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26-40 Week Pregnancy Welfare Scan
As you enter the third trimester of your pregnancy, a late pregnancy welfare scan can provide you with reassurance that everything is progressing as it should be. We offer this detailed ultrasound scan any time between 26-40 weeks of pregnancy.
Source: Radiopaedia (https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-156888)
Using advanced imaging techniques, our specialist sonographer will check the development, appearance, and position of your baby, so that you feel confident as you prepare for birth and parenthood.
What can a late pregnancy welfare scan show?
It can sometimes feel like a long wait between the routine 20 week scan and the birth. A late pregnancy welfare scan is used for the following:
- To check your baby's growth by measuring various parts of the body and estimating weight, and comparing these measurements to those made during previous scans
- To check your baby's heartbeat
- To measure blood flow between the placenta and your baby
- To check the amniotic fluid
- To check movement and activity
- To provide you with high resolution 3D and 4D (video) images of your baby
Towards the end of your pregnancy your baby’s facial features are likely to be very clear, particularly when viewed with 3D and 4D ultrasound technology; These images will be clearest between 22 and 30 weeks. A detailed scan at this stage can help you feel in touch with your baby at this crucial time before birth.
When might you be offered a late pregnancy welfare scan by your specialist?
Late pregnancy welfare scans are not routinely offered by the NHS. However you may be advised by your pregnancy team to have one if there is a medical reason, such as:
- Maternal diabetes or heart disease
- Concerns about foetal growth
- Previous or current pregnancy complications
- Concerns that your baby is not moving as much as usual
- Abdomen pains or bleeding
What are the benefits of a private late pregnancy welfare scan with us?
A late pregnancy welfare scan can be incredibly helpful if you have had concerns throughout your pregnancy, especially if you have had fertility treatment, have found it hard to get pregnant, or are over 35.
No referral is needed and this scan can offer much needed reassurance that your baby is developing as expected, and allow you to look forward to the birth with peace of mind.
Other benefits include:
- A comprehensive and detailed ultrasound report, performed by a specialist sonographer, who is an expert in prenatal ultrasound scans
- Calm and relaxing surroundings, with state of the art technology
- High resolution 3D and 4D images available immediately
- Detailed measurements that are more accurate than the routine baby bump measurements with a tape measure
- An expert second opinion, if there have been concerns with a previous scan
- A check for Vasa Previa, a rare but severe condition. Diagnosis gives your pregnancy team the best opportunity to ensure you and baby are safe during delivery.
What to expect during a late pregnancy welfare scan?
You'll meet our specialist sonographer Ciara McKenna, who is highly trained in prenatal ultrasound diagnosis. The actual scan will take around 30-40 minutes and during this time you'll be able to see the 3D and 4D images of your baby on-screen.
In addition to performing an ultrasound scan Ms McKenna will carry out a Doppler scan. This is used to measure placental blood flow and helps us to assess your baby's growth. Each baby is unique and your baby's measurements during this scan will be considered in the context provided by previous measurements.
Ms Mckenna will take the time to explain the images on screen and answer any questions you may have. She will also advise you on any further tests that may be needed. You and your doctor will receive a link to a selection of images and a comprehensive report within 24 hours.
Make a private late pregnancy welfare scan appointment
If you would like to visit our clinic for a late pregnancy welfare scan please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.
