Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes, ultrasound exams do require an appointment. If you cannot attend your appointment, we appreciate it if you can give us 24 hours notice.
When is the best time to have a Reassurance pregnancy scan?
We perform the early pregnancy scan from 11.1 weeks up to 19.6 weeks of pregnancy. At 8 weeks you will normally get to see the pregnancy sac, the heartbeat, and fetus. If the scan is performed too early (i.e. before 6 weeks), you may not see the heartbeat. This is nothing to worry about as the heartbeat is not always detectable before this time. If you prefer to wait until 12 weeks, you can see the baby’s head, limbs, hands, and feet.
How should I prepare for a Reassurance pregnancy ultrasound?
When you attend for an early pregnancy ultrasound you will need to attend with a mildly filled urinary bladder to help view the pregnancy. It is important to know your last menstrual period dates if you know, if you have had a positive pregnancy test and or if you have had a previous ultrasound and have been given an estimated due date. It is important to wear loose comfortable clothing.
Pregnancy scans at our centre are elective so you don't have to have a referral. Just call or email to make an appointment.
Why is a Reassurance pregnancy scan performed?
The reassurance scan is performed to make sure your baby is growing as expected and at this time you can hear the baby’s heartbeat.
Will I be able to watch the scan while it's happening?
During your pregnancy scan you’ll be able to easily see everything that is happening during your ultrasound scan on a large HD screen. The Sonographer doing your scan will be able to help point out what is on the screen as it can be hard to tell what you are seeing at the various stages of your pregnancy.
What to expect at Ultrasound Ireland?
When you arrive at Ultrasound Ireland you will be met by our receptionist. You will have been sent a form to fill in by sms even if you have been here before. You can then relax in our waiting area until the sonographer comes to meet you and take you to the scanning room. Your personal details from your completed form will be confirmed by the sonographer before beginning the scan.
How many ultrasounds should I have during my pregnancy?
Diagnostic medical obstetric ultrasounds are a regular part of prenatal care for most pregnant women. Although seeing your baby in real-time ultrasound imaging is a great experience, most pregnant women need very few ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy.
There have been no known reports that confirm harmful biological effects from multiple ultrasounds.
A reassurance pregnancy scan can date the age of the pregnancy and confirm that there is a single or multiple pregnancy in the correct location. A scan may assess the developing fetus and diagnose early developmental problems.
The most important scan is performed at approximately 20 weeks to confirm normal anatomy; you'll receive this scan at your hospital but if not we offer it also at our centre. As long as these ultrasounds appear normal and as long as Mom's abdomen measurements continue to measure within normal limits, there is no need for further imaging.
Some women who have diabetes or hypertension may be in need of more scans due to their medical conditions.What will I see on my ultrasound images?
Ultrasounds are performed by using high-frequency sound waves that let the Sonographer see what's happening inside your body. You will see bright white that represents the bones of the spine, head, ribcage, and extremities, and you will see black, which represents clear fluid like amniotic fluid or fluid in the bladder and stomach. The rest is varying shades of gray that demonstrate the internal organs of your baby and the shape and location of the placenta.
You will see the Sonographer move small white elliptical or long lines that are calipers that are used to measure the head, stomach, and fetal thigh bone. These measurements are entered into an algorithm that can tell whether your baby is growing within normal limits. Amazingly the authors that created these calculation packages are accurate and trustworthy in the hands of an experienced Sonographer.
You will also see your baby moving legs and arms and swallowing amniotic fluid. You will see the beating of your baby's heart, and sometimes you will be able to hear the heartbeat when the Sonographer uses power Doppler to measure the number of beats per minute. Seeing your baby alive and well within your womb is a wonderful, reassuring experience. Occasionally if the ultrasound machine has 3D capabilities, you will see the features of your baby's face in a rendered 3D ultrasound image.
Do I need a GP’s referral for an early pregnancy ultrasound?
Pregnancy scans at our centre are elective, if you do not have a referral, that is okay. Just call or email to make an appointment.
Can family members attend my ultrasound appointment?
A pregnancy scan is a family affair at our clinic, so you can share your baby scan experience by bringing whomever you want and as many people as you like.
When is the best time to have a Reassurance pregnancy scan?
We perform the Reassurance Pregnancy scan from 11.1 to 19.6 weeks of pregnancy. This baby scan is performed to assess your baby & estimate the age of the pregnancy (if not already established). We determine whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy & measure the age of the fetus. Depending on how far along the pregnancy has advanced dictates what measurements are taken & how much of the anatomy can be assessed during this time.
How should I prepare for a Reassurance pregnancy ultrasound?
When you attend for a Reassurance pregnancy ultrasound you do not need a filled urinary bladder to help view the pregnancy. It is important to know your last menstrual period dates if you know and if you have had a positive pregnancy test if the estimated due date has not already been established. It is important to wear loose comfortable clothing.
