Pregnancy Scans

Our Pregnancy Scan Services provide detailed ultrasound assessments throughout your pregnancy. From early pregnancy scans to detailed anomaly scans and specialist twin monitoring, we offer comprehensive imaging to ensure the health and wellbeing of you and your baby.

Types of Pregnancy Scans

• Early pregnancy scan (6-10 weeks)
• Dating scan (10-14 weeks)
• Nuchal translucency scan (11-14 weeks)
• Detailed anomaly scan (18-22 weeks)
• Growth scans (third trimester)
• Twin pregnancy scans
• 3D/4D scans
• Doppler assessments

Early Pregnancy Scan (6-10 Weeks)

What Is It?

An early pregnancy scan confirms pregnancy location, viability, and dates. It’s often performed transvaginally for clearer images in early pregnancy.

What We Check

• Pregnancy is in the correct location (uterus)
• Heartbeat is present
• Number of babies
• Estimated due date
• Any early concerns

When to Have This Scan

• After a positive pregnancy test
• If you have had previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
• If you have pain or bleeding
• After fertility treatment
• For reassurance

Dating Scan (10-14 Weeks)

What Is It?

The dating scan accurately determines your due date and checks that your baby is developing normally. It’s usually performed abdominally.

What We Check

• Crown-rump length (CRL) to calculate due date
• Baby’s heartbeat
• Number of babies
• Basic anatomy check
• Position of the placenta

Importance of Accurate Dating

• Ensures correct timing of screening tests
• Important for monitoring growth later in pregnancy
• Helps plan delivery timing if needed

Nuchal Translucency Scan (11-14 Weeks)

What Is It?

The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. It measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck.

What We Measure

• Nuchal translucency thickness
• Crown-rump length
• Nasal bone presence
• Heart rate

Combined Screening

The NT measurement is combined with:

• Maternal age
• Blood tests (PAPP-A and free beta-hCG)
• To give a risk assessment for chromosomal conditions

Results

• Low risk: Less than 1 in 150
• Higher risk: Further testing options discussed (NIPT or amniocentesis)

Detailed Anomaly Scan (18-22 Weeks)

What Is It?

The detailed anomaly scan, also called the 20-week scan or mid-pregnancy scan, is a comprehensive examination of your baby’s anatomy. This is one of the most important scans during pregnancy.

Why Is It Important?

This scan checks your baby’s organs and structures in detail to identify any abnormalities. Most babies are found to be developing normally, but early detection of problems allows for:

• Specialist consultation
• Planning for delivery and treatment
• Parental preparation
• Further testing if needed

What We Examine

Head and brain:

• Skull shape and structure
• Brain development
• Ventricles (fluid spaces)
• Cerebellum
• Face profile

Face:

• Eyes
• Nose and lips (cleft lip screening)
• Jaw

Spine:

• Each vertebra checked
• Spinal cord
• Skin covering

Heart:

• Four chambers
• Major blood vessels
• Heart rhythm
• Blood flow patterns

Chest:

• Lungs
• Diaphragm

Abdomen:

• Stomach
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Abdominal wall
• Umbilical cord insertion

Limbs:

• Arms and hands
• Legs and feet
• Fingers and toes (when visible)

Other checks:

• Placenta position and appearance
• Amniotic fluid volume
• Umbilical cord (three vessels)
• Cervical length

Gender

We can usually determine gender at this scan if you wish to know. Please let us know your preference at the start of the appointment.

Limitations

Some conditions cannot be detected on ultrasound, including:

• Some heart defects
• Some genetic conditions
• Conditions that develop later in pregnancy
• Functional problems

Detection rates vary depending on the condition, baby’s position, and maternal factors.

What to Expect

• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Full bladder may be helpful but not always required
• Baby’s position affects the scan — you may need to walk around if baby is not in an optimal position
• Some images may require a repeat scan

If Something Is Found

If an abnormality is suspected:

• We will explain the findings clearly
• Referral to a specialist (fetal medicine) may be arranged
• Further tests may be offered
• Support and counselling available
• You will have time to ask questions

Growth Scans (Third Trimester)

When Are They Needed?

Growth scans monitor your baby’s size and wellbeing. They may be recommended if you have:

• High-risk pregnancy
• Concerns about baby’s growth (too small or too large)
• Reduced fetal movements
• Diabetes (gestational or pre-existing)
• High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
• Multiple pregnancy
• Previous small or large baby
• Placental concerns

What We Measure

Baby’s measurements:

• Head circumference (HC)
• Abdominal circumference (AC)
• Femur length (FL)
• Estimated fetal weight (EFW)

Wellbeing assessments:

• Amniotic fluid volume
• Baby’s movements
• Breathing movements
• Muscle tone
• Doppler blood flow studies

Doppler Assessment

Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow in:

• Umbilical artery — blood flow from baby to placenta
• Middle cerebral artery — blood flow to baby’s brain
• Uterine arteries — blood flow to the placenta
• Ductus venosus — blood flow through baby’s liver

Abnormal Doppler findings can indicate placental insufficiency and help guide delivery timing.

Twin Pregnancy Scans

Why Do Twins Need More Scans?

Twin pregnancies require closer monitoring because of increased risks:

• Preterm birth
• Growth problems
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in identical twins
• Complications specific to multiple pregnancy

Types of Twin Pregnancy

Understanding your twin type is essential for planning care:

DCDA Twin Scans (Dichorionic Diamniotic)

Schedule:

• Dating scan (11-14 weeks)
• Anomaly scan (18-22 weeks)
• Growth scans every 4 weeks from 20 weeks
• Delivery usually planned around 37 weeks

What we check:

• Growth of each baby
• Amniotic fluid around each baby
• Placenta positions
• Cervical length

MCDA Twin Scans (Monochorionic Diamniotic)

Schedule:

• Dating scan (11-14 weeks)
• Scans every 2 weeks from 16 weeks
• Anomaly scan (18-22 weeks)
• Continued fortnightly scans until delivery
• Delivery usually planned around 36 weeks

What we check:

• Growth discordance (difference in size between twins)
• Amniotic fluid levels (polyhydramnios/oligohydramnios)
• Signs of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)
• Doppler blood flow studies
• Cervical length

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

TTTS affects MCDA twins who share a placenta. Blood vessels in the placenta can cause unequal blood sharing between the twins.

Signs we look for:

• One twin with too much fluid (recipient)
• One twin with too little fluid (donor)
• Bladder differences
• Growth discordance
• Abnormal Doppler findings

If TTTS is suspected:

• Referral to fetal medicine specialist
• Staging of severity
• Treatment options discussed (laser therapy)
• Close monitoring

MCMA Twin Scans (Monochorionic Monoamniotic)

These twins share both placenta and amniotic sac, requiring the most intensive monitoring.

Schedule:

• Weekly scans from 16 weeks
• Hospital admission often recommended from 26-28 weeks
• Daily monitoring
• Delivery usually planned around 32-34 weeks

Additional concerns:

• Cord entanglement
• TTTS
• Growth discordance

3D/4D Scans

What Are They?

• 3D scan — Creates a still three-dimensional image of your baby
• 4D scan — Creates a moving three-dimensional video of your baby

Best Time

• 26-32 weeks for best images
• Baby’s position and fluid levels affect image quality

What You Can See

• Baby’s face and features
• Expressions (yawning, smiling)
• Movements
• Hands and feet

Limitations

3D/4D scans are primarily for bonding and keepsake images. They are not a substitute for medical diagnostic scans.

Booking Your Scan

How to Book

Contact us to schedule your pregnancy scan:

• Phone: +973 1725 5095
• Email: info@salamivf.com

What to Bring

• Referral letter (if applicable)
• Previous scan reports
• Maternity notes
• List of any concerns or questions

Preparing for Your Scan

Early pregnancy scan:

• May require a full bladder
• Transvaginal scan may be needed

Later scans:

• No special preparation usually needed
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing
• Eat and drink normally

Understanding Your Results

After each scan, we will:

• Explain the findings to you
• Provide written report
• Give you images of your baby
• Discuss any concerns or next steps
• Arrange follow-up if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ultrasound scans safe? Yes. Ultrasound has been used in pregnancy for decades and there is no evidence of harm to mother or baby when used appropriately.

How long do scans take?

• Early/dating scan: 15-20 minutes
• Anomaly scan: 30-45 minutes
• Growth scan: 20-30 minutes
• Twin scans: 30-60 minutes

Can I bring my partner/family? Yes, we welcome you to bring a support person to share this experience.

What if my baby is not in a good position? We may ask you to walk around, have a cold drink, or return for a repeat scan to get the images we need.

Will I always get clear images? Image quality depends on baby’s position, amniotic fluid levels, maternal body habitus, and gestational age. We will do our best to obtain the views needed.

Can you always tell the gender? In most cases, yes, at the 20-week scan. However, baby’s position may make it difficult sometimes.

Book Your Pregnancy Scan

Whether you need an early reassurance scan, your detailed anomaly scan, or specialist twin monitoring, our experienced team is here to provide expert care throughout your pregnancy. Contact us at info@salamivf.com or call +973 1725 5095 to book your appointment.