Bristol Pregnancy Scans offer further scans in addition to the OSCAR test. All the scans are performed by Consultant Obstetricians and Gynaecologists or Midwife Sonographers with post graduate qualifications. All have completed Fetal Medicine Foundation training.
We use the most up to date ultrasound machines, in comfortable surroundings, with time to look at your baby. We encourage clients to bring a family member or two and pictures of each scan are provided as a record to take home.
You can book direct. We recommend you keep your midwife informed of your visit to the clinic. The scans available are:
Dating scans
Performed at 7-12 weeks, to date a pregnancy and provide an estimated date for delivery (EDD).
Fetal normality scans
At 20 weeks, to check the vital anatomy of the baby (and check the sex if requested).
4D fetal Wellbeing Scans
To check that the baby is growing well, and provide a DVD of the baby in 3D for you to take home. You can bring your chosen music on a CD if you wish, which will be used as the background music to your DVD.
Reassurance and growth scans
Can be performed at any time in pregnancy. If you have been told you have a 'low placenta' we recommend a scan at 36 weeks.
Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling
These are the invasive, diagnostic tests which can detect or rule out a chromosomal abnormality. These tests involve the insertion of a fine needle into the amniotic fluid at about 16 weeks (amiocentesis) or into the developing placenta (CVS) after 11 weeks. Both carry a small increase in the risk of a miscarriage (about 1%). Our consultants will discuss these tests in detail with you. Within 48 hrs, the initial analysis will hopefully exclude Down's, Edward's and Pataus' syndromes. A further analysis to rule out other, incidental chromosomal anomalies will follow in 2 weeks.