A second opinion pregnancy scan for fetal anomalies is recommended to ensure the most accurate and thorough assessment of your baby’s development.
It provides an extra layer of reassurance by involving a different medical professional who can independently evaluate your baby’s health and offer a fresh perspective on potential concerns.
Dr. Fred Ushakov is a top choice for a second opinion pregnancy scan because he’s really good at what he does! His experience and skills in checking babies for any potential issues are highly respected, making him a go-to expert for getting the most accurate and reassuring insights about your baby’s health.
Dr. Fred Ushakov boasts over 35 years of global experience in scanning babies for structural anomalies, earning him international recognition as a leading expert in the field. His exceptional skill extends to the remarkable ability to identify anomalies as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy, a level of expertise held by only a handful of specialists worldwide.
Dr Fred Ushakov carries out the second opinion scan with a thorough examination of your baby using advanced ultrasound equipment, such as the Voluson Expert 22. There’s no need to have a full bladder; in fact, we recommend keeping it empty.
In the first trimester, the scan may involve a transvaginal ultrasound in many cases, which can offer valuable insights into your baby’s health. You can choose to opt out of this if you prefer.
Dr Ushakov likes to approach the scan without preconceived notions from your previous scans, allowing him to form an independent opinion on your baby’s condition and possible ultrasound diagnosis. After completing the scan, he’ll discuss the findings and request your previous ultrasounds and test results (such as the combined screening test, NIPT, CVS, or amniocentesis if applicable). If necessary, Dr. Ushakov may recommend a rescan to reevaluate any specific concerns raised in previous scans or tests.
Following this, he’ll explain the diagnosis, answer your questions, prepare a report, and, if desired, securely share relevant ultrasound images and clips through a cloud link.
It’s important to note that Dr Ushakov provides diagnostic services and is not involved in counselling, managing the pregnancy, treatment options, or decisions regarding termination.
If you would also like a specialist consultation about what the findings mean and what happens next, see our fetal medicine specialists page, which explains our fetal medicine scan and consultation and how we work alongside NHS fetal medicine units.
London Pregnancy Clinic provides two primary options for second opinion pregnancy scans:
At your earliest convenience. We firmly believe in minimising any potential delay for this scan and will make every effort to accommodate you promptly into our schedule. Dr. Fred Ushakov works in the London Pregnancy Clinic a few times a week and will do his utmost to be available on short notice.
Some people may consider delaying the second opinion scan to a later stage when their baby is more developed, thinking it will be better visualised. Contrary to this belief, we argue that any suspicious or uncertain finding needs immediate evaluation. Early scans often resolve concerns and provide reassurance to parents.
Before the scan, we’ll need some basic information to ensure a smooth process. We will send you a content form which is better to fill out before coming to our clinic. Please be prepared to provide details such as your full name, date of birth, contact information, relevant medical history, and any specific concerns you may have regarding the pregnancy (if you wish to share this information before the scan). It is very important to us to know, your gestational age or estimated due date.
For your appointment, kindly bring along all details related to your pregnancy care, as well as previous ultrasounds and test results (including the combined screening test, NIPT, CVS, or amniocentesis, if applicable). Dr. Ushakov will review this information following the scan to address any concerns you may have.
Absolutely! During your second opinion scan with us, you have the opportunity to undergo NIPT.
London Pregnancy Clinic is a leading provider of NIPT in the UK, specialising in advanced options. If we believe NIPT can provide valuable insights into your situation, we’ll recommend the test and guide you through the available options.
For our regular scans, we provide immediate reports at the conclusion of the procedure. However, the process differs for Second Opinion Scans.
Second-opinion ultrasounds are often more time-consuming due to the thorough examination and discussion about potential diagnoses. Consequently, the generation of the comprehensive scan report is not immediate or standard. The report is usually created at the end of the scanning session, which may extend into late evening, depending on the clinic schedule. In such cases, we promptly send an electronic record (PDF) via a secure link or email.
Rest assured, you will receive your examination report by the end of the day on which you took your scan. Along with the report, we can also send you relevant ultrasound images and clips about your baby’s health condition (optional).
You are encouraged to share the results of your second opinion pregnancy scan with your healthcare provider, especially your fetal medicine unit. We strongly recommend sharing this information, as it may influence your pregnancy management and could facilitate any necessary additional tests through the NHS or private doctor.
We kindly request your permission to securely share your ultrasound results with your doctors and midwives via email. To streamline this process, we recommend having the email addresses of your healthcare providers available during your visit to our clinic.
Additionally, we offer the option to provide you with relevant ultrasound images and video clips through our secure cloud. This allows you to easily share this information with your healthcare specialists for their interpretation.
We fully understand the sensitivity of the situation, and if you choose not to share the second opinion scan information with anyone else, we will respect and honour your decision.
We strive to make our second opinion scans affordable, ensuring access to quality care for everyone.
Despite employing sophisticated and costly ultrasound equipment, like the Voluson Expert 22, for our second opinion scans, we’ve chosen to keep the pricing aligned with our standard ultrasounds. We recognise the added effort and time invested in the second opinion scan and report preparation.
This decision reflects our understanding that fetal anomalies can impact individuals from diverse financial backgrounds, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Absolutely! During your second opinion scan with us, you have the opportunity to undergo NIPT. London Pregnancy Clinic is a leading provider of NIPT in the UK, specialising in advanced options. If we believe NIPT can provide valuable insights into your situation, we’ll recommend the test and guide you through the available options.
We strive to make our second opinion scans affordable, ensuring access to quality care for everyone. Despite employing sophisticated and costly ultrasound equipment, like the Voluson Expert 22, for our second opinion scans, we’ve chosen to keep the pricing aligned with our standard ultrasounds. We recognise the added effort and time invested in the second opinion scan and report preparation. This decision reflects our understanding that fetal anomalies can impact individuals from diverse financial backgrounds, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Our second opinion anomaly scans use advanced 3D ultrasound to provide a detailed, independent assessment of your baby’s development.
Dr Fred Ushakov carries out the second opinion scan with a thorough examination of your baby using advanced ultrasound equipment, such as the Voluson Expert 22. There’s no need to have a full bladder; in fact, we recommend keeping it empty.
In the first trimester, the scan may involve a transvaginal ultrasound in many cases, which can offer valuable insights into your baby’s health. You can choose to opt out of this if you prefer.
Dr Ushakov likes to approach the scan without preconceived notions from your previous scans, allowing him to form an independent opinion on your baby’s condition and possible ultrasound diagnosis. After completing the scan, he’ll discuss the findings and request your previous ultrasounds and test results (such as the combined screening test, NIPT, CVS, or amniocentesis if applicable). If necessary, Dr. Ushakov may recommend a rescan to reevaluate any specific concerns raised in previous scans or tests.
Following this, he’ll explain the diagnosis, answer your questions, prepare a report, and, if desired, securely share relevant ultrasound images and clips through a cloud link.
It’s important to note that Dr Ushakov provides diagnostic services and is not involved in counselling, managing the pregnancy, treatment options, or decisions regarding termination.
Learn more about our early fetal scan.
London Pregnancy Clinic provides two primary options for second opinion pregnancy scans:
Second Opinion Scan: Suitable for addressing concerns related to the abnormal development of the baby from as early as 10 weeks until the end of pregnancy. The Second Opinion Scan is an expert anomaly scan, offering a comprehensive examination of all structures of your baby which are visible at this specific stage of gestation.
Early Fetal Echocardiography: This comprehensive scan includes a specialised examination of the heart, along with a top-to-toe assessment of all fetal structures. Fetal echocardiography can be conducted starting from 12 weeks.
At your earliest convenience. We firmly believe in minimising any potential delay for this scan and will make every effort to accommodate you promptly into our schedule. Dr. Fred Ushakov works in the London Pregnancy Clinic a few times a week and will do his utmost to be available on short notice.
Some people may consider delaying the second opinion scan to a later stage when their baby is more developed, thinking it will be better visualised. Contrary to this belief, we argue that any suspicious or uncertain finding needs immediate evaluation. Early scans often resolve concerns and provide reassurance to parents.
Please don’t delay your second opinion scan; reduce the duration of your stress and uncertainty.
Before the scan, we’ll need some basic information to ensure a smooth process. We will send you a content form which is better to fill out before coming to our clinic. Please be prepared to provide details such as your full name, date of birth, contact information, relevant medical history, and any specific concerns you may have regarding the pregnancy (if you wish to share this information before the scan). It is very important to us to know, your gestational age or estimated due date.
For your appointment, kindly bring along all details related to your pregnancy care, as well as previous ultrasounds and test results (including the combined screening test, NIPT, CVS, or amniocentesis, if applicable). Dr. Ushakov will review this information following the scan to address any concerns you may have.
Absolutely! During your second opinion scan with us, you have the opportunity to undergo NIPT.
London Pregnancy Clinic is a leading provider of NIPT in the UK, specialising in advanced options. If we believe NIPT can provide valuable insights into your situation, we’ll recommend the test and guide you through the available options.
For our regular scans, we provide immediate reports at the conclusion of the procedure. However, the process differs for Second Opinion Scans.
Second-opinion ultrasounds are often more time-consuming due to the thorough examination and discussion about potential diagnoses. Consequently, the generation of the comprehensive scan report is not immediate or standard. The report is usually created at the end of the scanning session, which may extend into late evening, depending on the clinic schedule. In such cases, we promptly send an electronic record (PDF) via a secure link or email.
Rest assured, you will receive your examination report by the end of the day on which you took your scan. Along with the report, we can also send you relevant ultrasound images and clips about your baby’s health condition (optional).
You are encouraged to share the results of your second opinion pregnancy scan with your healthcare provider, especially your fetal medicine unit. We strongly recommend sharing this information, as it may influence your pregnancy management and could facilitate any necessary additional tests through the NHS or private doctor.
We kindly request your permission to securely share your ultrasound results with your doctors and midwives via email. To streamline this process, we recommend having the email addresses of your healthcare providers available during your visit to our clinic.
Additionally, we offer the option to provide you with relevant ultrasound images and video clips through our secure cloud. This allows you to easily share this information with your healthcare specialists for their interpretation.
We fully understand the sensitivity of the situation, and if you choose not to share the second opinion scan information with anyone else, we will respect and honour your decision.
Dr Fred Ushakov specialises in fetal dysmorphology (fetal anomalies), primarily focusing on detecting abnormal fetal development at the earliest stages, including as early as 10 weeks. Despite his particular interest in very young babies, it’s important to note that Fred possesses exceptional capabilities in evaluating anomalies at 20 weeks and later stages of pregnancy.
Fred’s primary expertise includes:
Fred is highly skilled in transvaginal assessment of young babies (10-16 weeks) and employs the latest 3D technology to enhance the diagnostic process.
London Pregnancy Clinic boasts a multispecialty team of doctors capable of addressing a comprehensive range of needs throughout pregnancy. Mr Prashant Purohit, a Consultant Gynaecologist, specialises in abnormalities of early pregnancy. Ms Diane Nzelu, a Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, provides counselling for fetal growth problems, preeclampsia, and deliveries.
Mr Prashant Purohit is a Consultant in Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine.
Mr Purohit provides:
It’s important to note that scans conducted by Mr Prashant Purohit not only encompass the diagnostic aspect but also include comprehensive counselling and treatment options. The pricing for these scans is reflective of the additional services provided.
Receiving a “no-call” result from a Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) can understandably be very concerning. This outcome indicates that the test couldn’t provide a clear positive or negative result for a specific chromosomal condition.
One of the most common reasons is a low fetal fraction, which refers to the relative amount of fetal DNA in the sample, making the test unreliable. This situation is worrying because a low fetal fraction is associated with specific chromosomal syndromes such as Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), and triploidy.
While ultrasound cannot establish a definite diagnosis of chromosomal conditions, an expert early anomaly scan can detect many structural anomalies that fetuses with these severe chromosomal conditions may exhibit.
A second opinion scan proves especially valuable when faced with a “no-call” result from NIPT, as the absence of physical anomalies considerably diminishes the likelihood of trisomy 18, trisomy 13, and triploidy conditions for the baby. Conversely, any structural anomalies identified during the scan may prompt further investigations, including diagnostic tests like CVS or amniocentesis.
This additional insight from the second opinion scan offers a more thorough understanding of the baby’s health, guiding subsequent steps in the diagnostic process.
If your baby seems abnormal on the viability scan, you can find reassurance with Dr. Fred Ushakov, an expert in early development with a particular interest in sonoembryology (the examination of embryo development using high-resolution ultrasound).
At around 9-10 weeks, crucial structures like the head, arms, and legs become visible, and Dr. Ushakov is adept at confirming the normal development of tiny babies. For peace of mind, we strongly recommend considering a second opinion scan as soon as possible.
The anomaly scan screens for 11 physical conditions during pregnancy and is typically conducted at the 20-week mark. If the sonographer detects abnormalities, the baby may have one of these conditions or another structural anomaly not covered in the screening program. In such cases, a referral to the fetal medicine unit is made for further scans, tests, and clarification. Referrals are usually arranged promptly, with appointments scheduled within a few days by your antenatal team.
For those experiencing high stress due to findings and potential health concerns for the baby, seeking earlier reassurance may be a priority. A second opinion scan can provide valuable support in such cases.
Yes, it can occur due to the fetal position or other factors, and it doesn’t necessarily indicate an issue with the baby. If the sonographer couldn’t fully visualise everything during your appointment, they will arrange for you to return for a repeat scan. This doesn’t necessarily imply a problem; it simply means they couldn’t fully see what they needed to on that day.
However, in rare cases, difficulty in seeing everything could be linked to a poorly visible fetal anomaly. Recognising abnormal development in specific structures can be challenging, particularly in the face, heart, and spine.
You might consider a second opinion pregnancy scan before the next hospital appointment for earlier reassurance about your baby’s health.
How do you read anomaly scan? Interpreting the anomaly scan report can be daunting, particularly with its use of abbreviations, numbers, and medical terms. Anxiety may arise, especially if the sonographer mentions findings without explaining their impact on the baby’s well-being.
We encourage you not to navigate the anomaly scan report on your own. Seek clarification directly from your hospital or consider a second opinion scan for reassurance, ensuring a thorough understanding of your baby’s normal development and addressing any concerns effectively.
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The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.
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