Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this information because you have an appointment for an ultrasound scan. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the area of examination. A small handheld probe is placed onto your skin and moved over the part of the body being examined. Water-based gel is put onto your skin to allow the probe to move smoothly and excludes air between the probe and skin. This is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the organs and soft tissues of the body. The ultrasound is performed by a sonographer, a professional trained in this type of procedure.
Ultrasound is a very safe procedure for all patients undergoing a diagnostic test. This type of scan is not associated with or known to have any side effects.
Our request for your cooperation.
We ask you to come with a reasonably full bladder, but you should not be uncomfortable.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scan time. Please allow time for parking.
If you arrive after your appointment time you may have to be rebooked.
On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist.
You are welcome to bring your partner, family member or friend with you but only one adult may attend the scan with you. No children are allowed into the scanning room or ultrasound department. We understand this may cause some inconvenience but please ensure you make appropriate arrangements as no exceptions will be made on the day and they cannot be left unsupervised or with the reception staff.
Please appreciate that whilst this is an extremely exciting and sometimes anxious time for you the sonographer is performing a skilled clinical examination and needs to concentrate.
No video recording or photography is permitted in the department.
Why is the scan done?
- To confirm the viability of your pregnancy
- To see whether or not you are expecting twins
- To confirm your dates
You will be offered optional screening for three chromosomal abnormalities.
-Down’s syndrome
- Edwards’ syndrome
- Patau’s syndrome
This is called the combined screening test.
The Ultrasound Examination
You will be asked to lie on the examination couch and adjust your clothes to allow access for the examination. You will have water based clear gel applied to the skin in the area of examination. The sonographer will slowly move the probe over the area while viewing the images produced on the monitor. The lights in the room will be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly. Selected images will be recorded so that they can be viewed later.
Please note that the examination could be performed by a sonographer of any gender. A chaperone is always available.
How long will it take?
On average this scan can take between 10 - 20 minutes. Occasionally, a second opinion is required or if the baby is in a position where it cannot be seen clearly you may be asked to go for a short walk and come back later which can increase the exam time.
You should allow at least one hour in the ultrasound department. Occasionally, you may be asked to return on another day. We try to avoid delays, however, please allow extra time in case of delays on the day of your appointment.
Can I have a picture of my baby?
Ultrasound scan pictures can be purchased via the kiosk which is situated in the Antenatal clinic. Maximum of 4 photographs of the same picture. Payment is by Debit or Credit card.
Will you tell me the sex of the baby during the scan?
Not at this scan. We cannot reliably assess the sex of your baby prior to 20 weeks.
Does the scan pick up all abnormalities?
No. Scanning cannot detect every abnormality. Some structural abnormalities may be
identified at this time and a normal scan should provide some reassurance. The mid
trimester detailed anatomy scan, at around 20 weeks will look at baby in more detail. In a small number of cases, babies are born with abnormalities that could not be seen on the scan. Most scans show that the baby is developing normally, and no problems are found.
This is because most babies are healthy and do not have abnormalities.
What happens if an abnormality is found?
The sonographer may ask another sonographer to carefully check their findings. Anything identified will be explained to you and arrangements will be made for you to see a member of the screening team and consultant obstetrician to discuss the findings and future options.
After the scan
Once the sonographer has completed the scan, you will need to make an appointment for your next scan.
If you are having combined screening or a quadruple test you will need to have your bloods taken before you leave.
About antenatal screening
All pregnant women are offered screening scans at between 12-14 weeks (nuchal
translucency) and at around 20 weeks (mid trimester detailed anatomy scan). It is important that you consider having these scans but being screened is entirely your choice and choosing whether to have the tests is an important decision, for you and your baby. Your midwife or your GP will talk to you about screening. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
Further information is available on this link
https://
What does the combined screening test involve?
The screening test is a combination of a blood test taken from the mother and
measurements from the scan. These are used in combination with mother’s age and
relevant history to calculate the estimated chance figure.
Screening tests do not give a definite answer, but they do tell us which babies have a higher chance of having one of these conditions.
Quadruple test
If you are more than 14 weeks when we scan you, we will not be able to perform combined screening. In this situation we would offer the Quadruple test. The Quadruple test is a blood test and can give you a screening result for Down syndrome only.
Does combined screening or the quadruple test pick up all abnormalities?
No. The screening tests identify a pattern of changes in the blood test or ultrasound
appearances that can sometimes be seen when a baby has one of these chromosomal
abnormalities. However, there are other genetic abnormalities which will not be identified by combined screening or the quadruple test.
When will I be given the results?
The results of the scan will shared with you at the time.
The screening results will follow once your blood test has been processed.
Low chance results will be confirmed in writing within approximately 7 working days.
If the results identify the pregnancy as a higher chance for any of the conditions you will be contacted by telephone by the screening team, usually within 3 working days who will offer you and your partner an appointment to discuss the results in more detail and give you more information and support.
Useful Contacts
Frimley Park Hospital Appointments 0300 613 4127
Frimley Park Hospital Antenatal Clinic 0300 613 4155
Frimley Park Screening Team 0300 613 6989
Wexham Park / Heatherwood Appointments 0300 615 4510
Wexham Park / Heatherwood Antenatal Clinic 0300 615 4501
Wexham Park / Heatherwood Screening Team 0300 615 3301
Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC)
Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) provides impartial information and individual support to parents whether they are going through antenatal screening or whose unborn baby has been diagnosed with an abnormality.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-US.1
Approval date:
11 September 2023
Review date:
22 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.