| An ultrasound scan is completely safe and hospitals | | | | scan such as the baby's growth rate is abnormal, the |
| have been providing them for pregnant women for | | | | placenta is abnormally positioned or other abnormalities |
| years. There is no obligation to have an ultrasound | | | | it may prove necessary to arrange a number of follow |
| scan but it is recommended as a precautionary | | | | up ultrasound scans. Additionally, if expecting twins, |
| measure even if only to put your mind at rest. The | | | | triplets or multiples follow up pregnancy scans may |
| very first ultrasound scan would be due when the | | | | also be required. |
| pregnancy is at 10 to 12 weeks. An early ultrasound | | | | Pregnancy scans that take place after 20 weeks are |
| pregnancy scan will calculate the exact age of the | | | | more detailed and will show the baby's development |
| baby and likely date of conception along with the | | | | allowing measurements to be taken of the growing |
| estimated birth date. Should the baby be developing | | | | body, brain, skull and other organs. If requested it is also |
| well it may not be necessary to have another | | | | possible to see detailed pictures of your baby and find |
| ultrasound scan until the 20 week mark is reached. | | | | out whether a boy or girl is expected. |
| Should problems be detected during the first ultrasound | | | | |