Booking appointment and dating scan

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Do you need a referral for a dating 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 book my first ultrasound scan?

Ideally, the booking appointment should take place by week 10 of your pregnancy, so there’s plenty of time to fit in your first ultrasound scan and any other recommended screening tests before the end of the first trimester. The appointment probably won’t be much earlier than eight weeks, as the risk of miscarriage is higher before this point.

When should I have a dating scan if I am pregnant?

If you have had bleeding during your pregnancy or you have had previous miscarriages, your doctor or midwife may recommend an early dating scan from 6 to 10 weeks gestation. 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.

What is a nuchal translucency scan?

The primary reason for this scan is to conduct a nuchal translucency test. The term nuchal translucency refers to a pocket of fluid which is present at the back of the babys neck. A higher volume of fluid can be an indication that the baby may have Downs syndrome. This is not a definitive diagnosis however.

Can my sonographer take nuchal translucency and dating measurements at the same appointment?

Generally, your sonographer will be able to conduct the dating and nuchal translucency measurements at the same appointment, but if it is too early to get a clear image for the nuchal translucency then you will be asked to return at a later date. Your scan will also confirm that the babys heart is beating normally.

When should I have a nuchal scan?

This is between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy . So this means your nuchal scan usually coincides with your routine dating scan . Its difficult to do the scan before 11 weeks because your baby is still so small. It would also be too early to combine it with blood tests.

What is nuchal translucency in Downs syndrome?

Nuchal translucency is a collection of fluid under the skin at the back of your babys neck. The amount of fluid is measured during a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound scan: All developing babies have some fluid at the back of their neck. But many babies with Downs syndrome have an increased amount .