Detailed Ultrasound Scan

What is a detailed scan?

• This ultrasound examination is performed in order to have a more detailed look at your baby if an abnormality has been diagnosed or suspected during your routine ultrasound scan.
• Performed by specialist doctors, experienced in this type of work.
• Detailed fetal scans are generally carried out at between 18-24 weeks gestation, depending upon the referral reason.  Some fetal problems can be visualised earlier or are not possible to detect until later in the pregnancy and therefore the timing of the scan is tailored to individual needs.

Referral reasons for detail scan?

• Suspected abnormality found during routine ultrasound scan (or a previous congenital anomaly in  a previous pregnancy).
• Diagnosed abnormality found during routine scan for confirmation or second opinion on the diagnosis.
• Specialist advice on the management of a pregnancy when an abnormality is found.
• Family history of congenital genetic disorders.
• Certain maternal conditions likely to have an affect on the pregnancy. For example maternal rhesus disease.

Who to bring with you?

• Your partner, a relative or close friend may accompany you during your appointment.
• Unfortunately creche facilities are not available.
• It may be easier to discuss the scan findings if children are not present.
• It may be better for arrangements to be made for your children to be cared for at home.  Please do not worry if this is not possible.

Arrival in the department.

• Book in at reception and you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area.
• Because of the nature of the detailed scan lists, it is not always possible to keep closely to the appointment time given.  Particularly if the women ahead of you is found to have a serious problem with her pregnancy.
• The fetal medicine nurse/midwife will be on hand to explain the reasons for the any delay.

The scan

• There may be more than one doctor to scan you.  The consultants often have trainees working with them.
• During the scan the doctor will say very little to you, as he/she will be concentrating on the examination of your baby.  
• At the end of the examination the doctor will point out (on the screen) any differences that may have been found in your baby and briefly discuss this with you.

Following the scan.

• After the scan you and your partner will be shown into a quiet, private room.
• The doctor and a midwife will then discuss the scan findings with you and the implications any such findings may have for your pregnancy.
• You will be given as much time as you may need to ask questions and to consider your options.
• Sometimes it is helpful to involve other professionals to provide you with additional information.  These are likely to be Geneticists or Paediatricians with experience of caring for children and families with a particular condition.
• Additional imaging techniques may also be helpful such as MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging).
• If an invasive procedure such as amniocentesis or fetal blood sampling is offered to you, you do not need to make a decision to have this done immediately.
• Invasive tests offered following an abnormal detailed scan are generally available at the same appointment.
• If you want to take more time to think regarding these additional tests, you may wish to go home and contact us when you have reached a decision.

Reports and follow-up.

1. A detailed, written report of the ultrasound examination and the subsequent discussion will be given to you.  Copies of the report will also be sent to your consultant and your family doctor.
2. You will be given a contact number for the fetal medicine department
3. If further ultrasound scans are required the appointments will be made before you leave the department.
4. Appointment for genetics, paediatricians or MRI scans (if required) will be sent out to you by post or you will be notified of the appointment by telephone.

For further information telephone 0121-627-2683

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