Wellbeing Scan

What is a wellbeing scan?

The wellbeing scan is a 2D diagnostic ultrasound, performed after 24 weeks, which usually takes up to 30 minutes. During the appointment our sonographer will:

• Show baby's heart beating
• Determine the lie of the baby
• Look at the position of the placenta
• Check the amount of fluid around the baby
• Give an indication of baby's estimated weight
• Check the blood flow in the umbilical cord
• Check your baby's growth and development
• Check the gender (optional)

You will receive a detailed report for your doctor/midwife, as well as several 2D prints of the scan.

When can I have a Wellbeing Scan?

We perform wellbeing scans from 24 weeks of pregnancy onwards.

What happens during the Wellbeing Scan?

The sonographer will carefully examine your baby's body. Having the scan does not hurt, but the sonographer may need to apply slight pressure to get the best views of the baby.

Please do not worry if the sonographer is quiet during the wellbeing scan, as it is a very detailed scan, which requires a lot of concentration. Once they have taken all necessary measurements, the sonographer will then explain the results to you.

It is important to realise that the wellbeing scan cannot guarantee that your baby is going to be completely healthy.

Limitations of the Wellbeing Scan

During the Wellbeing Scan our sonographer will look at various anatomical details that may not be immediately recognisable to the untrained eye. This ultrasound scan is very accurate but unfortunately it cannot diagnose 100% of abnormalities.

Each woman also needs to understand the limitations of the scan:

The image quality may be compromised by a number of factors, such as:

• increased maternal body mass index
• the presence of uterine fibroids/abdominal scar tissue
• abnormal levels of amniotic fluid
• the baby lying in a sub-optimal position