Here we answer some of the most common pregnancy scans questions:

Q. Can anyone attend Merrion Fetal Health?

A. Yes, everybody is welcome to attend for ultrasound services. You do not have to be a patient of the National Maternity Hospital, although follow-on care can be arranged for you with NMH.

Q: Do I need a referral letter?

A: It is not necessary for you to have a referral letter for pregnancy ultrasound scans. However, it is necessary to have a referral letter for gynaecological scans.

Q: Do I need to have an appointment?

A: Merrion Fetal Health do provide daily emergency scan services, however, in order to eliminate your waiting time it would be preferable to contact the clinic on 01 6635060 or e-mail us at info@merrionfetalhealth.ie so that we can arrange a suitable time for you.

The clinic is open:
Monday & Friday 8am to 4pm
Wednesday 8am to 8pm
Tuesday & Thursday 8am to 6pm

Q: Can I bring someone along for the scan appointment?

A: Yes, a partner/friend/relative or siblings can accompany you to your appointment and we encourage our patients to bring someone along. Your scan is available on a 42” screen for easy viewing for you and your family.

Q: Can I empty my bladder before the scan?

A: Yes, if you are less than 7 weeks pregnant. In the early gestational period the Sonographer will have to perform a transvaginal scan to be able to assess the pregnancy. If you are more than 7 weeks pregnant then we ask that you do not empty your bladder. The bladder is used as an acoustic window to improve the image quality and it also improves the position of the baby.

Q: What happens if a problem is detected on scan?

A: If at the time of a scan a problem is suspected, you will be advised at that stage that there may be a problem. A full discussion of the problem may require you to come back for a further scan and discussion with a fetal medicine specialist. This can usually be organised within 24 hours if the problem is deemed urgent.

Most problems that need repeat scanning are not serious and approximately 15% of scans will need to be repeated for one reason or another. Follow-on medical care can be arranged at the National Maternity Hospital if you so wish.

Do you have a question?
Email info@merrionfetalhealth.ie and we would be delighted to answer your query.

If you would like to know more about any of the subjects please choose from the links below – these pages include videos presented by a consultant, and written information.

DISCLAIMER

All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.

Here we answer some of the most common pregnancy scans questions:

Q. Can anyone attend Merrion Fetal Health?

Q: Do I need a referral letter?

Q: Do I need to have an appointment?

Q: Can I bring someone along for the scan appointment?

Q: Can I empty my bladder before the scan?

Q: What happens if a problem is detected on scan?

DISCLAIMER

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