The National Instutute for Clinical and Health Excellence (NICE) recommends all pregnant women have two scans. One between 10 and 13 weeks and the second between 18 and 20 weeks.

The first scan is often called the ‘dating scan’ because as well as looking for any problems with the pregnancy, it is also measuring your baby, allowing the technician to estimate your due date.

Due dates are generally calculated from this stage in the pregnancy because all babies grow at a uniform rate during this trimester, whereas in your final period the rate may vary, so gauging a due date is much more difficult.

The early scan can also detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome. About 1 in 20 pregnant women will be warned that their baby has a risk of Down’s Syndrome, so the warnings are surprisingly common. If you are one of this number be sure to take as much as advice and support as possible. Just one such resource is Antenatal results and Choices (ARC-UK.org). The second of the two scans happens around week 20 and will pick up even small defects such as a cleft palette or extra digits. It will also pick up the presence of serious abnormalities such as heart and kidney issues.

Your Sonographer will check your Uterus, the Placenta and its position, and also the amount of fluid around the baby. This is often where the sex of the baby can be discovered. We advise having discussed whether or not you want to know the sex BEFORE you go to the session, as it may save you and your other half an embarrassing argument in the hospital!

Recommended Websites

Blooming Marvellous

The Blooming Marvellous store offers everything you may need during and after your pregnancy. Stylish yet functional maternity clothes, baby clothing, nursery equipment and much much more!

Mothercare

Mothercare provide a full range of products including maternity, nursery furniture, pushchairs, car seats, baby clothes, toys, gifts.

Early Learning Centre

ELC stock a great range of toys and games for babies and children of all ages that make learning fun, stimulate imagination and encourage development.