TRIMESTER SCAN
Frist Trimester Scan
This scan is done at 11-14 weeks gestation.
This scan includes assessment of the Nuchal Translucency(NT) as seen at the back of the neck, which when is increased beyond the normal range may be indicative of a fetus with high risk for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) or a fetal cardiac abnormality.
We offer ANTY® scan at our centre which includes the NT measurement with a complete fetal anatomic assessment and fetal biometry.
Notes:
- Sixty percent of fetal structural abnormalities which will traditionally be identified during the second trimester targeted scan may be picked up during the ANTY® scan.
- The current recommended, most sensitive screening test for Down Syndrome is the Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) performed by maternal blood sampling.
Second Trimesters Scan
This scan is done at 18-22 weeks gestation and may take about 45 minutes to an hour.
The primary objective of this scan include:
- Confirmation of expected date of delivery.
- Confirmation of a structurally normal fetus.
- Determining the health of the fetus by observing its activity.
There are some some major limitations of this scan, which includes but not limited to:
- The assessment of the fetal heart is best seen up to 85% as some programmed changes need to take place after the baby is born (in ALL babies).
- Evolving anomalies such as increased fluid in the brain and dilatation of the kidney may present for the first time in the Third Trimester.
- Fetal genetic aberration such as Down Syndrome cannot be ruled out or confirmed by a scan.
Our comprehensive report will include:
- Extended biometry plotted on growth graphs
- Description of the structures assessed
- Impression of the scan
- A suggested plan of management
Third Trimesters Scan
This scan is done beyond 28 weeks gestation until time of delivery. The timing of the scan is directed by the findings in the targeted scan or clinical presentation during the third trimester. If done as a routine scan; it is generally performed at 32-34 weeks gestation.
This is a management scan scan. It is used to identify:
- Growth pattern disorders
- Evolving anomalies
- Placental location
- Identify fetuses (which require closer monitoring)
- Timing & mode of delivery
Absence of a third trimester scan is a ‘blind spot’ in obstetric management.
EARLY SCAN
This scan is done before 10 weeks of gestation. It is often performed in patients presenting with four main issues.
- Irregular menstrual cycle or unsure of dates.
- Early pregnancy per vaginal bleeding or spotting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Specific obstetric history – previous ectopic pregnancy, IVF pregnancy, or suspicion of multiple pregnancy.
This scan is useful to confirm the site of the pregnancy, viability of the fetus, period of gestation, and to look for pelvic pathology.
MULTIPLE PREGNANCY
Ultrasound diagnosis with the presence of two fetuses should not be reported as Twin Pregnancy. Instead, it is documented as Monochorionic or Dichorionic Twins.
This emphasises the need for early determination of the chronicity, better known as the number of placenta, which is of great importance in the management of twin pregnancy. In addition, all patients undergoing subfertility management have an increased risk of multiple pregnancy and these may be of higher order multiples.
