Ultrasound Services at Park Surgery

Director:
Sally Hill MSc
Horsham
West Sussex  RH12 1BG

This centre offers a choice of ultrasound scans during your pregnancy, which are carried out by a highly experienced sonographer. We are committed to providing the highest standard of diagnostic ultrasound using a fully equipped high-resolution scanner.

What are ultrasound scans for?

Ultrasound scans are a way of assessing the wellbeing of the baby. Although most babies are normal, all women - whatever their age - have a small chance of delivering a baby with a physical and/or mental handicap. Ultrasound scans can help pick up some of these problems antenatally. Some physical abnormalities (such as Spina Bifida) may be picked up by scan at 22 weeks. In addition ultrasound may sometimes show features in a baby, which do not necessarily cause problems themselves, but may be linked to an underlying cause (such as Down's syndrome). In these cases further tests may be offered to give more accurate information.

Remember that diagnosis of a problem is unusual and most often a scan can be a reassuring experience - it is also important to realise however that a normal ultrasound scan cannot give a 100% guarantee of a normal baby.

Fetal viability scan: 6-10 weeks

At this stage in pregnancy, we can confirm the presence and number of live fetuses and the location within the uterus using the trans-vaginal or abdominal approach. This is an extremely useful test for patients who have had previous miscarriages or who are experiencing pain and/or bleeding.

11-14 weeks - Combined Test for Downs Syndrome Screening and Abnormalities

The above test is carried out at the hospital where you have chosen to deliver. However we can offer this service privately at Park Surgery. For further information please see under Private Scans.

Fetal anomaly scan: 21 - 23 weeks

The fetus will now measure about 10 inches (25cms) in length and the purpose of this scan is to examine the anatomy, ensure normal growth and check the placental position. Uterine blood flow studies can be performed when indicated. Cervical length can be assessed to evaluate the risk of pre-term delivery.

What do we look for?

The structures examined include the brain, spine, heart, kidneys and limbs. Sometimes the fetus is in a position which makes scanning difficult and it is quite normal to be asked to return for a second appointment to complete the examination. Generally the image is not as clear in larger women and again a second appointment may be necessary.

What if a problem is detected?

Approximately 90% of significant abnormalities will be detected.
Not all abnormalities are life threatening.
For example, sometimes there is an excess of urine within the fetal kidneys, which can be monitored by further scans. Most kidneys return to normal by the end of the pregnancy, but early detection reduces the incidence of childhood kidney infections and obstructions. If a more serious abnormality is suspected, a second opinion at a specialist centre may be arranged to discuss the best management of the pregnancy.

Remember that if there are any major problems we should be able to pick them up, but it is important to realise that not all abnormalities can be diagnosed on a 22 week scan.

Fetal well-being scan: 24-41 weeks

This scan aims to assess how well the baby is growing. We can also evaluate placental location and amniotic fluid volume.

Gynaecological Service

The female pelvis can be examined using a trans-vaginal approach. This gives the best picture of the uterus, ovaries and pelvis. The ultrasound transducer is similar in size and shape to a tampon: it is disinfected before use, covered with a protective sheath and lubricated. Approximately 2 inches is gently inserted into the vagina in the same way as a tampon, (if you prefer you can insert it yourself).

Please arrive with an empty bladder. There is no problem if you have a period and are bleeding on the day of the scan, it can still be performed. Throughout the examination you are covered up and the door is locked.

If for a particular reason you are unable to have a trans-vaginal scan, an abdominal scan can be performed. If this is the case you must drink 1? pints of water by 1 hour before your appointment time, because a very full bladder is essential to demonstrate the uterus and ovaries clearly when the ultrasound transducer is passed over the lower abdomen.

Further Information

Private Scans

Both obstetric and gynaecological scans can be done privately without a referral from your GP.

We also offer the Combined Test for Downs syndrome Screening which includes nasal bone screening and assessment of the fetal heart and blood flow. Your blood is taken approximately 5 days prior to the scan to enable the sonographer to discuss the combined test results immediately at the time of the scan. This is also the most accurate way of assessing Downs syndrome.

For further information or appointments please telephone:

Sally Hill:  Mob: 07811 695651
Email: ultrasound.scan@gmail.com

For detailed information please see:
www.diagnosticultrasound.org.uk

This centre has been approved by The Fetal Medicine Foundation, London.
Director: Professor K. Nicolaides

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