Women's Ultrasound

Before having some types of an ultrasound scan, you may be asked to follow certain instructions to help improve the quality of the images produced. You may be advised to drink water and not go to the toilet until after the scan – this may be needed before a scan of your unborn baby or your pelvic area. You can eat as normal and you do not need to starve.

There will be a toilet nearby to empty your bladder once the scan is complete.

An ultrasound scan takes around 15-20 minutes. It will be carried out in the ultrasound department or in the consulting rooms in the clinic.

The person performing the scan will usually inform you of the findings or arrange for you to see your doctor. If your scan is performed by a sonographer, if appropriate, they will tell you if any abnormality is detected. You will be given a report immediately or the report will be emailed to you. For pregnancy scans, you will be given a copy of the images of your baby. Your doctor will explain the scan findings, make a diagnosis and then discuss further investigations and treatment options.

Ultrasound scans are generally painless, although you may experience some discomfort as the probe is pressed over your skin or inserted into your body. The practitioner will stop the scan if you cannot tolerate the discomfort or pain. If you have an abdominal scan on a full bladder, you may experience some discomfort.

There are no known risks from the sound waves used in an ultrasound scan with regulated settings of the ultrasound machine. Ultrasound scans do not involve exposure to Xrays or radiation. Both external and internal ultrasound scans don’t have any side effects. In case of early pregnancy scans, the vaginal scan does not induce bleeding or cause a miscarriage. As a precaution against possible infections, before each examination the ultrasound probes are cleaned with recommended cleaning wipes.

In some cases, ultrasound scanning has no alternatives but an MRI or CT scan can be used instead or in addition to ultrasound scanning.

Ultrasound has an excellent safety record. It has been used in pregnancy for over five decades with no proven harmful effects and has many benefits for the management of the pregnancy.

In pregnancies Doppler (pulsed wave and colour) is used only very briefly, if required and when clinically indicated, for example to look at the developing heart or to look at blood flow in the baby. All scans that we provide adhere to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) by reducing the thermal index and exposure time, whilst still obtaining all the diagnostic imaging that is required to provide the highest standard of care for your pregnancy.

Sonographers are trained specialists who are able to produce diagnostic scan images that are part of the  diagnostic process which help a medical practitioner formulate a final diagnosis and treatment plan.  

Our sonographers provide a comprehendible report which should be shared with a clinician for review and diagnosis.  

If you do not have a GP or wish to see a consultant gynaecologist, our sonographers can refer you to one of our doctor after your visit.