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ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound Services
Dr Norris is a holder of the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU) and is able to provide expert scanning, reporting and advice regarding obstetric and gynaecology ultrasound scanning.
We use the most up-to-date ultrasound technology for our obstetric and gynaecology scanning in the form of GE E10 Ultrasound machine. In addition to routine 2-D images, we can also provide 3-D and 4-D images.
Dr Norris and her experienced sonographers are able to provide a comprehensive ultrasound service including the following ultrasound scans.
Pregnancy Dating Scan
This scan enables accurate dating for your pregnancy and is helpful in categorising multiple pregnancies.
First Trimester Screening
This screening test is performed between 11 and 13 weeks and six days of pregnancy and uses ultrasound and a blood test. This screening test is used to determine your risk of a chromosomal abnormality (Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13) and the development of early-onset preeclampsia in this pregnancy.
1. Determination of risk of chromosomal abnormality:
The ultrasound will examine the fluid-filled space at the back of your baby’s neck (nuchal translucency) and for the development of your baby’s nasal bone. Your chance of Down Syndrome is higher if the nuchal translucency measurement is higher and/or if the nasal bone is not visible.
A blood test accompanies the scan. It measures two proteins in the mother’s blood (Free Beta hcG and PaPP-A). These two pregnancy-related proteins are produced by the placenta. The blood test is collected between nine weeks and 13 weeks and six days but preferably before the ultrasound is performed. The combination of the blood test, nuchal translucency measurement, nasal bone and the mother’s age gives an overall risk for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13.
If the adjusted risk is less than 1:300, your risk is considered low risk. However, this does not mean no risk. If the adjusted risk is greater than 1:300, the risk is considered high risk. In the event of a high-risk result, Dr Norris will discuss your options which includes non-invasive prenatal tasting (NIPT) and invasive prenatal testing (chorionic villous sampling or amniocentesis).
2. Determination of risk of early-onset preeclampsia:
Determination of risk of early-onset preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is the development of high blood pressure which is unique to pregnancy. This can lead to problems for the mother and baby during the pregnancy including premature delivery of the baby which can be most pronounced before 34 weeks gestation. To determine your risk of early-onset preeclampsia, in addition to the measurement of PaPP-A and another placental protein PlGF, we will assess the blood flow to the uterus (uterine artery pulsitility index), check your blood pressure and take a medical history. This information can be combined to determine your risk.
If you are found to be high risk (greater than 1:50), you will be advised to take a low dose of aspirin. There would also be close monitoring of your blood pressure during your pregnancy.
3. Other benefits of the first trimester scan:
- Confirm pregnancy viability
- Check your due date
- Diagnose twin pregnancy
- Early review of the fetal body parts
- Check the maternal pelvis including uterus and cervical length, ovaries and fallopian tubes
Morphology Scan
This detailed scan is routinely performed between 18 to 22 weeks and is an opportunity to examine the fetal anatomy, placental location and cervical length.
Fetal Well-Being Scan
This scan assesses the fetal growth, the liquor volume and placental and fetal Doppler studies. Doppler studies include assessment of the placental blood flow through the umbilical artery and fetal blood flow through the middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus.
Placental Location
In the event that your morphology scan detects a low-lying placenta, re-examination of the placental location at around 32 weeks is standard management.
Assessment of the Amniotic Fluid Index
Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) or liquor volume around the baby.
Gynaecology Scan
The female pelvis is examined including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In addition, the kidneys are routinely assessed.
Second Opinion Morphology and Fetal Well-Being Scans
Second Opinion Gynaecology Scan
Patient Information
What Is Diagnostic Imaging?
Diagnostic imaging is a term used to describe a range of tests that involves taking images of internal organs in order to diagnose injuries or diseases.
There are many different forms of diagnostic imaging tests which include:
- Ultrasound
- Radiography (X-rays)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
This guide refers to obstetric and gynaecology ultrasounds and will explain to you the benefits and possible risks associated with the ultrasound performed.
Why Is an Ultrasound Performed?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to take high-quality images of many parts of the body, making it an excellent diagnostic tool. Some of these waves are reflected and are processed by the machine to form pictures. These pictures are shown on a TV screen and recorded.
In pregnancy an ultrasound may be performed to:
- Confirm the age of the baby and predict the estimated due date (Dating)
- Screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome and risk of early-onset preeclampsia (Combined First Trimester Screening)
- Look at the baby’s anatomy and development (Morphology)
- Check on the baby’s development and growth (Growth and Well-Being)
For gynaecology problems ultrasound may be performed to examine the pelvic organs to diagnose:
- Weakness (such as prolapse or incontinence)
- Endometriosis and pelvic pain
- Abnormalities of the uterus such as thickened uterine lining or fibroids
- Cysts in the ovary or elsewhere
Are There Risks and Side Effects Associated With the Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a safe examination providing excellent images without any significant risk to you.
There are normally no side effects from an ultrasound examination. Occasionally you may feel a little tender in the area that has been examined; however, this is generally uncommon and does not persist for long.
Will I Be Exposed to Ionising Radiation During my Ultrasound?
No. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images inside the body.
What are the Benefits of Ultrasound?
- It is usually painless
- It is a safe procedure
- It provides excellent imaging of the soft tissues
- It can be performed with patient movement, making it ideal for imaging babies
Preparing for Your Ultrasound
Approximately one hour prior to your ultrasound, we recommend you start drinking approximately one litre (four glasses) of water and not empty your bladder until after the scan. This will be explained at the time of booking.
What Happens During Your Ultrasound?
Your scan will be performed by Dr Norris or one of our sonographers.
You will be asked to lie on the bed next to the ultrasound machine. Gel will be applied to the area which is to be examined. The ultrasound probe is then placed in contact with the skin and moved over the surface to study the tissues below. The scan is completely painless; however, some pressure may be applied to improve the view in some areas.
For some pelvic scans, we suggest using a transvaginal probe to get a closer, more detailed view of the pelvic organs. This is commonly performed in early pregnancy (less than 12 weeks gestation) and for gynaecology problems. This procedure is performed where appropriate and only with your consent.
The transvaginal scan is performed with an empty bladder. The probe is about the same diameter as a thumb. The probe being used is disinfected and sterilised in between each use according to our Infection Control Policy. The probe is covered with a sterile condom and sterile lubricant is applied before being inserted into the vagina.
Still photographs will be taken from the moving images on the screen.
Children and Ultrasound
Should you wish to bring your children along to your ultrasound, we would request that a supervising adult is present and that the children be taken out of the ultrasound room should they become disruptive.
Ultrasound Report
A detailed report will be issued once your images have been reviewed by Dr Norris. A copy will be sent to your referring doctor and a copy will also be issued to you. You may receive your report at the time of your scan; otherwise, it will be mailed/emailed out to you.
For your convenience, your images on the day will be delivered electronically either to your mobile phone or by email.
Your images are stored in a private gallery and available to download to your phone or computer for 90 days.