How to Prepare for Gynaecological Scans

Prepare for Gynaecological Scans

If you’ve been referred for a gynaecological scan, or you’re thinking about booking one yourself, it’s completely normal to have questions. For many people, it’s a test they’ve never had before. Even if you have had one, the lead-up can still feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if you’re dealing with worrying symptoms or waiting on a diagnosis.

At SureScan, we believe that understanding what to expect can take a lot of the pressure off. A scan is a simple and powerful way to get answers. Just a little preparation beforehand can help make the whole experience feel smoother, more comfortable, and less overwhelming.

Why choose a gynaecological scan?

Gynaecological ultrasound scans can give clear, real-time images of your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the surrounding areas. They’re often used to investigate symptoms, monitor ongoing conditions, or provide reassurance if something doesn’t feel quite right.

You may be referred for a scan if you’re experiencing:

  • Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
  • Heavy, irregular, or painful periods
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Bloating or swelling
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • Postmenopausal bleeding
  • Suspected fibroids, cysts, or endometriosis

If you have any concerns, it’s always worth getting them checked.

How to prepare for gynaecological scans

There are two main types of gynaecological scan including transabdominal (over the tummy) and transvaginal (internal). Which one you have may depend on your symptoms and the level of detail your specialist needs.

Scans usually take 15–30 minutes, and are carried out by experienced, compassionate women’s health consultants in a private setting. You’ll be treated with care and respect every step of the way..

Preparing for a Transabdominal Scan

This scan is done over your lower abdomen with a handheld probe. To get the best images, your bladder needs to be full, which helps lift your uterus and bowel into view.

  • Try to drink around 1 to 1.5 pints (500–750ml) of water around an hour before your appointment.
  • Don’t empty your bladder until after the scan, unless you’re extremely uncomfortable.
  • If you’re worried about remembering, bring a bottle of water with you so you can top up if needed.

This type of scan is often used when a wider view of the pelvis is needed, especially early in an appointment.

Preparing for a Transvaginal Scan

A transvaginal scan uses a small, rounded probe inserted gently into the vagina. It offers a more detailed view of the uterus and ovaries.

  • You don’t need a full bladder for this scan. You’ll usually be asked to go to the toilet before it begins.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You’ll need to undress from the waist down, so something easy to slip off can be helpful.
  • The scan usually lasts just a few minutes and shouldn’t be painful, although you might feel some mild pressure.

We’ll talk you through everything beforehand and check in with you throughout to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Your comfort comes first

At SureScan, our priority is your comfort. You’re welcome to bring a friend, partner, or support person with you. You can ask questions at any point and take your time before and after the scan.

Gynaecological scans are a valuable tool for understanding your health, giving you clarity, and helping you move forward, whether that means treatment or reassurance.

Call us on 0121 308 7774 to book a scan with one of our expert women’s health consultants.

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Abnormal womb lining a probable cause of recurrent miscarriage?

Womb lining recurrent miscarriage

At SureScan, we understand how recurrent miscarriage can have a devastating impact on families. Many women go through multiple pregnancy losses without a clear understanding of why. But new research is beginning to offer a glimmer of hope.

With Baby Loss Awareness Week in October, we’re sharing news about a recent breakthrough that sheds light on a possible hidden cause.

What is a recurrent miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage is usually defined as losing three or more pregnancies in a row. It’s far more common than many people realise, affecting around one in every 100 women. They can be linked to genetic issues, uterine fibroids, abnormal hormone levels or cervical problems. Sometimes, there can be an underlying cause, for example inflammatory conditions that affect the womb tissue such as endometritis.

In many cases, though, there’s no clear reason – and that lack of explanation can leave women feeling lost or dismissed. New research is now shedding light on the role of the womb lining itself. A major UK study has identified abnormalities in the endometrium that may prevent embryos from implanting properly.

A new focus on womb lining

A major UK study led by researchers at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has identified abnormalities in the way the womb lining prepares for pregnancy as a hidden cause of recurrent miscarriage.

The team examined over 1,500 biopsies from women with a history of miscarriage and discovered that in many cases, the decidual reaction – a process where the womb lining changes to support an embryo – was disrupted.

Without a healthy decidual reaction, embryos may struggle to implant or the early pregnancy may not be sustained.

This discovery is an important step forward in understanding why miscarriage happens in women who otherwise appear healthy, and it may pave the way for new diagnostic tests and treatment strategies in the future.

Support with recurrent miscarriages

Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time to highlight the importance of research, early diagnosis, and compassionate care. The more we understand about why miscarriage occurs, the better we can support women with personalised advice and treatment.

If you’ve experienced loss and are thinking about trying again, or simply want to understand more about your reproductive health, we’re here for you. At SureScan, we offer pelvic ultrasound scans and early pregnancy assessments to help you find clarity and reassurance when you need it most.

If you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, speak to your GP, or book a consultation or scan with SureScan. Support is available, and research like this study is paving the way for more answers, more options, and hopefully, more successful outcomes in the future.

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When is it safe to stop hormone therapy?

hormone therapy

Hormone therapy (also known as menopausal hormone therapy, or MHT), can be a lifeline through the ups and downs of menopause, easing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and helping protect bone health. But when is it safe to stop?

The answer isn’t as simple as ‘once symptoms fade.’ It depends on your personal risks and needs, and that’s exactly what you and your menopause service team should be discussing.

What happens when you stop hormone therapy?

A recent study found that those who stopped MHT after fewer than five years had a slight increase in fracture risk, especially shortly after discontinuation. It also showed that if 10,000 women aged 40 and up were followed for a year, there were about 14 extra fractures compared with women who never used hormone therapy.

Women who stayed on MHT for more than five years experienced a long-term protective effect. They’d have 13 fewer fractures per 10,000 women a decade after stopping.

What about cancer risk?

As with any hormone-based treatment, there are trade-offs. Past clinical trials linked combined oestrogen and progestogen therapy (especially in older women) to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease. This is why many providers recommend stopping HRT eventually.

According to Breastcancer.org, while MHT can significantly improve quality of life for women with severe menopausal symptoms, any history of breast cancer, or a high risk of it, makes hormone therapy a no-go. The long-term risk of breast cancer increases with duration, particularly when progestogen is included alongside oestrogen.

Weighing the benefits and risks

It’s all about balance, and that balance looks different for everyone. If you’re younger (under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset), have significant symptoms and low cancer risk, MHT may offer great benefits.

However, if you have personal or family history of breast cancer, a shorter course, or complete avoidance of hormone therapy, could be more appropriate.

Recent guidance emphasises that any decision around starting, continuing, or stopping hormone therapy must be highly personalised based on age, symptom severity, bone health status, and individual risks of osteoporotic fractures or hormone-sensitive cancers.

Helpful strategies when stopping hormone therapy

If you and your provider agree it’s time to stop hormone therapy, here’s what might help smooth the transition:

  • Gradual tapering, if appropriate, to reduce sudden drops in oestrogen
  • Monitoring bone health, especially in the first few years after stopping.
  • Managing remaining symptoms, with non-hormonal options or lifestyle adjustments.

Deciding when, or if, to stop hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a careful, informed conversation that considers your symptom severity, bone health, and cancer risk, balanced by your personal values and goals.

At SureScan, our menopause service is here to guide you every step of the way. It’s personalised, responsive, and always in tune with your needs as they evolve. Book your menopause health check today.

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Bladder leakage after pregnancy

bladder leakage after pregnancy

Bladder leakage after having a baby is more common than many people realise, yet it’s something that isn’t often talked about. Also known as urinary incontinence, this condition affects women to varying degrees in the weeks, months, and even years following childbirth.

This Urology Awareness Month, we take a closer look at urinary incontinence after childbirth, understanding why it happens and what support is available for women.

How common is bladder leakage after pregnancy?

Urinary incontinence after pregnancy is not unusual. A study found that over 40% of women experienced bladder leakage at some point during the first year after giving birth. Despite how widespread the problem is, many women never raise it with their doctor or midwife, often assuming it is just part of motherhood they need to put up with.

The reality is that bladder leakage is a medical issue with identifiable causes and treatments. The more openly we talk about it, the more women can access the right help.

What causes bladder leakage after childbirth?

Pregnancy and delivery place significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for supporting the bladder and controlling the release of urine. When these muscles become stretched or weakened, leakage can occur, especially when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.

Some women may also develop stress incontinence, where pressure on the bladder from physical activity leads to unintentional leaks. Others experience urge incontinence, where there is a sudden, strong need to urinate that can be difficult to control.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of postnatal bladder leakage, including:

  • Vaginal delivery (particularly assisted births using forceps or vacuum)
  • Having a larger baby
  • A prolonged or difficult labour
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Obesity or being overweight

Even women who deliver via caesarean section are not completely exempt, as pregnancy itself can weaken the pelvic floor.

Why women don’t always seek help

Despite its impact on daily life, urinary incontinence is often underreported. Research suggests that embarrassment and a belief that it is ‘just part of motherhood’ are two of the biggest barriers to seeking help.

The recent APPEAL research programme highlighted another important challenge. It found that many pregnant women lacked confidence in knowing what could be done to prevent leakage, while midwives often felt unsure about how best to advise or support them.

Can bladder leakage be prevented?

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles during and after pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of bladder leakage. Pelvic floor exercises are simple but can be surprisingly powerful if done correctly and consistently.

Lifestyle factors for good bladder health include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fibre, and limiting caffeine and alcohol. Also, staying active with low-impact exercise that supports overall core strength can be beneficial.

In some cases, a referral to a physio that specialises in women’s pelvic health may be recommended.

If leakage persists, there are medical treatments that can help. These range from bladder training programmes and medications to surgical options in more severe cases.

Bladder leakage may be common, but it is not something you have to simply live with. If you’re struggling after pregnancy, book an appointment with SureScan.

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Endometriosis and fertility – what are your options?

Endometriosis and fertility

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, or you suspect you might have it, you’ve probably come across plenty of stories linking it to fertility struggles. While it’s true that endometriosis can affect your ability to conceive, the picture isn’t always so clear-cut.

While some women with endometriosis have no difficulty getting pregnant, others may find it takes longer, or that they need additional support to conceive. What’s important is understanding how the condition affects fertility, when to get assessed, and the treatment options available to you.

How does endometriosis affect fertility?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts growing in other areas, like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or bowel. These growths can cause inflammation, scarring, and sometimes the formation of cysts called endometriomas.

In terms of fertility, endometriosis can cause issues in several ways:

  • Distorted pelvic anatomy: Adhesions or scarring can physically block or restrict the movement of the egg and sperm.
  • Ovarian function: Endometriomas may affect how well the ovaries produce and release eggs.
  • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the pelvis may interfere with fertilisation or embryo implantation.

But it’s not all bad news. According to a recently updated review, many women with mild to moderate endometriosis do go on to conceive naturally. The challenge is often identifying who may need help sooner rather than later, which is where early assessment comes in.

When should you seek an assessment?

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s worth speaking to a specialist. However, with endometriosis, you might not want to wait that long.

If you’re living with symptoms like severe period pain, pain during sex, or persistent pelvic discomfort, and you’re thinking about starting a family, early assessment can give you a clearer picture of where you stand.

Even if you’re not ready to try for a baby just yet, understanding how endometriosis is affecting your body can help you plan ahead.

Some women also explore fertility preservation, like egg freezing, if they’re concerned about how the condition may progress or how upcoming surgery could impact their ovarian reserve.

How pelvic ultrasound fits in

A pelvic ultrasound is often one of the first tools used to assess endometriosis-related fertility concerns. At SureScan, we offer MRI and ultrasound scans, which provide detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures.

While a scan can’t detect every case of endometriosis, especially superficial or very small lesions, it can pick up signs such as:

  • Endometriomas (chocolate cysts) on the ovaries
  • Adhesions between organs
  • Reduced ovarian mobility
  • Distorted uterine or ovarian anatomy

Ultrasound also plays a vital role in checking ovarian reserve through antral follicle count (AFC), helping to estimate how many eggs you may have left and guiding any discussions around timing or assisted conception options.

At SureScan, we provide fast, expert-led ultrasound scanning and gynaecological assessments so you can get answers sooner. Whether you’re looking for reassurance, planning a pregnancy, or just want to understand your options better, we’re here to help. Call us on 0121 308 7774 to book a consultation.

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Changes in cervical cancer screening that could affect you

cervical cancer screening

If you’re someone who keeps track of your smear test reminders, you may be surprised to hear that the cervical screening programme in England is changing. For women aged 25 to 49, invitations will now arrive every five years instead of every three.

Here’s what you need to know about what’s changing, why it’s happening, and when it’s still important to get things checked between screenings.

More accurate HPV testing

Until recently, smear tests (also known as cervical screenings) were primarily used to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Now, the screening process begins by testing for high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus), the virus that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

This shift to primary HPV testing means the test is more sensitive and accurate than ever before. If no high-risk HPV is found, the risk of developing cervical cancer in the next five years is extremely low. This follows years of research showing HPV testing is more accurate at predicting who is at risk of developing cervical cancer than the previous testing method. That’s why the screening interval is being extended from three to five years for women aged 25–49.

If HPV is found during screening, the test will still check for abnormal cells and further monitoring or treatment will be offered if needed.

When you should still get checked

While five years between screenings may now be standard, it’s important to know that it is primarily for people without symptoms, so if you notice anything unusual, or would like reassurance, you don’t need to wait for a screening invite.

Some symptoms can be early signs of cervical changes or other gynaecological issues and should always be checked, no matter where you are in your screening cycle. These include:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding (after sex, between periods, or after menopause)
  • Persistent vaginal discharge that’s new or different
  • Pain or discomfort during sex
  • Ongoing pelvic, lower back, or abdominal pain

These symptoms don’t automatically mean something serious is going on, but they do deserve attention. If you’re experiencing anything on that list, trust your instincts and book in for a check-up.

At SureScan, we offer a range of diagnostic services, including pelvic ultrasound scans and gynaecological assessments, to help get to the root of the problem quickly and clearly.

Supporting women’s health at every stage

Cervical screening is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to looking after your reproductive health. Whether you’re navigating symptoms, managing a long-term condition, or simply want reassurance that everything’s as it should be, timely support makes all the difference.

Our team at SureScan specialises in fast access to high-quality diagnostic scans, including ultrasound, pelvic MRI, and specialist gynaecology consultations. If something’s concerning you and you don’t want a delay in getting answers, we’re here to help.

It’s completely normal to have questions or concerns about these changes to the screening programme. Our team of consultants have years of experience in scanning and women’s health.

If you are concerned about symptoms, give us a call on 0121 308 7774 to book a consultation.

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Can weight loss injections affect contraception?

weight loss and contraception

Weight loss injections, like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), have been making headlines lately, and for good reason. These GLP-1 medications can support significant weight loss and are now being prescribed to more people than ever before.

However, as with any new treatment, it’s important to understand the impact it could have on the rest of your health, especially if you’re using contraception.

Recent guidance from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) has raised some important points about how these injections could impact contraceptive effectiveness. If you’re using or considering GLP-1 weight loss injections, here’s what you need to know.

What are weight loss injections and how do they work?

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide were originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. However, researchers soon discovered that these medications also helped with weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion.

Now, they’re being used more widely to help people with obesity or weight-related health conditions reach a healthier weight.

You usually take them as a once-weekly injection, and many people report feeling fuller for longer and eating less without consciously dieting. The benefits can be impressive, but the medications can also cause side effects, especially in the first few weeks. Nausea, vomiting, and digestive changes are all common as your body adjusts.

Can weight loss medications interfere with birth control?

Some forms of contraception, like the combined oral contraceptive pill, need to be absorbed properly through your digestive system to be fully effective. If you’re taking semaglutide and it causes vomiting or diarrhoea (particularly within a few hours of taking your pill), your body may not absorb the full dose of hormones. That could mean reduced protection against pregnancy.

This is especially important during the first four weeks of starting weight-loss injections, when side effects tend to be strongest. According to the FSRH, this early adjustment period may put some users at greater risk of contraceptive failure if they’re relying on methods like the pill. They have shared this patient advice (click here) based on their recommendations.

It’s also worth noting that GLP-1 injections don’t interact with hormonal contraception in a way that cancels it out chemically. The concern is more about how the injection affects your digestion and whether your body can process the contraceptive properly.

How to make sure that you stay protected

If you’re using weight-loss injections and contraception at the same time, there are a few ways to make sure you stay protected:

Use extra protection: During the first four weeks of treatment (or longer if you’re still having digestive side effects), consider using condoms as a backup method, even if you’re on the pill.

Think about switching to a non-oral method: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options like the coil (IUD), implant, or injection, are not affected by digestion. This means they remain fully effective regardless of nausea or vomiting.

Track symptoms: If you do feel unwell after taking your pill, especially within 2–3 hours, check your contraceptive leaflet, it may count as a missed dose. In that case, follow the usual missed pill guidance or speak to a healthcare provider.

Most importantly, don’t panic. Many people take both treatments safely, but awareness is key. If you’re unsure whether your current contraception is still working effectively while on weight loss medication, it’s always worth having a chat with a doctor.

Need advice on what’s right for you?

If you’re starting weight-loss medication and want to review your contraception options, we’re here to help with friendly, clear, and confidential advice.

Book a consultation today and let’s find the approach that works best for your body, your goals, and your peace of mind.

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The difference between fibroids and endometriosis

fibroids and endometriosis

If you’ve ever dealt with ongoing pelvic pain, heavy periods, or discomfort that’s difficult to pinpoint, it can be extremely frustrating. Many women live with gynaecological conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts without a clear diagnosis for months, or even years.

Since July is Fibroid Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to shine a light on two of the most common (and commonly confused) conditions affecting women’s health: fibroids and endometriosis.

While these conditions can cause similar symptoms, they’re very different in terms of what’s going on in the body, how they’re diagnosed, and how they’re treated. Understanding the difference is an important step in getting the right support and care.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They’re extremely common – affecting 2 in 3 women, usually aged between 30 – 50, and with a greater risk for Black women.

They’re made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size and quantity, from as small as a pea to as large as a melon.

In many cases, fibroids cause no symptoms at all, but when they do, the most common signs include:

  • Heavy or prolonged periods
  • Pelvic pressure or bloating
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain during sex
  • Lower back pain or leg pain (if the fibroid presses on nearby nerves)

Fibroids are usually diagnosed via pelvic ultrasound or MRI. Treatment options can range from watchful waiting to medication, minimally invasive procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), or in some cases, surgery.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue like the lining of the womb (the endometrium) starts to grow outside the uterus. This tissue can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, or other pelvic organs.

Each month, just like the lining of the womb, this tissue builds up and breaks down, but unlike a regular period, there’s no way for it to leave the body. This can lead to inflammation, scarring, and pain.

Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years, partly because its symptoms can vary so much. Common signs include:

  • Pelvic pain, especially during or before periods
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Painful bowel movements or urination (especially around your period)
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

As endometriosis doesn’t always show up on imaging, it’s often confirmed via laparoscopy (a small surgical procedure). Treatment options include pain relief, hormone therapy, or surgery to remove the endometrial tissue.

Getting a diagnosis for your pelvic pain

As these conditions share similar symptoms, it’s easy for them to be confused or misdiagnosed. Ovarian cysts are another potential cause of pelvic pain that shouldn’t be overlooked.

A recent survey by Wellbeing of Women charity, involving 3,002 women and girls found that only half say they have seen a healthcare professional about heavy bleeding or period pain.

At SureScan Women’s Health Clinic, we offer expert consultant-led gynaecological assessments and scanning services. These can help women understand exactly what’s going on.

Whether you’re dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pain, or just the sense that something isn’t quite right, it is important to speak to a gynaecologist about your concerns.

Book a consultation with a member of our specialist team today and take the next step towards clarity, comfort, and confident care.

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Early menopause risk for endometriosis patients discovered

endometriosis and menopause

A new study published in the journal Human Reproduction has shown that patients with endometriosis are more likely to experience early menopause than women without the condition, and seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause than natural menopause.

The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, and looked at data from more than 270,000 women in Australia, the UK, Sweden and Japan, over a period of 26 years. The aim was to understand the association between endometriosis and menopause, both in terms of natural versus surgical menopause and the age at which it occurs.

Researchers discovered that surgical menopause occurs an average of 19 months earlier in women with endometriosis, and natural menopause occurs five months earlier than in women who don’t have endometriosis.

What is surgical menopause?

Surgical menopause occurs after a procedure known as oophorectomy, where the ovaries are surgically removed. The reason surgical menopause is more common in women with endometriosis may well be because oophorectomy is often used as a treatment to relieve the pain associated with the condition.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition where womb-like tissue grows outside of the womb, usually on organs in the abdominal area. Because this tissue grows outside of the womb, it can’t be shed each month in the usual way (through menstruation), which can lead to a build-up of scar tissue.

Symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Severe period pain – to the extent that it prevents you from carrying out normal daily tasks
  • Extremely heavy periods
  • Pain when using the toilet
  • Pelvic pain even when not on your period
  • Painful sex
  • Extreme fatigue

Why might endometriosis cause early menopause?

It is not known exactly why endometriosis causes natural menopause to occur earlier, although we do know that surgical menopause is often induced as part of treatment to manage the pain associated with endometriosis.

Why is it important to know about an association between endometriosis and early menopause?

While many of us might long for the day when we no longer have to deal with monthly bleeding – and if you suffer from the painful, heavy periods often associated with endometriosis, even more so – there are some dangers attached to early and surgical menopause, including adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease.

By understanding the link between endometriosis and early menopause, it is hoped that doctors will be able to monitor endometriosis patients for the signs and symptoms of menopause.

How can the link between endometriosis and surgical menopause be avoided?

Often, surgical menopause occurs because the pain associated with endometriosis has become too much to bear, and this is usually the case when diagnosis has been delayed. By ensuring both patients and medical staff are aware of the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, it is hoped that diagnosis can occur much earlier, thus avoiding the need for drastic surgical intervention.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of endometriosis, please contact us to book a consultation with one of our specialists.

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How AI could transform pregnancy scanning

pregnancy scanning

Researchers at King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust have been trialling AI technology to perform the crucial 20-week pregnancy scan, which is used to identify foetal abnormalities.

The results of the trial were published in the journal NEJM AI and revealed that AI scans were up to 42 per cent faster than standard scans, and equally accurate. Almost 80 pregnant women and 58 sonographers took part in the trial, with each woman scanned twice, once using the AI-assisted scanner and once in the usual way. The AI scan appeared to be equally reliable and significantly faster than the standard method.

Researchers say they hope the use of AI in pregnancy scanning would allow sonographers more time to focus on patient care. There are now plans to roll the trial out more widely, although it is unclear when this technology might become available.

The twenty-week scan

While most newly pregnant women are holding out for the 12-week scan in order to feel confident in telling family and friends about their pregnancy, the 20-week scan is the most important pre-natal screening test, as it allows us to check and measure the baby’s anatomy, check for any abnormalities and test for rare health conditions.

What happens at the 20-week scan?

Your scan will be carried out by a medical professional called a sonographer, who is an expert in carrying out and analysing ultrasound scans. When you arrive at the scan, the sonographer will ask you to lie down on the bed, and to lift your top and lower the waistband of your trousers or skirt, so that your belly is exposed.

The sonographer will then rub some gel onto your abdomen – this ensures a sharper image – and hold a probe against your skin. The scan image will then appear on the sonographer’s screen, and they will be able to take the measurements they need.

What sort of abnormalities are being checked for?

The 20-week scan can be used to diagnose conditions such as:

  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Heart problems
  • Spina bifida
  • Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome
  • Kidney problems
  • Skeletal dysplasias

It is important to remember that most of these conditions are very rare – in most cases, your 20-week scan will just serve as reassurance that you are carrying a very healthy baby. If the sonographer has any concerns, you may be referred for further scans.

What else can the 20-week scan show?

Most expectant parents arrive at their 20-week scan hoping to find out the gender of their baby. In general, the 20-week scan can be used to identify the sex of the foetus, but it is important to be aware that sometimes the position of the baby makes this impossible.

If you don’t want to find out your baby’s gender, it is important to let the sonographer know this as soon as you arrive for your scan – that way, they can ensure the screen is angled away from you in case of any tell-tale signs!

While AI-assisted scans may be an exciting development in future, it is important to remember that standard, sonographer-led scans are just as accurate, and are widely available here and now.

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