University Hospital Waterford
Gate Lodge, X91 XN96
Appointment Times
Wed, Thu, Fri - Afternoon

Scans

Scan Timelines

7 – 14 Weeks

Viability Scan

A Fetal Viability Scan is an ultrasound examination, carried out at 7 to 10 weeks, to confirm that the pregnancy is developing normally and to provide reassurance regarding possible miscarriage.
In the Gate Lodge patients can be seen quickly for necessary ultrasound examinations to confirm a healthy pregnancy, the appointment usually takes up to 40 minutes.
This scan can also confirm or exclude whether twins are present.
Fetal Viability Scans are performed either by the transabdominal or transvaginal route For a transabdominal scan early in pregnancy it is advisable that the bladder is full prior to appointment.

11 – 14 Weeks

First Trimester Scan

This is a dating scan, it is used to see how far long in your pregnancy you are and to check your baby’s development.
The scan takes 20 minutes and it is advisable to have a full bladder to ensure the ultrasound image is clearer.

20 – 22 Weeks

Anomaly Scan

This is a more detailed scan at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy. During this scan we examine each part of the fetal body, to ensure everything is normal. This includes assessing the amount of amniotic fluid, measuring fetal growth and determining the position of the placenta. Special attention is paid to the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowel, kidneys and limbs. The scan takes up to 40 minutes and it is advisable to have a full bladder to ensure the ultrasound image is clearer.

20+ Weeks

Gender Scan

This scan is performed after 20 weeks gestation and is used to determine the gender. The scan can take up to 40 minutes, yet sometimes due to presentation and lie the baby may not be in a favourable position. In these cases it is necessary to return for a further scan appointment when the baby is hopefully in a more favourable position.
Gender determination is 85% accurate and also includes assessing the amount of amniotic fluid, measuring fetal growth, determining the position of the placenta and estimating the fetal weight. It is advisable to have a full bladder to ensure the ultrasound image is clearer.

24 – 40 Weeks

Growth Scan

This scan is again used to monitor the heath of the baby, the location of placenta, measure fluid around the baby, estimate fetal weight, measure the blood flow to the baby’s umbilical cord and to determine the lie of that baby and monitor if it is breech or cephalic.
This scan also includes measuring the blood flow to the baby’s umbilical cord, and also includes
assessing the amount of amniotic fluid, measuring fetal growth, determining the position of the
placenta and estimating the fetal weight. The scan takes up to 40 minutes and it is advisable to have a full bladder to ensure the ultrasound image is clearer.

34 – 40 Weeks

Placental Scan

This scan is used to determine the location of the placenta as the pregnancy progresses and is particularly helpful in cases where the placenta is low-lying towards the end of pregnancy. It is advisable to have a full bladder to ensure the ultrasound image is clearer.

37 – 40 Weeks

Presentation Scan

This scan is performed after 37 weeks and will confirm your baby’s positioning, assessing if they are breech or head down. The placental position will also be identified along with baby’s wellbeing. It is advisable to have a full bladder to ensure the ultrasound image is clearer.