Ultrasound assessment

Ultrasound assessment 7-10 weeks.

We offer this examination in order to ascertain the pregnancy viability.

With this examination we will also confirm the presence of one or more fetuses. In case of multiple pregnancy we will be able to determine if the fetuses are possibly sharing blood from the same placental circulation. If found to be the case, it has great significance for the progress of pregnancy.

Between 7-11 weeks it is also possible to assess more accurately the age of the pregnancy. The length of the fetus at this stage correlates with excellent accuracy to the pregnancy gestation, irrespective if finally the baby, results in a small or large birth weight. However this high level of accuracy is lost as the pregnancy advances and the fetuses are growing in different rates based mainly on their genetic potentials.

Ultrasound assessment 11-14 weeks gestation.

We offer this ultrasound assessment in order to assess the nuchal translucency which is a useful screening test for estimating the risk of chromosomal abnormalities including Down’s syndrome. This is the measurement of the fluid under the skin at the back of the neck for which the higher the measurement, the higher the risk of chromosomal abnormality. The accuracy of the possibility of chromosomal abnormality is improved even more if this test is combined with the results of some biochemical markers in the maternal blood ( PAPP-A, b-HCG). The result of the nuchal translucency, the biochemical markers and the maternal age are assessed together by computer software. By bringing together the three results, it offers with greater accuracy the possibility of estimating the risk of chromosomal abnormality. If the risk for chromosomal abnormality is significant, then amniocentesis or chorionic villus sample is offered.

At this stage of pregnancy the fetus has been completely formed and therefore we can exclude a good number of serious anatomical problems. The presence of the nasal bone will also reduce the possibility of chromosomal abnormality.

This ultrasound assessment is quite spectacular as the baby can be visualised easily floating freely in a pool of liquor and we could provide photos and videos if the parents wish.

Ultrasound assessment of 22 weeks gestation

This ultrasound assessment is offered at this stage because the baby has grown enough and is easier to assess with good accuracy its internal organs. At this stage we also perform at the same time a Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries, a very useful screening test which can pick up those women who have higher risk of developing complications of pregnancy (i.e pre-eclampsia).

Ultrasound assessment of 32-34 weeks gestation

With this ultrasound assessment we can examine if the baby is growing well for this stage of pregnancy. Other parameters that can help us to assess the well-being of the baby are the water around the baby, and the placenta flow by using the ultrasound Dopplers.

Other useful information that we can take at this stage of pregnancy is the placenta position and the baby’s presentation.

Special Ultrasound Examinations.

Ultrasound assessment of the cervical length

This is a test of measuring the length of the cervix to those women who have risk factors of pre-term labour.

Doppler assessment of the uteroplacental and fetal circulation

Doppler assessment of the umbilical artery and of the baby’s circulation are useful tools for those pregnancies where there could be some concerns.

This test is offered when we want to obtain more information about babies that do not grow satisfactory or there are other findings which can not provide reassurance for the well-being of the baby.