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Tag: vaccine

Transvaginal Scan (TVS)

What is a transvaginal scan (TVS)?
“Transvaginal” means an internal examination through the vagina. TVS probes have extraordinary resolution and may provide unique information regarding the fetal anatomy, placenta, womb, cervix and other important structures.

Technically, examination by TVS during pregnancy is identical to gynaecological ultrasound. The special high-resolution probe is aseptically cleaned, covered with a sterile cover (like a condom) and sterile lubricating gel. The transducer inserted is no larger than a finger. It is gently passed into the vagina to generate images of the baby, while you lay on your back. This may cause some slight discomfort but should not cause any pain. It is important you let us know if you have a latex allergy, in which case we will use latex-free probe covers.

The operator performing the transvaginal scan in pregnancy must have a high level of expertise and experience. TVS scan represents a significant challenge for the doctor or sonographer because of difficulties in obtaining correct images. As such, there are only a few specialists in London performing transvaginal assessment of the early fetus, including Dr Ushakov.

Please empty your bladder immediately before the transvaginal scan. Even a small amount of urine in the bladder will change the position of the womb and will reduce the quality of image. A trained chaperone is also available and present for internal examinations and may be requested for any of our other scans.

Is TVS safe?
TVS uses the same safe ultrasound waves as transabdominal scans to obtain the images of the baby and womb. The probe cannot get into direct contact with the fetus. Normally, due to better resolution the time of TVS imaging is shorter in comparison to a transabdominal scan (approximately 10 minutes). We use rigorous aseptic technique for preparation of the probe and there is no risk of infection.

Visit our Instagram account for comparison of transvaginal (TVS) & transabdominal scans for the SAME pregnancy. Can you see how much better the resolution of the TVS scan (1st video)? This is generally the case for ultrasound scans up to 11weeks when the fetus is still very small, less than 1.6 inch!

COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy

We have collected some information and official guidance from the government and relevant professional bodies about the Covid-19 Vaccine, Your Pregnancy and Fertility:

RCOG – Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

JCVI – Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation

Who can have the vaccine?

Currently the vaccine has yet to be tested on pregnant women, and so the vaccine is not recommended to be provided routinely to all pregnant patients. At present, the Covid-19 vaccine is only being offered to the following groups of pregnant women who are at a higher risk of catching the virus:

  • Those working in the health and social care sectors.
  • Those considered clinically extremely vulnerable* (RCOG definition)

If you fall into one of these two categories, you may be offered the vaccine and have the choice to accept it or alternatively wait for more data to be published regarding its effects.

I am eligible for the vaccine – will it affect my baby?

The RCOG have previously reassured pregnant women that since the vaccine cannot replicate (unlike biological viruses) it cannot cause infection in the mother or baby.

I am breastfeeding – will the vaccine affect my baby?

The RCOG and JCVI have stated that there is no known risk associated with giving non-live vaccines such as the Covid-19 vaccine to breastfeeding patients. At present there is no data available on the effects of the vaccine on breastfeeding or the breastfed child. However, the JCVI recommend that you receive the vaccine whilst you are breastfeeding, based upon the vast benefits that breastfeeding provides for your growing child. If you have any concerns, you may decide to wait until you have completed breastfeeding before having the Covid-19 vaccine.

I have had my first dose of the vaccine but have become pregnant since, should I have the second dose?

The JCVI recommend that you delay your second dose until you have delivered your baby, unless you fall into the high-risk categories described above.

Can the Covid-19 vaccine affect fertility?

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have recently published a joint statement in response to misinformation spread about the Covid-19 vaccine’s effect on fertility. The RCOG and RCM state that there is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine may affect fertility. The RCOG President expands: ‘There is no biologically plausible mechanism by which current vaccines would cause any impact on women’s fertility.

Evidence has not been presented that women who have been vaccinated have gone on to have fertility problems.’ – Edward Morris, President of RCOG (2021) The RCM and JCVI recommend that you speak to your midwifery/primary healthcare team regarding any queries or worries you may have about the Covid-19 vaccine.

For more information on who may be eligible and further details on the above statements, please visit the referenced links below:   References: RCOG (2021). I am Pregnant and Have Been Offered a COVID-19 Vaccination. What are My Options? [Online] [Link]

RCOG (2021). The RCOG and the RCM Respond to Misinformation Around Covid-19 Vaccine and Fertility. [Online] [link]

RCOG (2020). Updated Advice on COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy and Women who are Breastfeeding [Online] [link]

JCVI (2021). COVID-19 Vaccination: A Guide For Women of Childbearing Age, Pregnant or Breastfeeding [Online] [link]