This can be a very overwhelming time for you. If there is anything
we can do to help. Please feel free to contact us today: 01 210 0232.
Unsure about which type of pregnancy scan is right for you?
· First trimester or dating scan (6-14 weeks)
· Second trimester scan to assess foetal morphology (18-24 weeks)
· Third trimester 3D / 4D bonding scan. (22 -37 weeks)
In the first trimester: During 2D pregnancy scan is performed to
verify the baby’s heartbeat, to look for multiples, and to determine estimated date
of delivery. In addition, an ultrasound at this point can be invaluable in detecting
any abnormalities such as an ectopic pregnancy. Sadly about 3% of women come in
to discover their pregnancy has failed.
In the second trimester: A 2D ultrasound is performed for the purpose
of ensuring that the baby is growing normally. At this point, measurements and a
full anatomical survey are taken.
In the third trimester: An ultrasound is done to analyze foetal
growth and foetal movement and to ensure foetal and maternal wellbeing. In the late
stages of pregnancy it allows assessment of the presentation of the foetus i.e.
to determine if the foetus is in breech or cephalic position. More recently, 4-D
or dynamic 3-D scans have become available to look at the face and movements of
the baby before birth. This is the mother’s first opportunity to see her baby’s
face before he or she is born. This experience is exhilarating for the parents.
Ultrasound Dimensions inception in 2007 was in response to a need for a medical
ultrasound centre of excellence. Our highly trained sonographers have maintained
strict comprehensive protocols and procedures with state of the art equipment and
ongoing education. Since the beginning, this has been our promise to you our valued
patient.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
Early Viability Pregnancy Scan (under 14 weeks): €95
This early pregnancy scan is performed to date the pregnancy and to assess the presence
of single or multiple pregnancies. Anatomical details are limited at this stage.
We use the first day of your last menstrual period to determine the gestational
age. We compare that with specific measurements of the foetus by measuring the distance
from the top of the head (crown) to the bottom of the body (rump). We also include
measurements of the gestational sac and of the heartbeat. These measurements are
very accurate and can determine the expected age even if you are unsure of your
last menstrual period.
Procedure Includes:
• Medical Report for you and your Doctor.
• Glossy Picture Prints.
Depending on the position of the baby we will be happy to provide a CD with pictures
and video clip.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
Ultrasound Dimensions inception in 2007 was in response to a need for a medical
ultrasound centre of excellence. Our highly trained sonographers have maintained
strict comprehensive protocols and procedures with state of the art equipment and
ongoing education. Since the beginning, this has been our promise to you our valued
patient.
Measurements of the foetus in early pregnancy are important factors in arriving
at the correct dating for a pregnancy. A correct date of the pregnancy, in turn,
is essential for determining an accurate estimation of the expected date of delivery.
Depending on how far along the pregnancy has progressed dictates how much of the
anatomy can be assessed and what measurements are taken.
Procedure Includes:
• Medical Report for you and your Doctor.
• Glossy Picture Prints.
Depending on the position of the baby we will be happy to provide 3D pictures and
CD with pictures and video clip.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
The anomaly scan or mid pregnancy scan as it is sometimes called is ideal for those
parents looking for reassurance or as a secondary option when an earlier screening
test has not been performed. Furthermore, it provides an added opportunity to assess
the baby’s well being.
Your baby’s internal organs are examined in cross section which may be difficult
for you to make out. Bones appear white, fluid is black and soft tissues may seem
to be varying degrees of grey.
At this time we will check for soft markers which are changes in the normal anatomy
and may indicate an abnormality. The four most common markers are choroid plexus
cysts, renal pelvic dilatation, echogenic bowel and an echogenic foci attached to
the muscle of the heart. It is important to understand that although these can be
seen in affected pregnancies they can also be seen in normal healthy babies. If
you had screening earlier in your pregnancy e.g. NT then the presence of any soft
markers later in pregnancy are even less likely to be of any significance.
The baby’s head is examined for shape and size. Internal structures such as the
ventricles of the brain and cerebellum are examined. The sonogrpaher will do standard
measurements and look at the baby’s lips and nose for any obvious defects.
The spine is assessed in both long and short axis views to make sure that all of
the vertebrae are in alignment and that the skin is closed. The baby’s abdominal
wall is checked at this time too to make sure that all of abdominal organs are in
their correct position. 90% of all abdominal wall and spine defects can be picked
up by ultrasound.
The chest is assessed to view a four chamber foetal heart and to check its size
and shape. The two atria should be equal in size and the two ventricles should equal
in size. If the baby is in a good position the main vessels will also be assessed
at this time.
The stomach and bladder are also imaged. The baby swallows some of the amniotic
fluid that it lies in and so some of that fluid will be seen as a black bubble in
the stomach and the urinary bladder as well. Yes, the baby has a wee inside about
every half hour so the urinary bladder fills and empties during the scan.
Baby’s legs, arms, hands and feet are examined.
The umbilical cord is assessed to make sure there are three vessels.
The placenta will be documented to lie anteriorly or posteriorly and to ensure that
the placenta does not cover that cervix.
There should be enough amniotic fluid at this stage to allow baby to move around
freely.
Procedure Includes:
• Medical Report for you and your Doctor.
• Glossy Picture Prints.
Depending on the position of the baby we will be happy to provide 3D pictures and
CD with pictures and video clip.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
From 18 weeks on and sometimes earlier an ultrasound is able to determine the gender
of your baby with an accuracy of approximately 98%.
Procedure Includes:
• Ultrasound Report
• Glossy Picture Prints.
Depending on the position of the baby we will be happy to provide 3D pictures and
CD with pictures and video clip.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
The fluid at the back of the foetal neck can give information that may raise the
suspicion of a problem. The measurement of this fluid is taken at a very specific
time in the pregnancy between 11.2 and 13.6 weeks gestation. Nuchal Translucency
(NT) is only a screening and is more effective when taken in combination with:
• Maternal age
• Maternal blood sample
• Ultrasound at 11.2 - 13.6 weeks
This method of screening increases the detection rate of Down's syndrome and other
major chromosomal abnormalities from 50% to more than 95%. For this first trimester
screening to include blood work, NT measurement and detailed ultrasound contact
us for further details.
Nuchal Ultrasound Scan: €145
Blood Sample Processing: €115
*Blood is not taken on site - please call or email for details.
Procedure Includes:
• Medical Report for you and your Doctor.
• Glossy Picture Prints.
Depending on the position of the baby we will be happy to provide a CD with pictures
and video clip.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
This scan is conducted to see if the baby may be feet-first or buttocks first (breech),
side-on (transverse) or at an angle (oblique) presentation. The placental site will
also be assessed to out rule placental praevia. We would include standard measurements
and heart rate.
Procedure Includes:
• Medical Report for you and your Doctor.
• Glossy Picture Prints.
Depending on the position of the baby we will be happy to provide 3D pictures and
CD with pictures and video clip.
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
Procedure Includes:
· 10-15 minute DVD (2D, 3D and 4D segments ) with Music soundtrack.
· 2 black and white 2D images
· 2 colour 3D prints
· CD with all 3D images taken at your session (20-40 images) for printing,
e-mailing to friends and family or for your mobile phone.
· Gender determination (upon request)
· Gift certificates available.
Overview: Reassurance and Bonding Scan - Non Medical - 3D/4D scan
This 4D scan gives you a unique opportunity to bond with your unborn baby. Using
the latest ultrasound technology scanners, we can show you what your baby looks
like in 3D. At the time of the scan, the scanner generates life-like moving images
of the baby in the womb. An initial 2D ultrasound scan to check the baby's position
and heartbeat is performed.
At Ultrasound Dimensions we know that the quality of ultrasound images varies from
patient to patient. Utilizing the expertise of our sonographers and the latest ultrasound
technology, we take great care to produce perfect images. While there are many factors
that can affect the images of the baby (position, fluid, stage of pregnancy) we
won't let you leave without good images of your precious baby - guaranteed!
You should allow 30-45 minutes for your appointment. Occasionally you may be asked
to return after a walk and a drink; in such case the time may be a little longer.
During your session we will scan for around 20 minutes, which will allow us enough
time to obtain 2D, 3D and 4D images of your baby. Your safety and comfort are our
top concern in delivering this unique and special experience to you.
We recommend that 3D/4D scans be done at the 22 - 37 week period, when more detailed
facial images can usually be seen. At your request we can also determine the gender
of the baby with an accuracy of about 98%. If you don't want to know this, that
is not a problem. Just let us know and we will do our best to protect this area
from view.
At our clinic we offer a comprehensive, affordable and immediate prepregnancy ultrasound
service in a friendly and private environment. This service is provided at a discount
for those needing serial examinations during the treatment phase.
Ultrasound is used to:
• Exclude abnormalities of the womb
• Exclude abnormalities of the ovaries
• Investigate fertility problems
• Monitor the response to various medication
• Uterine artery Doppler to assess resistive index
The initial scan to screen for fertility problems can
exclude:
• Ovarian cysts, particularly resulting from endometriosis (womb lining outside
of the uterus)
• Abnormally small or inactive ovaries
• Uterine fibroids (benign fibrous growths within the muscle)
• Adenomyosis (a form of endometriosis where the endometrial glands form within
the muscle or myometrium of the womb)
• Hydrosalpinges (Abnormal fallopian tubes)
Serial scans can be performed to ensure that:
• Ovulation is occurring (release of the egg)
• The endometrium is developing normally
Long distance infertility treatment:
It is already stressful for couples in the process of having IVF treatment. Having
this performed in centres that are a long distance away, even abroad, can add to
this stress. We are here to reduce the stress of travelling far distances to receive
scans.
We offer a comprehensive service including ultrasound
scans for follicle tracking and assessment of the endometrium - seven days a week!
How is ultrasound used for follicular scanning to monitor
ovulation?
Ovulation scans can determine accurately when the egg matures; and when you ovulate.
This is often the basic procedure for most infertility treatment since the treatment
revolves around ovulation. Serial scans are done to visualise the growing follicle,
which looks like a black bubble on the screen. Most women can see the follicle clearly
for themselves - and know by the scans when the egg has ruptured. Other useful information,
which can be determined by these scans, is the thickness of the uterine lining -
the endometrium. The ripening follicle produces increasing quantities of oestrogen,
which cause the endometrium to thicken and look bright on the ultrasound scan.
Limitations:
It is important to stress that these scans only assess one aspect of female fertility.
They do not check whether your fallopian tubes are blocked or exclude endometriosis.
The fallopian tubes carry the released egg from the ovary to the womb and must be
patent for conception to occur.
Endometriosis (the presence of endometrial “womb lining” deposits outside the uterus)
is an important cause of infertility that is best identified by laparoscopy where
a small telescopic camera is used to directly visualise the pelvis from inside the
abdomen. Ultrasound can confirm its' presence when there are endometriotic cysts
present but their absence does not exclude the diagnosis. Ultrasound scans do provide
valuable information, however, and may lead to the early recognition of a problem
or, of to the early recognition of a problem or, of equal importance provide valuable
reassurance.
Note: All IVF / Follicle Tracking follow up scans are €50.00
*Medical Cards (GMS) are accepted for all medical ultrasounds. A reduced rate
is applied for all scans.
