You will have routine scans when you are around 12 weeks and 20 weeks pregnant. A sonographer from our radiology department will usually perform your scan. You will need to have a full bladder to make the image clear.
Your 11 – 14 week dating scan will show the number of babies you are having, how many weeks pregnant you are and could show any problems with your pregnancy. The scan takes around 20 to 30 minutes. If we can’t get a clear picture, we might ask you to come back on a different day.
Your 18 – 20 week screening scan looks in detail at your baby’s bones, heart, brain, spinal cord, face, kidneys and abdomen. It allows the sonographer to look for 11 rare conditions. You will also be able to find out the sex of your baby.
Scans usually take place in our Clarendon Wing Radiology department at Leeds General Infirmary or Antenatal Clinic in Gledhow Wing at St James’s Hospital. You will be sent a date, time and location for your scan appointment.
Please let your sonographer know if you would like to buy scan photos to take home. The cost is £7 for two or £10 for four mounted photos.
If there are any concerns at any of your scans, the sonographer may refer you for an extra scan or test with one of our specialist teams.
Fetal Assessment Unit (FAU)
You may be referred to the Fetal Assessment Unit in the Antenatal Clinic for a growth scan with one of our sonographers. Please see below for more information about what will happen at your appointment.
Your journey through the Fetal Assessment Unit
1. Your referral is received – Your referral will be triaged and an appointment will be sent to you if required.
2. On the day of your appointment, please check in at reception. Please take a seat in the FAU waiting room.
3. Fetal growth scan – your scan will be carried out by a Sonographer. The Sonographer will take some measurements.
4. Wait – the Sonographer will prepare the report.
After your scan
• If normal, no further action is required and you will be able to go home. Your care will continue with your community midwife.
• If the Sonographer feels further checks are needed, an appointment will be arranged for you. You may also have scans in the future as per your care pathway.
• You may be referred to the Antenatal Day Unit or Maternity Assessment Centre for further care.
• Any further appointments that you require will be arranged
Key Points
• We are scanning to identify:
– the estimated weight of your baby
– amniotic fluid volume
– blood flowing through the cord – Dopplers
• You do not need a full bladder for your scan
• Your appointment can take up to 30 minutes
• If you arrive late for your appointment, we may not be able to see you and you will be offered a new appointment
Changing an appointment or scan
Patient Administration Team
Please contact our patient administration team to change or cancel a maternity appointment or scan.
