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What Happens During An Ultrasound Scan
You will be seen by our highly experienced sonographer, who specialises in pregnancy and gynaecology scanning and is a leading expert in her field. All our ultrasound scans are carried out using state of the art technology, with high resolution 3D and 4D (video) images.
Having an ultrasound scan at The Medical Chambers Kensington
We're here to help you feel as comfortable as possible during your scan. Most scans take between 30 and 45 minutes and we suggest you allow one hour for your appointment so you have plenty of time to discuss the scan images and results with your sonographer.
Your sonographer, Ms Ciara McKenna, is an exceptionally skilled clinician, and specialises in prenatal sonography, prenatal diagnosis and gynaecology ultrasound. She will explain what will happen during your scan, and ask you any relevant questions around your health, or symptoms you might be experiencing.
How should you prepare for an ultrasound scan?
For most scans you don't need to do anything beforehand but if there is any necessary preparation, we'll let you know. For example, we'll ask you not to eat or drink anything for four hours prior to an abdominal scan. Most people feel most comfortable wearing loose-fitting clothes and we have gowns where a change of clothes is preferable.
What happens during the scan?
Abdominal ultrasound scan: An abdominal ultrasound scan is often used during pregnancy as it allows your sonographer to capture the most accurate images of your baby and the placenta.
Once you are lying down, your sonographer will apply some gel to your tummy, and pass a small probe over it. As the probe is moved over your abdomen, you will feel a very gentle pressure, but should feel no pain.
During the scan, you will be able to see images of your baby and your sonographer will examine its anatomy, development and check for abnormalities.
Transvaginal (internal) ultrasound scan: We recommend a transvaginal ultrasound scan during the early stages of pregnancy (5-10 weeks) as it allows us to view the foetus most clearly. There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan.
Similarly, our gynaecological scans are also carried out transvaginally, as they allow your sonographer to capture optimum images of your uterus, womb and ovaries.
Your sonographer will ask you to lie back in the examination chair and insert a slim probe gently into your vagina. The probe is covered in gel and shouldn’t cause you any discomfort, and your sonographer will carefully examine the organs in your pelvic area.
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Receiving the results of your ultrasound scan
Your sonographer will explain the images that appear on the screen and will answer any questions you may have. She will allow plenty of time to discuss your scan, and will also advise you on any further tests or specialist appointments that you may need next.
If you are having a pregnancy scan you will be given a link to your images, so that you can share them and download them.
A selection of images and a full report will be sent to your doctor within 24 hours, and we will also give you a copy. In urgent cases, we will phone your doctor to give them the results sooner.
Book your private ultrasound scan
If you would like to visit our clinic for a pregnancy or gynaecology scan scan, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.
