Pregnancy Ultrasound

At Imaging Associates, we provide high quality, accessible pregnancy ultrasound scans in an environment where our patients are comfortable and cared for with kindness and compassion.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound machines direct high-frequency sound waves at the part of the body being examined. The sound waves are emitted and received from a small, hand-held probe and the reflected sounds, or echoes, are then recorded to create a clear image that can be seen on a monitor. 

There are two types of pregnancy ultrasounds:

• Transabdominal ultrasound is an external assessment of the lower abdomen. Transabdominal ultrasounds can be used throughout pregnancy to provide information about your baby.
• Transvaginal ultrasound is an internal examination, most often used early in the first trimester of your pregnancy when your baby is still very small, or later in pregnancy if the sonographer needs a clearer image of the maternal or fetal structures. Transvaginal ultrasounds do not harm your baby and are only used where there is a clinical need to do so.

What is the purpose of a pregnancy ultrasound?

Obstetric ultrasounds assist in your prenatal care and are important in monitoring the health and development of your baby. Images produced by ultrasound enable the assessment of things such as growth, biophysical profile, amniotic fluid levels, cervix length and foetal blood flow.

The purpose of your pregnancy ultrasound will vary depending on the gestational age of your baby. Dating scans are typically performed early in the first trimester of your pregnancy to confirm dates, viability and the number of babies.

• For many patients a 12-week scan will be performed to primarily assess the early developing anatomy of your baby, and to assess the nuchal translucency.
• A morphology scan is performed at around 20-22 weeks of gestation to comprehensively assess the fetal anatomy and maternal structures and assist in excluding certain structural anomalies.
• Third trimester scans are not routine for all patients but are very common, and these are typically performed to assess the growth, health and well-being of your baby.

The patient experience

What preparation is involved for a pregnancy ultrasound?

When you book your ultrasound appointment with us, you will be provided with all the information you need to ensure that your scan is smooth and stress-free.

Generally there is no specific preparation required for an obstetric ultrasound. Patients undergoing a dating scan (<12-week scan) will be asked to fill their bladder prior to the examination.

What happens during the examination?

The duration of your ultrasound examination will vary depending on the gestational age of your baby. Dating scans and third trimester ultrasounds usually take about thirty minutes, whereas a 12-13 week scan and morphology scan can take longer, usually about 45-60 minutes. Multiple pregnancies also take longer depending on the number of babies being examined. When assessing the baby’s anatomy, you might be asked to go for a walk if the baby is not positioned to obtain a clear image. Short periods of increased transducer (camera) pressure may be required across the lower abdominal region to improve visualisation of your baby, but rest assured this does not in any way harm your baby. 

What to expect after your pregnancy ultrasound?

Sonographers work closely with our radiologists to generate an accurate and comprehensive report that includes all the information required by your doctor or specialist. Reports will typically include information about the size and growth of your baby, fetal wellbeing, and whether any abnormality has been detected. Normal results are communicated promptly to your referrer electronically, and urgent findings are usually communicated to the referrer verbally at the time of your ultrasound appointment such that appropriate treatment can commence without delay.  

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Book an Obstetric Ultrasound Near You

Our Ultrasound services are available at all Imaging Associates clinics located across Melbourne and Gippsland VIC, and Wagga Wagga NSW.

• Melbourne VIC – Boronia, Box Hill, Camberwell, Mitcham, Rowville, Tecoma
• Gippsland VIC – Drouin, Warragul
• Wagga Wagga NSW – Edward Street, Docker Street

To book a Pregnancy Ultrasound scan at an Imaging Associates clinic near you, click the button below, or call one of our clinics today.

Book an appointment

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Ultrasound safety

Obstetric ultrasounds have been routinely used throughout pregnancy for over forty years and to date, there are no proven ill effects of ultrasound on an unborn child. As pregnancy scans do not use ionizing radiation, they are a completely safe examination for you and your baby.

At Imaging Associates, all ultrasound examinations are performed by highly trained and accredited sonographers.