Early Fetal Scans in London

Our early fetal scan, which we perform at 12-16 weeks (12-13 weeks is the ideal time), is used to check more structures than an NHS anomaly scan at 18-20 weeks. The early baby scan examines the brain, face, neck, chest, heart, the great arteries, lungs, diaphragm, stomach, liver, intestines, abdominal wall, umbilical cord, kidneys, bladder, spine, limbs, hands with fingers, and feet. We also check the umbilical cord insertion into placenta, umbilical cord vessels, and the integrity of the amniotic sac.

The optimal time for an early baby scan is from 12 to 13 weeks, however if you’ve already had an early check up by our 10-week scan, we would recommend to have the scan at 15-16 weeks.

The best results are obtained by using a combination of the transabdominal (on the surface of your tummy) and transvaginal (a slim transducer will be inserted through the vagina) scan. The visualisation of the different fetal structures depends on many factors, such as the position of the womb, position of the fetus, and maternal abdominal wall thickness. The transvaginal ultrasound scan is optional, and often the transabdominal scan performed by our high-resolution transducers is enough for a thorough check of the baby. You will always have the option to opt-out of a transvaginal scan.

In about 10 % of women, the uterus is tilted backwards (retroflexed). If this is the case, a transvaginal scan is preferred due to the limited resolution of a transabdominal scan on a retroflexed uterus. In this instance you would be informed of this and given an opportunity to reach your own decision on whether you wish the transvaginal scan to be performed or not.

In short: NO.

Empty bladder policy: Our advanced ultrasound scanner can produce high quality diagnostic images without needing you to have a full bladder. This eliminates the need to feel uncomfortable before or during the vaginal scan.

Therefore, there is no need to arrive with a full bladder and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. We also have a ladies’ room in our clinic, which you can use anytime you need.

Unfortunately, there isn’t one test that can diagnose or exclude all fetal anomalies or diseases. However, we do keep up to date with the latest medical advancements and extract as much information from these as possible in order to provide the best quality of care.

That said, the early baby scan can detect a large proportion of fetal anomalies for pregnant women. Most importantly, it can diagnose some of the more severe abnormalities that can be lethal or associated with severe disability. The early detection of those anomalies increases your options for further management.

However, some anomalies are either not visible or not developed by 12-13 weeks. As a result, these would go undiagnosed. Fortunately, most of these anomalies are treatable after birth, nevertheless, some can be more serious, especially if they involve delayed development of the brain or heart.

Since an early baby scan cannot exclude all anomalies, especially those that manifest later in the pregnancy, we strongly recommend having follow-up scans:

• Anomaly Scan at 20-22 weeks
• 3rd Trimester Anomaly Scan: 26-29 weeks

We also strongly advise you to keep your scanning schedule with the NHS.

The early fetal scan is an advanced screening test which includes comprehensive top-to-toe examination of the early fetus. This test is designed for low-risk women, and we strongly recommend it for every future mother. The test includes examination of the presence and size of 4 chambers of the heart and presence, position and size of two great arteries. The aim of the early fetal scan is to confirm normal development of the heart.

Early fetal echocardiography is a diagnostic test which aims to detect, evaluate and describe congenital heart defects for babies in high-risk groups (like increased NT, positive results of NIPT, abnormal appearance of the heart and other).  This test is performed only for the fetuses with the suspicion for heart defects or serious risk factors for cardiac anomaly. On this scan we perform meticulous examination of all fetal heart structures visible at this early stage. This scan also includes comprehensive top-to-toe examination of the baby like we do at the early fetal scan.

What we offer differs fundamentally from the traditional nuchal translucency (NT) scan. The early fetal scan is an advanced systematic examination of all fetal structures, especially the brain and the heart. This method is very thorough and uses recent technological advancements of high-end ultrasound probes to produce high-resolution images. We check all the baby’s structures, even its tiny fingers. Ultimately, the early fetal scan aims to exclude as many fetal anomalies as possible and provide reassurance to the parents.

On the other hand, the nuchal translucency (NT) scan was developed nearly 30 years ago (1992), during the early days of ultrasound technology. Revolutionary at the time, the NT scan measures the amount of fluid in the back of the fetal neck. Increased NT is a nonspecific marker for chromosomal, genetic, cardiac, and structural problems; however, increased NT is also not an uncommon feature in a normal pregnancy. Conversely, most babies born with other anomalies may have normal readings of NT.

Currently, NT readings are being used by the NHS as a part of a combined screening to assess the chance for Down’s syndrome (T21), and for trisomy 18 and 12. The NT test can currently be done in any NHS Trust and is performed by specially trained sonographers, which have regular external audits.

Because of the importance of NT, we perform meticulous measurements of this marker during our early fetal scan; however, we do not use the NT thickness measurement to assess Down’s syndrome. Instead, we use the more recently developed (2011) NIPT, which has a superior detection rate and fewer false positive results compared to the NT quantitative measure.

We use a NT thickness measurement of 3.5 mm as a cut-off for further referral of the mother to her healthcare provider. 

We use a NT thickness measurement of 3.5 mm as a cut-off. If we will see that your baby has an increased NT, we will perform early fetal echocardiography for free to exclude severe heart defects as a cause for increased NT.

We will also help you with a further referral to your healthcare provider at the NHS or private care for a discussion regarding the option of invasive testing.

Yes, of course. We use Tricefy which is a secure cloud system to upload images and videos from your scan to be viewed before you even leave the scanning room! You will also receive a hard and soft copy of your detailed ultrasound report as well as some high-quality colour printouts for you to take home with you!

Tricefy also allows you to download the images and videos from the scan to share with your loved ones via message/social media.