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What to expect at your dating scan

dating-scan4614fb8d491d6e5b9e79ff0000427a78-min
 
Beth Kitt
Medically reviewed by
2nd Feb 2022

What is a dating scan?

Dating scans, are just one of your pregnancy scans and are offered between 8 and 14 weeks to literally ‘date’ the pregnancy, check how many babies you are carrying and also check baby’s development. This scan is often referred to as your 12 week scan and for many women will be their first scan. 

The dating scan can also form part of your screening too should you choose to have the nuchal translucency measured.

Dating scans are offered to all pregnant women under the NHS. Another scan called the ‘anomaly’ scan is offered between 18-20 weeks.

What can I expect from my dating scan?

Ultrasound scans during pregnancy are usually a highlight of pregnancy and something to make your pregnancy feel exciting for both you and your partner. However, scans can pick up serious health conditions and other issues for baby. This is always something to keep in mind when preparing for your scan.

From your dating scan/ of your first pregnancy scan you will find out:

  • Your due date; this due date will be used over your LMP due date.
  • How many baby’s you are carrying.
  • Your baby’s development, such as is baby’s growth as expected.
  • Does baby have a heartbeat; this is sadly a missed miscarriage and occurs in 1-5% of pregnancies.

What do I need to know before having my dating scan?

You will need to drink water before the scan. This pushes up the uterus to give a clearer picture. A pint of water an hour before the scan will be enough. A hand-held scanner with gel on is passed smoothly backwards and forwards over your skin. If you look at the monitor, you’ll see a picture of your baby on the screen. If the picture is difficult to make out, the radiographer will explain it.

The sonographer will measure the baby. She will use this information to give you a new<estimated date of birth, which is usually more accurate than the original date.

You can ask for a copy of the scan picture (most hospitals make a small charge for this) and some will let you purchase a video recording too.

Will I find out if I’m having twins at my 12 week scan?

Around 90% of multiple pregnancies are diagnosed by an early ultrasound at around12 weeks. Carrying twins or more can be more complicated than carrying a single baby and youhealth care team will want to monitor your progress closely, so expect to have frequent check-ups. You’ll be offered more frequent ultrasound scans too, so the growth and development of your babies can accurately be assessed.

You may find that some of theearly pregnancy symptoms you have such a morning sickness and tiredness are exaggerated – compared to if you were carrying a single baby. As your pregnancy progresses, you are likely to find that extreme tiredness and an increased need to rest means you have to stop work earlier than you might otherwise have done.

When there are multiple babies there is a higher risk of complications during labour and birth so you will be advised to give birth in hospital. You will be spoke to about vaginal birth and cesarean birth with twins so you can make a choice of which you would like to plan for.

Will I be offered screening for Downs Syndrome at my 12 week scan?

Yes, if you are between week 11 and 14 of your pregnancy and you would like screening you can have part of the screening completed during the dating scan, this is called Nuchal Translucency screening. You will need to have blood tests too done to complete the screening. This is called the combined screening test and will screen for Downs Syndrome and other chromosomal conditions.

How long will my 12 week scan take?

Your 12 week scan will take about 20 minutes. Sometimes if the sonographer is struggling to get a clear measurement due to babys position, then it may take longer. She may ask you to go for a walk and come back to see if baby has moved to a clearer position.

Do I have to have a dating scan?

You don’t have to have a dating scan but they are advised as part of your maternity care. Having a dating scan means that your baby can receive the appropriate care if you are known to be in premature labour. You can be offered an induction if your pregnancy continues post term. You can find out if you are carrying multiple baby’s. It also means that if baby has a condition, then you can birth at a hospital where if needed, baby can receive treatment straight away.

Are there any risks to ultrasounds in pregnancy?

There are no known risks for you or baby having an ultrasound in pregnancy.

Can I bring people with me to my dating scan?

You can usually have one person with you in the scan room. Usually hospitals don’t allow children in the scan room either. Check your hospitals current policy for any current covid restrictions.

If all is well on my 12 week scan, what happens next?

If all is well on your 12 week scan then you will continue with your usually maternity care. Your next appointment after your 12 week scan is usually a 16 week appointment with your midwife or obstetrician.

If a complication is found at my 12 week scan, what happens next?

If a complication is found during your 12 week scan then you will usually be asked to stay after your scan to speak to a midwife or obstetrician who will be able to talk you through your next steps.

Want to find out your due date?<Use our due date calculator here...




 

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