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.
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 take 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.
What is the mid trimester detailed anatomy scan?
As part of the national screening programme, all pregnant women are offered a scan around 20 weeks. Sometimes this is referred to as an ‘anomaly scan’. It is a scan that looks for any visible abnormalities such as spina bifida, diaphragmatic hernia or serious kidney or heart issues.
We offer the scan to everybody, but you do not have to have it if you do not want to. In most cases, development will appear normal and parents usually enjoy seeing their baby on the screen.
It is important that you consider having these scans but it 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
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Does the scan pick up all abnormalities?
No. Scanning cannot detect every abnormality. Most major structural abnormalities are likely to be identified and a normal scan should provide some reassurance. 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.
Will you tell me the sex of the baby during the scan?
If the sonographer can see the sex of the baby, and you want to know, they are happy to tell you. However, this may not be possible due to the position of the baby and further scans will not be offered for this reason alone. It is also important to be aware that identifying the correct gender of the baby is not 100% accurate on ultrasound.
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust cannot accept responsibility for any financial burden incurred as a result of incorrect gender assessment.
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.
On the day of procedure
Eating – You can eat as normal
Drinking – You can drink as normal, you do not need to have a full bladder.
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 / clinician of any gender. A chaperone is always available.
How long will it take?
On average this scan can take between 20 - 30 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.
After the examination
You will be free to resume your normal daily activities.
Are there any risks of ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a very safe procedure for all patients undergoing a diagnostic test. This type of scan is not associated or known to have any side effects.
Useful Contacts
- Frimley Park Hospital Appointments 0300 613 4127
- Wexham Park / Heatherwood Appointments 0300 615 4510
- Frimley Park Hospital Antenatal Clinic 0300 613 4155
- Wexham Park / Heatherwood Antenatal Clinic 0300 615 4501
- Frimley Park Screening Team 0300 613 6989
- 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.2
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.