Our services
Pregnancy Ultrasound Services
An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive way to monitor the health and growth of your baby, using a smooth hand-held transducer.
During your pregnancy, two of the most common scans you will be referred for are the Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan and a Morphology Scan.
What is Nuchal Translucency?
An NT scan is a screening test to establish if your pregnancy has a high risk of Down Syndrome or other chromosomal conditions. It involves a blood test and an ultrasound. Ideally, you arrange for your blood test to be carried out first, from about 9 weeks. You can then book your NT ultrasound scan between 12 weeks, and 13 weeks and 6 days.
Nuchal Translucency is the fluid found at the back of your baby’s head and neck, just beneath the skin. The thickness of this fluid can be precisely measured. Data gathered from the scan measurement, blood test results and personal information are used to calculate either a low risk or high risk outcome.
This screening ultrasound is a non-invasive way of providing information about your baby’s risk of certain chromosonal abnormalities (trisomy 13, 18 and 21).
What is a morphology scan?
The morphology scan is used to assess the well-being of your baby and to check your dates. This scan is performed during your pregnancy between 18 to 22 weeks. Our highly experienced sonographers are fully accredited by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) to perform these ultrasounds.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
You will need a referral from your doctor to make an appointment.
Upon receiving your referral, our Bookings Team will be able to help you to find a time that works for you to have your scan done.
On the day
After your appointment
After your scan you can go about your day as normal.
Your images will be analysed by our Radiologists. A report and copy of the images are provided to your doctor via a secure online system. After 7 days you will also be able to view your images in our IQ Vue patient App.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please bring in any prior scans you may have for this pregnancy. Please note that all accompanying children must be supervised by an adult and due to the medical nature of this examination, the Sonographer may need time with just the patient to complete the scan.
Early pregnancy
- Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
- Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
- If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
- If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment
First Trimester Screening – Nuchal Translucency Scan (between 12w 4d – 13w 6d)
- Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
- Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
- If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
- If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment
- Please ensure that all blood tests are performed 7 days prior to the appointment so results are not delayed
12-16 Week Scan
- Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
- Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
- If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
- If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment
18-20 Week Morphology Scan
- Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
- Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
- If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
- If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment
24-40 Week Scan
- Please empty your bladder 60 minutes prior to your scan
- Drink 500-750 ml of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
- If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
- If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment
Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings with you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.
Your images will be analysed by our Radiologists. A report and copy of the images are provided to your doctor via a secure online system. After 7 days you will also be able to view your images in our IQ Vue patient App.
Our friendly Bookings Team will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.