All you need to know about ultrasound scans
When you're pregnant, you'll be able to have various different scans that all check different things. Midwife and childcare expert Anne Richley explains the difference between them all
How do they work?
Gel is squeezed onto your abdomen and a transducer (or probe) is gently glided over it. The transducer emits and receives high-frequency sound waves, which are transmitted through the uterus and bounce off the baby. The images and sounds are then translated into a picture on a screen.
If you're having a scan in very early pregnancy, the sonographer may need to do a 'trans-vaginal' rather than an abdominal scan, to get an image.
The evidence so far is that ultrasounds are safe but it's recommended that its use is 'justified and limited to the minimum necessary'.
The various scans offered will depend on your local health authority. Some might not be offered in your area but will be available privately if you ask.
- Next: The different scans available
More help and advice
- What test should you have?
- Advice on finding a midwife
- More info on measuring your baby's growth
By Anne Richley, midwife
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alison, 18 days [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
this might not work for everybody!!, to avoid stretchmarks i find that getting a warm bath with baby oil is lovely, soak for 15 mins, get out then towel dry and then apply your stretchmark cream such as bio oil or palmers! my skin is unbelievably soft afterwards, and my boyfriend loves it, i did this with my last pregnancy and got 3 stretchmarks, im doing it again this time, so far so good. ali