnormalities
- Placental location
- Amniotic fluid volume
- Cervical length assessment
- Multiple pregnancy
Third Trimester
- Foetal growth
- Estimated foetal weight
- Baby's position (presentation)
- Placental position
- Amniotic fluid assessment
- Foetal wellbeing
- Umbilical artery Doppler assessment (when indicated)
Why Might My Doctor Request This Scan?
Your doctor or obstetrician may request an obstetric ultrasound to:
- Confirm your pregnancy
- Determine your due date
- Assess early pregnancy bleeding or pain
- Perform a routine morphology scan
- Monitor your baby's growth
- Assess fetal wellbeing
- Evaluate placental position
- Assess cervical length if there is a risk of preterm birth
- Monitor twins or multiple pregnancies
- Follow up previously identified findings
Preparation
Preparation depends on the stage of pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy (up to approximately 14 weeks)
A comfortably full bladder is usually required.
Please:
- Drink approximately 750–1000 mL of water one hour before your appointment.
- Avoid emptying your bladder before the examination.
Later Pregnancy
A full bladder is usually not required.
You may eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
What Happens During the Scan?
Most obstetric ultrasounds are performed through the abdomen using a handheld ultrasound probe and warm ultrasound gel.
In very early pregnancy, or if additional detail is required, a transvaginal ultrasound may also be recommended. This provides excellent visualisation of the pregnancy and cervix.
During the examination, your sonographer will carefully assess your baby, placenta, uterus and surrounding structures while obtaining detailed measurements and images.
Depending on the examination being performed, the scan usually takes 20–30 minutes. A detailed morphology scan may take 45–60 minutes to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
