The ultrasound scan offers peace of mind during pregnancy

An ultrasound scan is completely safe and hospitals have been providing them for pregnant women for years. There is no obligation to have an ultrasound scan but it is recommended as a precautionary measure even if only to put your mind at rest. The very first ultrasound scan would be due when the pregnancy is at 10 to 12 weeks. An early ultrasound pregnancy scan will calculate the exact age of the baby and likely date of conception along with the estimated birth date. Should the baby be developing well it may not be necessary to have another ultrasound scan until the 20 week mark is reached.

Should problems be detected during the first ultrasound scan such as the baby's growth rate is abnormal, the placenta is abnormally positioned or other abnormalities it may prove necessary to arrange a number of follow up ultrasound scans. Additionally, if expecting twins, triplets or multiples follow up pregnancy scans may also be required.

Pregnancy scans that take place after 20 weeks are more detailed and will show the baby's development allowing measurements to be taken of the growing body, brain, skull and other organs. If requested it is also possible to see detailed pictures of your baby and find out whether a boy or girl is expected.

At Innermost Secrets we provide a private, personal team of medical experts specialising in all aspects of pregnancy and fertility. We provide a range of ultrasound pregnancy scans at our location in Spire Cardiff Hospital South Wales. Detailed screening is available for taking a down syndrome test and we offer quad testing, the nuchal translucency scan and diagnostic tests including chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Our team of experts at Spire Cardiff Hospital all have expert knowledge in their individual fields which includes; gynaecology, obstetrics, maternal and foetal medicine, urogynaecology and infertility.