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Scans

What to expect at each scan

Diagnostic ultrasound has been used for many years in clinical medicine with no proven side effects. It uses high-frequency sound waves — inaudible to the human ear — to produce a picture of the womb, the baby and the placenta. Your midwives and doctors use ultrasound to gather valuable information about your pregnancy.

Your two routine scans

It is our policy at University Hospital Galway to offer two routine scans:

1. Dating scan — in the first trimester, up to 13 weeks + 6 days. This is normally carried out in the maternity scan room, but in some cases it may take place in the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit.

2. Anomaly scan — at 20–23 weeks of gestation. This is a more detailed scan that looks at your baby’s development and anatomy.

To arrange your appointment, please telephone the Maternity Scan Room on 091 544526.

Your midwife or doctor will let you know if any additional scans are recommended for your individual pregnancy.

Other reasons you may have a scan

There are many valid reasons your midwife or doctor may recommend a scan during pregnancy, including:

  • Bleeding or pain in early pregnancy. Ultrasound can diagnose miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Occasionally a vaginal scan may be suggested as it can give more information about the very early stages of pregnancy — the procedure will be explained in detail beforehand.
  • Checking on your baby’s growth later in pregnancy.
  • Checking the position of the placenta.
  • Assessing your baby’s wellbeing if there are concerns about movement or other symptoms.
  • As part of specialist care, for example in diabetes or multiple pregnancies.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tell the sex of the baby?

If you ask, we will check the sex of the baby at the end of the scan. Please be aware that we cannot always see it due to the position of the baby, and we are not always right. If we cannot see, we do not rescan for sexing of babies, as this is not part of the scan.

The ultrasound scan is very accurate, but unfortunately it cannot diagnose 100% of congenital abnormalities. NICE guidance reminds us that “detection rates may vary by the type of fetal anomaly, the woman’s body mass index (BMI) and the position of the unborn baby.” Your sonographer will explain what was and wasn’t seen.

Diagnostic ultrasound has been used in clinical medicine for many decades with no proven side effects.

If anything unexpected is identified, you’ll be supported with further scans, specialist referrals and time to ask questions. You won’t be left to navigate it on your own.

Yes, your partner or one support person is welcome. Please check current visiting and attendance guidance in case there are any updates.