Booking scanIn order to provide good obstetric care it is important to accurately determine how far you are pregnant, and when your estimated due date is, early in the pregnancy. We aim to do your "booking scan" around 8 to 10 weeks after the first day of your last menstruation. We also need to make sure we are not dealing with any complications such as an extra-uterine or abnormal pregnancy and therefore we want you to come for a booking scan even if your dates are unsure. Sometimes we would do a routine "booking scan" and discover that there is not only one baby, but two or three!
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Growth scansMedical aids often specify that they only cover two ultrasounds in your pregnancy. However, obstetricians use the ultrasound machine at most visits in order to monitor your baby's growth and development, check amniotic fluid levels and confirm how your baby is positioned. In our practice having an ultrasound as part of your consultation will not alter the antenatal consultation fee, but if you would prefer not to have an ultrasound done or if you would like more information on what we aim to determine through ultrasound, please discuss this with Dr Hofmeyr.
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Screening for fetal abnormalities
11 - 13 Week assessment |
18 - 22 Week assessment |
The 11 - 13 weeks scan is often also referred to as the "NT scan" or the "First trimester risk assessment" because the main aim of doing this investigation is determining the specific pregnancy's risk (in numbers) of having a genetic abnormality like Down's syndrome (Trisomy 21). Ideally this assessment should be done through a fetal assessment centre by a fetal medicine specialist. Please discuss your wishes regarding tests and investigations for potential abnormalities with your healthcare provider as early as possible.
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This scan is often referred to as "the detail scan" and is ideally done between 18 - 23 weeks gestation. The aim of this ultrasound evaluation is to do a detailed examination of the fetus looking for any physical/developmental abnormalities. This is very important for appropriate fetal follow-up during the pregnancy and in order to be prepared at birth for any potential problems. Ideally this should be done through a formal fetal assessment centre or a fetal specialist.
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