What happens in an ultrasound scan?

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 our ultrasound specialist.

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.

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.

• Abdominal ultrasound scan: An abdominal ultrasound scan is often used during pregnancy as it allows us to capture the most accurate images of your baby and the placenta.
  Once you are lying down, some gel will be applied to your tummy, and a small probe passed 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, as we carefully examine its anatomy, development and check for abnormalities.

   

• Transvaginal (internal) ultrasound scan: We recommend a transvaginal ultrasound scan during the early stages of pregnancy (5-11 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 us to capture optimum images of your uterus, womb and ovaries. 
  You will be asked to lie back in the examination chair and a slim probe will be gently inserted into your vagina. The probe is covered in gel and you shouldn’t feel any discomfort, as we carry out a detailed examination of your pelvic organs.

We will discuss your results with you and answer any questions you may have about your ultrasound scan. We always allow plenty of time during the appointment, so you don’t feel rushed, and we will 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.