Celebrate Your Journey with a Maternity Ultrasound Scan
A pregnancy scan, or ultrasound, is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the fetus, womb, and other pelvic organs. It is used to confirm pregnancy, check fetal development, and assess overall maternal and fetal health. Scans can be done at various stages, including early scans to confirm a viable pregnancy and a more detailed 20-week anomaly scan to check for abnormalities.
- Available in Klang Valley, Penang & Johor Bahru
- Digital scan images delivered to your Flabee Care App
What is the Meaning of a Maternity Scan?
A maternity scan, more commonly known as a pregnancy or fetal ultrasound, is a non-invasive medical imaging procedure. It uses high-frequency sound waves—not radiation—to create images of your developing baby, placenta, uterus, and other pelvic organs. These sound waves bounce off tissues and fluids, and the returning echoes are translated by a computer into real-time visual images on a monitor.
What Are the Best Weeks for an Ultrasound Scan?
Timing is critical for each scan to gather the most accurate information.
- Dating Scan: Weeks 7-10 is ideal. Before 7 weeks, it may be too early to see much; during this window, the baby’s size is perfect for an accurate due date measurement.
- Nuchal Translucency Scan: Must be performed between Weeks 11 and 13+6—this is a very time-sensitive measurement.
- Anomaly Scan: Routinely scheduled between Weeks 18 and 22, with Week 20 often being the ideal time as the baby is large enough to see details but still has room to move.
- Growth Scans: These are performed as needed in the third trimester, typically from Week 28 onwards.
Pregnancy & Fertility
Scans
From early pregnancy to 5D scans, experience maternity care enhanced by the Flabee Care App.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Maternity Scans
1. Do I need a full bladder for the scan?
For early pregnancy scans (before 12 weeks), a full bladder is essential as it pushes the uterus up and provides a clearer “acoustic window.” For the 20-week scan, it’s often less critical, but always follow your clinic’s specific instructions.
2. Can I find out the baby's sex at the scan?
Yes, the anomaly scan (around 20 weeks) can often determine the baby’s biological sex, but it is not 100% accurate. The baby needs to be in a favourable position. You must inform the sonographer at the start if you wish to know.
3. What if the scan finds a potential problem?
Try not to panic. If a potential issue is detected, you will be referred to a specialist, such as a Fetal-Maternal Medicine consultant, for further, more detailed scans and counseling to discuss the findings, what they mean, and your options.
4. Why might I need a transvaginal scan?
In early pregnancy, a transvaginal (internal) scan uses a slender probe that gets closer to the uterus, providing a much clearer image than an abdominal scan can at that stage. It is safe, not typically painful, and provides the best diagnostic information early on.
5. My friend had more scans than me. Should I be worried?
No. The number of scans is tailored to each individual pregnancy. More scans are often required for monitoring specific conditions (e.g., twins, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes), not because it’s “better.” Fewer scans usually indicate a low-risk, progressing-as-expected pregnancy.
6. Can I have a copy of the ultrasound pictures?
Most clinics will happily print a few images for you to take home. Some now also offer digital copies on a USB drive or via a secure patient portal. There may be a small fee for this service.
7. Is the ultrasound gel cold?
Many clinics now use warming cabinets for the gel, so it’s often quite comfortable. However, it can sometimes feel a little cool. It is water-based, hypoallergenic, and wipes off easily after the scan.
8. Can I bring my family to the scan?
Absolutely. Most hospitals and clinics encourage you to bring one or two support people (e.g., your partner, a parent) to share in the experience. It’s always best to check the clinic’s policy in advance.
9. What if my baby is in a bad position during the scan?
This is extremely common. The sonographer is an expert at encouraging babies to move. They may ask you to jiggle your belly, go for a short walk, empty your bladder, or lie in a different position.
10. Are private 3D/4D scans worth it?
This is a personal choice. While they offer a unique and memorable bonding experience, it is essential to choose a reputable clinic with qualified medical sonographers. Remember that these are for entertainment and should never be used as a substitute for your medically indicated diagnostic scans.