Ultrasound Scans Dublin 2

A full bladder is required for this scan. On occasions, it will be necessary for an internal ultrasound examination to be performed. Sometimes, it is possible that you will receive an inconclusive scan result. This is normally due to the fact that it is simply too early to see the pregnancy or the pregnancy is not growing as it should.

If, at your appointment, it is not possible to confirm whether your pregnancy is ongoing or not, we will recommend that you be rescanned in 7 – 10 days’ time. There will be a charge of €60.00 for subsequent Early Pregnancy/Reassurance scans. A scan in early pregnancy is usually performed in the first trimester between 6 and 12 weeks of gestation. You may be having a scan for a number of reasons, including confirmation of the EDD (estimated date of delivery), to confirm the pregnancy or just for peace of mind. You may have a scan earlier than this if you are experiencing complications in the pregnancy, such as bleeding.

When arriving at Merrion Ultrasound, you will be met by a member of our Administration Team. If it is your first time with us, you will be asked to complete a registration form. You will then be directed to our waiting room, where you will await your sonographer. Your sonographer will meet with you in the waiting area and take you to the ultrasound room. Your registration details will be confirmed by the sonographer before the ultrasound procedure begins.

There are two types of early pregnancy scans: an abdominal scan and a transvaginal scan. An abdominal scan is performed by placing the transducer onto the abdomen of the patient. A lubricating gel is used to facilitate the scan.

The process of an abdominal scan is non-invasive and painless. You will be required to have a full bladder for an early pregnancy scan. Drinking about one pint of water one hour beforehand is normally sufficient to fill the bladder but stop drinking if you start to feel uncomfortable.

A transvaginal ultrasound can detect earlier pregnancies. It is often necessary for the sonographer to perform a transvaginal scan (TVS) in very early pregnancy. A TVS involves the insertion of a probe into the vagina. A transvaginal ultrasound gives a much clearer and enhanced view. If the sonographer feels it necessary to proceed to a TVS the procedure will be discussed with you and your permission sought. Like an abdominal ultrasound, a TVS is not painful but may be a little uncomfortable and possibly a little embarrassing.

When the early pregnancy scan is being performed, your sonographer will:

• calculate the gestational age
• check for a fetal heart
• determine the estimated date of delivery
• look for multiples
• will check to exclude an ectopic pregnancy

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.

It is our aim to make your visit with us as relaxing, enjoyable and as stress-free as possible. If you have any questions before, during the early pregnancy scan or after your visit, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff, and we will be delighted to assist with your query.

It can be possible to site a gestational sac as early as three weeks from conception, which is five gestational weeks of pregnancy. If a sac is not present, it could be that the mother-to-be has ovulated later than normal. If tests show that the HcG is 1100, an ultrasound may be repeated a few days later. In most cases, ultrasound is not carried out at such an early stage.

At four weeks of gestational pregnancy, the ball-like formation of cells is forming into embryo (the stage before fetus) and placenta. Therefore if an ultrasound were to take place, the gestational sac may show, looking a bit similar to a tiny dot. In most cases ultrasound is not carried out at such an early stage

At five gestational weeks of pregnancy, three weeks from conception, it is possible to see the tiny dot, which is the gestational sac. In most cases ultrasound is not carried out at such an early stage.

During pregnancy, you may think you feel your unborn baby’s heartbeat when your blood vessels in your tummy pulsate.

This is a common mistake to make. However you don’t actually feel baby’s heartbeat at all during pregnancy.

Generally this is the earliest a scan will be performed. The six weeks are dated from the date (first day) of your LMP (last menstrual period). Your medical team will recommend a scan if you have experienced pain, bleeding or any other symptoms, which means that it will be better to confirm viability (if your pregnancy is viable, meaning that your unborn baby has a heartbeat).

The heartbeat of an embryo normally starts at six weeks of gestational pregnancy (dated from the first day of your LMP – last menstrual period).

This is detected by carrying out a transvaginal ultrasound.

Sometimes it isn’t possible to detect your embryo’s heartbeat until around seven or eight weeks of gestational pregnancy. So you may need to attend the clinic for another scan.

In general, by seven weeks, it should be possible to confirm your embryo’s heartbeat, although, in some cases, it may only be possible to detect it the following week of pregnancy.

If you choose to find out your baby’s gender, then this can normally be detected between weeks sixteen and twenty.

However, this will depend on how the ultrasound goes, in terms of the sonographer being able to see the baby’s genitalia. This depends on how the baby is positioned.

An anatomy scan is a detailed mid-pregnancy ultrasound that checks your baby’s organs, growth, placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.

When is the anatomy scan?
The anatomy scan is usually performed between 21 and 22 weeks and is considered a Level II (detailed) ultrasound.

What to expect
Your sonographer will take a series of measurements to check that your baby is growing as expected and to assess key structures.

Finding out the baby’s sex
If you’d like to know, the sonographer can often determine the baby’s sex at this scan. This isn’t guaranteed—it depends on the baby’s position and the clarity of the image on the day.

An anatomy scan usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on your baby’s position and movement on the day.

A Level II ultrasound is a detailed fetal anatomy scan. It provides an in-depth evaluation of your baby’s anatomy and development and typically takes 30–45 minutes.

At your anatomy survey scan, your sonographer will:

• Confirm your baby’s position.

• Identify the placental location.

• Assess the amount of amniotic fluid.

• Measure your baby’s growth and compare it with the expected range.

About this scan
Also known as the routine or anatomy scan, this appointment provides a detailed check of your baby’s anatomy and is carried out between 21 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Before you arrive
Please do not empty your bladder just before the scan, as a comfortably full bladder can improve image quality.

When you arrive
If this is your first visit to Merrion Ultrasound, you’ll be asked to complete a short registration form at reception. You’ll then wait in the lounge until your sonographer calls you.

During the scan
Your sonographer will confirm your details and then perform the ultrasound. Much of what they examine won’t be obvious on the screen, as they are focusing on specific anatomical structures. They will check your baby’s face, spine, abdominal wall, heart, stomach, kidneys, arms, legs, hands, and feet. They will also take standard measurements, including head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length.

In addition to assessing growth, your sonographer will review the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid.

After the scan
Our aim is to make your visit as relaxing as possible. We welcome questions at any time, so please don’t hesitate to ask your sonographer.

From around 19 weeks, it’s sometimes possible to determine the baby’s sex on ultrasound, but it isn’t guaranteed. The baby’s position may not allow a clear view of the genital area. If you’d like us to look, please tell your sonographer at the start of your appointment. Even with the best images, sex determination depends on the baby’s position and movement, so occasionally it’s not possible on the day.

If we see anything concerning during your scan, we’ll explain it to you straight away. In some cases, we may ask you to return for additional images and a consultation with one of our fetal medicine specialists. If the matter is urgent, this is usually organised within 24 hours.

Most repeat scans are not due to serious problems—many are simply because the baby’s position or movement makes it hard to get clear views. Around 15% of scans need a repeat for one reason or another.

At the end of your appointment, you’ll receive images of your baby and a detailed report of the findings. With your consent, we can send a copy of the report to your obstetrician and/or GP.

To book an Anatomy Survey Scan, please call (01) 637 4060 or use the Make a Booking form. This scan is performed from 21 to 22 weeks. Merrion Ultrasound, located in Dublin 2, provides ultrasound for all stages of pregnancy—including early pregnancy, nuchal translucency, anatomy, and growth scans—and is open to all patients, not only those attending the National Maternity Hospital.

The gender scan is carried out from 18-21 weeks of pregnancy. However, this scan is often referred to as a 20-week scan or an anatomy survey scan. Its main purpose is to check that baby is growing as he should be and at the same time to check if there are any signs of physical abnormalities.

It is a personal decision if you wish to find out the gender but if you do, you should tell the sonographer before the scan.

Gender scans have an accuracy rate of 85%.

Accuracy depends on your baby’s position and how clearly views can be obtained.

This is a very personal decision. Some Mums-to’be are happy to wait until the day of the delivery. Many like to know also and of course, this can help in making decisions such as clothes, toys and nursery decorations.

In a 2017 study, entitled Maternal Intuition of Fetal Gender, the team stated the following:

“We have observed anecdotally that the vast majority of pregnant women presenting to our obstetrics clinic for second-trimester ultrasound screening request gender identification. At these visits, many mothers-to-be say they can perceive or “feel” the gender of the unborn baby.”

Gender scans can be carried out from 19 weeks onwards, and have an 85% accuracy rate. This scan aims to determine the gender of your baby and will also try to estimate fetal weight.

This scan will look to determine the presentation and lie of the baby, the location of the placenta, and measure the fluid around the baby. Blood flow to the baby’s umbilical artery will be measured, and the scan will look for any abnormalities.

When you attend the Merrion Ultrasound Clinic for a gender scan, it is quite possible that you may have been at the clinic for a previous pregnancy scan, but if you have not been with us before, then you will fill out a registration form when you arrive.

You will await your sonographer in the waiting room. Your sonographer will bring you to the ultrasound room and confirm your details before performing the ultrasound scan.

The team at Merrion Ultrasound wishes to ensure that your visit is as relaxing as possible, and we welcome any questions, so please do not hesitate to ask your sonographer any questions you may have.

The growth and well being scan is one of the scans we offer in pregnancy. It assesses the baby’s growth and we can do it from twenty four weeks to term.

With this scan we check where the placenta is, we look at the fluid around the baby and we measure the size of the baby. We can also look at the blood flow in the umbilical cord and it’s something we do from twenty-two weeks right through to term.

Some of the common reasons to attend a clinic or hospital for a growth and well-being scan are:

• An abdomen that is either bigger or smaller for the stage of pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• Women who have had complications in previous pregnancies
• Diabetes

Around 30 minutes but it is best to give yourself more time.

Yes, you do.

A later dating pregnancy scan is carried out during the first few weeks or so of the second trimester for reassurance.

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.

Your scan is performed by a sonographer/clinician trained in first-trimester screening and NT measurement standards.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This scan is designed for roughly 10–17 weeks of pregnancy. If you didn’t have (or couldn’t have) an early scan and want a due-date estimate and reassurance, anywhere in this window is appropriate.

No referral is typically required—you can book directly online. If your GP or midwife has specific questions, we’re happy to share your report with them. (There is a GP referral option on the site for those who prefer that route.)

Dating in the earlier part of the 10–17 week window is usually more precise. As pregnancy progresses through the second trimester, estimates remain useful but can be a little less exact. Your sonographer will explain what the measurements mean for you.

We confirm heartbeat, estimate gestational age and estimated date of delivery, check for single or multiple pregnancy, confirm the baby is in the womb, and examine the placental site.

As this is a medical examination, we kindly ask that children do not attend. Thank you for your understanding.

You can book directly—Merrion Ultrasound provides scans for all patients, not only those attending the National Maternity Hospital.

This scan is scheduled at 21–22 weeks of pregnancy.

Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on your baby’s position and movement on the day.

Please don’t empty your bladder just before the scan; a comfortably full bladder can improve image quality. Wear a two-piece outfit if possible to make it easier to expose your abdomen.

Your sonographer reviews your baby’s brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidneys, abdominal wall, arms, legs, hands and feet; measures growth; and also checks the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid.

The scan can show signs of some rare conditions (for example, spina bifida, anencephaly, certain abdominal wall and kidney problems, and some heart problems), but no scan can detect every condition.

Yes—diagnostic ultrasound has no known harmful effects at standard settings and is the imaging method of choice during pregnancy.

About 15% of scans need a repeat because the baby’s position or movement limits what can be seen. A repeat scan doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem.

Often yes—if you’d like to know and the view is clear—but it isn’t guaranteed if the baby’s position doesn’t allow it. Please tell your sonographer at the start.

We’ll explain findings at the visit. You may be invited back for additional images and, if needed, a consultation with a fetal medicine specialist—usually arranged within 24 hours when urgent. You’ll receive images and a detailed report and if you consent, we can send a copy to your obstetrician and/or GP.

It isn’t painful, though you might feel gentle pressure from the probe to obtain the best views. Ultrasound uses sound waves—not radiation—and is considered safe in pregnancy.

Yes—photos and a computerised report are included, and your sonographer will answer any questions you have.

Also called the anatomy survey or anomaly scan, this is a detailed ultrasound that checks your baby’s development and looks closely at key structures such as the brain, face, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys and limbs. We also assess the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.

This scan is usually performed between 21 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on your baby’s position and movement on the day.

Your sonographer reviews your baby’s anatomy (including the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidneys, abdominal wall, arms, legs, hands and feet), takes standard growth measurements, and checks the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.

This scan can identify (or raise suspicion of) some structural conditions, but no ultrasound scan can detect every condition. Sometimes a scan may also show findings (“markers”) that suggest a higher chance of an underlying genetic or chromosomal condition, but ultrasound alone cannot diagnose these.

Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit so your abdomen can be accessed easily.

Regarding your bladder: please follow the instructions we provide when booking. If we ask you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, try not to empty your bladder immediately before the appointment. If you are uncomfortable at any point, tell your sonographer.

Often yes, if you would like to know and the view is clear — but it isn’t guaranteed. It depends on the baby’s position and movement. Please tell your sonographer at the start of your appointment.

Sometimes we can’t obtain all the views we need because of position or movement. In that case, we may recommend a repeat scan. A repeat scan does not automatically mean there is a problem.

We will explain any findings during your visit. In some cases, we may ask you to return for additional images and, if needed, arrange a consultation with a fetal medicine specialist. With your consent, we can share your report with your obstetrician and/or GP.

Diagnostic ultrasound is widely used in pregnancy and is considered safe when performed appropriately by trained professionals.

Yes — photos and a computerised report are included, and your sonographer will answer any questions you have.

As this is a medical examination, we kindly ask that children do not attend. Thank you for your understanding.

You can book directly.

You can either make a booking online or call the team on (01) 637 4060 

A gender scan can be performed from 19 weeks onwards.

The scan includes a detailed ultrasound assessment and confirmation of gender where possible. You will receive photographs and a computerised report.

Your sonographer can answer any questions you have.

The scan also checks your baby’s presentation (position), estimated fetal weight, placenta location, amniotic fluid volume, umbilical artery blood flow, and evaluates for abnormalities.

From 19 weeks: €180.

Sometimes it isn’t possible to confirm gender due to baby’s position.

In that case, you may be asked to return for one further scan to try again when baby is in a more favourable position.

Yes, you can bring one person with you. This might be your partner, friend, or family member.

Please note that children are not allowed as an ultrasound is a medical examination.

We appreciate your understanding.

Children are not permitted at ultrasound appointments as an ultrasound is a medical examination.

No, you don’t need a referral letter for a gender scan.

In fact, a referral letter is not necessary for any of the pregnancy ultrasound scans on offer.

Please note that a referral is required for gynaecological scans.

Yes, you will.

The scan can be viewed on a large screen, and your sonographer will explain what you’re seeing.

Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation.

Ultrasound is widely used during pregnancy and has no known side effects for mother or baby.

You don’t need to be a patient there to attend for a scan.

All patients are welcome.