When are scans done?
You'll probably be offered two NHS ultrasound scans in pregnancy. Scans performed before eight weeks are usually done vaginally, using a special probe, to allow a clearer picture of the tiny baby while later scans are all done using a scanner on the bump.
* Dating scan at 8-12 weeks - the sonographer takes some basic measurements of your baby, for example from the top of his head to the end of his bottom (crown/rump measurement) in order to calculate how many weeks old he is, and therefore, your due date. Dating scans tend to be done before 13 weeks as they are less accurate after this. However, there can still be a discrepancy in your own date and that confirmed by the scan in which case you may have a range of time, for instance between 12th and 20th July, in which your baby is due. This can prove important later on if you go overdue and your obstetrician starts suggesting induction! Major abnormalities, such as limb deformities, may also be picked up at this stage, depending on the quality of the equipment and the experience of the sonographer.
* 18-22 weeks anomaly scan - this is the main scan at which the sonographer takes a much more detailed look at your baby. She takes various measurements to check that your baby's growth is 'on track' and looks for conditions such as cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, plus any abnormalities of the brain, heart and other organs. She'll also count all your baby's fingers and toes just to be on the safe side!
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