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As part of its diagnostic services, Holly House Hospital offers a wellbeing ultrasound service for the care of pregnant women from conception to term, including prenatal screening and a comprehensive fetal ultrasound scan assessment.

Scans can be undertaken individually or combined as a specially priced inclusive package.  Our standard package includes an early pregnancy scan, nuchal screening scan, anomaly scan and a growth and well-being scan.

There is no preparation needed before your scan and you are welcome to bring your partner, friend or member of your family with you.  Report printouts will be sent to your GP and obstetrician afterwards. 

Self-referral early pregnancy scanning (6-16 weeks)

This scan does not necessarily require a referral letter from your GP and is available to women who have a specific concern about their pregnancy, for example, pain, bleeding, unsure of dates or previous pregnancy complications.  The scan is performed trans vaginally if the pregnancy is less than eight weeks and where appropriate. 

Well-being and fetal assessment ultrasound scans

You will need to be referred by a GP, consultant or midwife for any of the following scans:

Nuchal translucency scan (11-13 weeks 6 days)

This scan gives an opportunity to date the pregnancy to within five days of accuracy, screen for chromosomal abnormalities, diagnosis of multiple pregnancy, diagnosis of major abnormalities and early pregnancy failure.  Results are usually available within 48 hours.

Quadruple test (14-20 weeks)

This screen is offered if the pregnancy is too advanced to have the nuchal scan performed.  It consists of a blood test and ultrasound scan.  Results are usually available within five days.

Anomaly scan (18-22 weeks)

This scan is performed to ensure the baby continues to grow and develop normally and has no major structural defects.  The sonographer will spend time examining the brain, face, spine, extremities, chest, heart, bowel and kidneys.  The site of the placenta will be noted to exclude a low lying placenta.  However, it is important to remember that this does not exclude all abnormalities.

Growth and well-being scan (24-42 weeks)

The growth of the baby is assessed by measuring the size of his/her head, abdomen and femur to estimate the baby’s weight.  The baby’s position, amount of amniotic fluid and placental position are also reviewed.  The baby’s movements are monitored during the scan as well as blood flow to the baby if appropriate.

Cervical assessment

The cervical length is measured by ultrasound to help identify pregnancies at risk of pre-term delivery.  This scan is recommended if there is significant history of premature delivery, recurrent late miscarriages or where there is a multiple pregnancy. 

Fetal and uterine artery ultrasound

Assessing the blood flow in the arteries that supply the uterus can help predict untoward outcomes in pregnancies, such as the risk of a small baby or blood pressure problems.  Blood flow in other blood vessels of the baby can also be assessed to ensure the baby’s wellbeing where appropriate.

3D/4D scans (27- 30 weeks)

We also offer the opportunity of 3D/4D ultrasound views of your baby on a DVD and still images on a CD.  The quality of the images are determined by the baby’s position, the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and the amount of tissue between the probe and the baby.  Your sonographer can ascertain the quality of images during the well-being scan and will advise whether a 3D/4D scan will be possible.  A printed report will be available to you with thermal images.