14 Week Scan
14 Week Scan
14 Weeks
14-Week Pregnancy Scan Costs
The 14-week pregnancy scan includes photographs and a computerised report. Your sonographer will answer any questions you may have.
10-17 weeks – €160
What Is Involved?
Early pregnancy scans will:
- confirm the presence of the baby’s heartbeat
- calculate the gestational age
- look for multiples (twins, triplets etc)
- site the pregnancy
- to confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus
42″ Ultrasound Scan Screen
The ultrasound is available for you to view on a 42” screen which is located on the wall at the end of the ultrasound couch. This allows you to view the images produced by the transducer. At this stage in pregnancy it may not be easy for you to make out what you are seeing on screen but the sonographer will explain what you are looking at.
14 Week Scan in Pregnancy - What You Need to Know
14-Week Scan in Pregnancy – What You Need to Know
Many women choose to have a 14-week scan during pregnancy. This is a hospital procedure where ultrasound is used to check that the baby is developing normally. The scan can also be used to check the position of the placenta and to assess the risk of miscarriage. The procedure is usually carried out by a trained sonographer, and it takes around 30 minutes.
During the scan, the sonographer will take measurements of the baby’s head, abdomen, and thigh bone. These measurements will be used to calculate the estimated due date. The scan is considered to be safe for both mother and baby, and it can provide reassurance that everything is progressing as it should be.
Why is a 14-week scan necessary?
A 14-week pregnancy scan is considered necessary for a number of reasons. During the first trimester, the baby is growing very quickly and it is important to monitor their development. The scan can check for things like the amount of amniotic fluid, the position of the placenta and whether the baby is developing normally. It is also an opportunity to check that the baby is about the size it should be and to look for any signs of abnormalities.
The scan is usually carried out using sound waves, which are harmless to both mother and baby. This makes it a very safe way to get a detailed picture of the developing fetus. In short, a 14-week pregnancy scan provides vital information about the health and development of the baby, making it an essential part of prenatal care.
What are the steps that the future mum has to take during the 14-week scan?
One of the first things you’ll need to do is schedule a visit to your OB-GYN or midwife. They will likely want to see you for your first appointment during your first trimester, around week eight or nine. During this visit, they will confirm your pregnancy and make sure that everything is progressing normally.
Around week 14, you’ll need to schedule another visit, this time for your first ultrasound. This scan is also known as the booking scan because it’s when all of your due date information will be finalized. During the scan, the sonographer will measure your baby and assess its development.
They will also take a look at your uterus and womb to make sure that everything is where it should be. You may even be able to find out the gender of your baby during this scan, though many parents choose to wait until later in the pregnancy for that surprise. Regardless, the 14-week scan is an important step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Does the ultrasound scan present any risks for the future mum?
As any future mum knows, there are many things to think about when growing a baby. From what to eat and drink to how much exercise to get, everything can have an impact on the health of the child. One thing that many mums worry about is the safety of ultrasound scans.
However, it is important to remember that ultrasound scans are completely safe and pose no risks for the future mum or child. The waves used in ultrasound scans are too low to cause any damage, and the growing baby is well protected inside the womb.
As a result, mums can rest assured that ultrasound scans are a safe and effective way to monitor the health of their growing baby.
What types of ultrasound scans should be done during the 14 weeks?
Three main types of ultrasound scans can be performed during the 14 weeks of pregnancy.
- The first is an external ultrasound scan, which is performed by moving a hand-held device over the woman’s abdomen. This type of scan can be used to confirm the presence of a fetus and to determine the baby’s gestational age.
- The second type of ultrasound scan is an internal scan, which is performed using a small probe that is inserted into the vagina. This type of scan can provide more detailed information about the baby’s development, including the position of the placenta and the baby’s heartbeat.
- The third type of ultrasound scan is an endoscopic ultrasound scan, which is performed using a specialized Scope that is inserted into the woman’s rectum. This type of scan can be used to assess the development of the baby and the placenta, and to check for any abnormalities.
Why is the nuchal translucency scan important?
The nuchal translucency scan is a type of scan that is usually carried out during the first week of pregnancy. The purpose of the scan is to assess the risk of the baby having certain conditions, such as Down’s syndrome.
It is performed by taking an ultrasound image of the baby’s neck. This area of the body is known to be one of the most accurate places to measure nuchal translucency, which is the amount of fluid behind the baby’s neck.
The scan can also be used to determine whether the baby is likely to be a boy or a girl. In addition to the nuchal translucency scan, a blood test may also be carried out. This test can provide more accurate results than the scan alone.
Tips for mums-to-be who are about to do a 14-week scan
The best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to be as proactive as possible in taking care of yourself and your baby. Here are some tips for mums-to-be who are about to do their 14-week scan:
Firstly, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. This will help to keep your energy levels up and your skin looking healthy.
Secondly, eat a balanced diet. Make sure you’re getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as protein and complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed foods, and make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Thirdly, get plenty of rest. Pregnancy can be exhausting, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Take naps when you can, and go to bed early if you’re feeling tired.
Fourthly, stay active. Exercise is important for both your physical and mental health. Taking a brisk walk or going for a swim are great ways to stay active during pregnancy.
Finally, relax and take some time for yourself. Pregnancy can be stressful, so make sure you take some time each day to relax and de-stress. Have a warm bath, read a good book or listen to calming music.
Why
Book An Early Pregnancy Scan
The first trimester scan is usually undertaken between six and twelve weeks of gestational age. It’s better to leave this scan until after seven weeks if it all possible as we’ll get the most accurate information from it. The reasons that we undertake this scan is to determine if the baby’s heartbeat is present, how many babies are present in the uterus and to give you an accurate estimated date of delivery. It’s also a very important time to do the scan if there’s any fear that the pregnancy might be located in one of the fallopian tubes, also called an ectopic pregnancy. So a scan at this gestational age will determine where the pregnancy is sited.
14-Week Scans & Nuchal Fold FAQs
What is a later dating pregnancy scan?
A later dating pregnancy scan is carried out during the first few weeks or so of the second trimester for reassurance.
What kind of information will I receive during a later dating scan?
You will learn about your baby’s wellbeing and how the parts of the body are developing at this time. This scan can also offer a relatively accurate due date if you didn’t manage to attend us for an early pregnancy scan.
Baby’s heartbeat will be verified as viable during this scan. The location of your baby will also be checked.
We will also check the placental site.
Who performs your nuchal fold scan?
The ultrasound portion of the Nuchal Translucency test is done by a sonographer/obstetrician or radiographer who is trained for this specific screening.
How do you prepare for a nuchal scan?
There is very little preparation needed. You should have some fluid in the bladder but not be uncomfortably full. Drinking fluids prior to the examination will enlarge the bladder. The bladder is used as an acoustic window to improve the image quality and it also improves the position of the baby. It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to your lower abdominal area.
How is the nuchal scan performed?
The scan is performed by applying a warm gel over the patient’s lower abdominal area. A transducer (a smooth handheld device) is moved gently across the abdomen with a sliding and rotation action to scan the baby through the tummy. It can sometimes be difficult to accurately measure the Nuchal Translucency because of the position of the fetus. In this case, the sonographer/radiographer will explain that a transvaginal ultrasound is needed and will request your permission to do so. A transvaginal ultrasound involves a small specially shaped transducer to be inserted into the vagina. Because the transducer is closer to the fetus it can provide clearer images.
What are the risks associated with the nuchal translucency test or nuchal fold scan?
There are no known risks to performing trans-abdominal ultrasound which uses sound waves to obtain pictures or images. There is no radiation involved. Nuchal Translucency testing is non-invasive and poses no risk to the foetus or similarly no risk to you or of miscarriage. Should you have First Trimester Screening (FTS)? Only you can decide whether or not to have FTS. To book a Nuchal Fold Scan please call (01) 663 5060 or use the Make a Booking online form. This scan is from 11 weeks to 14 weeks.
What is a thick nuchal fold?
When the nuchal fold has a thickness of over 6 mm, the baby is considered to have a high chance of fetal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome, heart problems and other anomalies.
Usually, the nuchal fold grows in proportion to the developing baby. For example, when a baby measures between 45 to 84 mm (1.8 to 3.3 inches), a nuchal fold of under 3.5 mm would be considered to be within the normal range.
What is normal nuchal translucency?
The nuchal translucency normally develops in proportion to the growing baby. 90% of babies with an NT measurement within the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm will not develop Down’s Syndrome.
What is normal nuchal fold thickness at 12 weeks?
When the baby has reached 12 gestational weeks of pregnancy, the average range for nuchal thickness comes in at 2.18 mm. However, statistics have also revealed that 13% of babies who present with an NT of over 2.5 mm at 12 weeks are born chromosomally normal.
How accurate is the nuchal translucency test?
The nuchal translucency test is considered to be between 70% to 80% accurate. When performed along with an ultrasound and blood tests, the accuracy rises to between 80% to 90%.
The Harmony Test is a more accurate and non-invasive alternative.
When should nuchal translucency be done?
The nuchal translucency test needs to be carried out between gestational weeks 11 to 14, as this is the period when the neck of the baby is still transparent.
What causes Down syndrome during pregnancy?
Trisomy 21 is the more common version of Down’s Syndrome. This is when people have 47 chromosomes er cell, as opposed to 46. Trisomy 21 occurs when nondisjunction takes place – this is an error in how the cells divide.
How can you prevent Down syndrome during pregnancy?
The best way to try to prevent Down’s Syndrome is by planning ahead before conception. Taking 400 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid each day ideally for a few months before conception. Then you need to continue to take in during your early pregnancy.
Nuchal fold scan – how is the risk assessed?
Each woman will be given an estimate of her individual risk for their pregnancy. Your risk is assessed by taking into account the following:
Age of the mother – Amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus (nuchal translucency).
Fetuses at risk of Down Syndrome tend to have a higher amount of fluid around the neck. Babies accumulate fluid at the back of their neck (nuchal) during the first trimester. As a result of this fluid, the baby’s nuchal fold increases in thickness each day of gestation until the fluid disappears around the 15th week. Researchers have established an average or “normal” thickness for each day during the three weeks you are eligible for the screening If your baby’s nuchal fold is thicker than average, he or she is considered at a higher risk for an abnormality; if it’s thinner, his or her risk is lower.
A more accurate risk assessment combines the Nuchal Translucency scan with the results from two bloods tests that measure the levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in the mother’s blood. Abnormal levels of these two pregnancy-related substances may indicate a problem. Combining the scan and blood test gives a more accurate result than either the ultrasound part or the blood part of the test done on their own.
You must be at least 10 weeks gestation or more for the blood sample to be taken. The Nuchal Translucency scan cannot tell for certain if your baby has a chromosonal defect, however, it can help you decide whether or not the chance of your baby having a chromosonal problem is high enough to warrant having an invasive test such as CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) or Amniocentesis. However, these tests carry a slight chance of miscarriage and therefore options should be discussed with their healthcare professional. CVS is performed in the 13th week and amniocentesis around 15th or 16th week of pregnancy.
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