Do i need a referral for a dating scan

Do you need a referral for a 12 week scan?

If you choose to have a dating scan, it will most probably be your first scan. You will need to get a referral from your doctor or midwife for a dating scan. Most women can instead have their first scan at 11 to 13 weeks — this is usually called the 12-week scan.

When should I have a dating scan?

A dating scan might be recommended before 12 weeks to confirm your due date if you are unsure of your last menstrual period or your date of conception. The scan is optional and not everyone will have it.

How do I book a dating scan appointment?

Your midwife or doctor will book you a dating scan appointment. It will usually take place at your local hospital ultrasound department. Most scans are carried out by sonographers. You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer.

Do you need a full bladder for a dating scan?

You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer. You can ask your midwife or doctor before the scan if this is the case. The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes. If youre well, its really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby.

Do I need a 12-week ultrasound scan?

However, it is entirely up to the parents to take a call whether they want to go in for 12-week ultrasound scan or not. Most hospitals will give you the pictures of your ultrasound scan, and some of them may even give you a video of the scan. You can check with your doctor if this service is available.

What is a dating scan and when is it done?

If youre pregnant in England youll be offered an ultrasound scan at around 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is called the dating scan. Its used to see how far along in your pregnancy you are and check your babys development.

What is an urgent referral?

In England, an urgent referral means that you should see a specialist within 2 weeks. In Northern Ireland, the 2 week wait ONLY applies if you are referred for suspected breast cancer. This 2 week time limit does not exist in Scotland and Wales.

How is Downs syndrome diagnosed at a dating scan?

Screening for Downs syndrome will happen at the dating scan if: the scan takes place between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy The screening test for Downs syndrome used at this stage of pregnancy is called the combined test. It involves a blood test and measuring the fluid at the back of the babys neck (nuchal translucency) with an ultrasound scan.

The common first step will be a dating scan between 7-10 weeks as we like to check your baby before 10 weeks. Why scan at 7 weeks? An ultrasound is performed at this stage of pregnancy to confirm your due date, confirm if you are having singles, twins or more and to visualise your baby’s heart beating.

Do you need a full bladder for a scan?

Most scans are carried out by sonographers. You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer. You can ask your midwife or doctor before the scan if this is the case. The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes.

How long does a dating scan take?

The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes. If youre well, its really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. If youre pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure its safe for you to go to appointments.

How do I book a dating scan appointment?

What is a dating scan or nuchal translucency scan?

This is sometimes called a nuchal translucency scan. The nuchal translucency measurement can be taken during the dating scan. If you have agreed to have screening for Downs syndrome, the dating scan and the screening will usually happen at the same time. Find out more about the screening for Downs syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Pataus syndrome