Later Dating Scan
A scan to check your baby's growth, confirm dating, and assess development as your pregnancy progresses. See your baby moving, hear the heartbeat, and take home a keepsake photo.
About This Scan
A later dating scan is performed between 11.1 and 24.6 weeks of pregnancy to check how your baby is developing and to confirm or establish dates.
This scan bridges the gap between an early pregnancy scan and your hospital anatomy scan, giving you the opportunity to see your baby's development and hear the heartbeat.
How we date your pregnancy
- Before 14 weeks: Crown-rump length (CRL) measurement
- After 14 weeks: Head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur (thigh bone) length
These measurements help estimate gestational age even if you're unsure of your last menstrual period. Accuracy is highest before 14 weeks.
What You'll See
At this stage of pregnancy, you'll see much more than in an early scan:
- 11-14 weeks: Baby's head, body, arms, legs, hands, and feet; baby moving around
- 14-20 weeks: More detailed features; baby becoming more recognisable
- 20-24 weeks: Clear views of baby's profile, limbs, and movements
You'll see the sonographer placing measurement markers on the screen as they measure baby's head, abdomen, and thigh bone.
What We Check
- Confirm fetal heartbeat
- Determine if single or multiple pregnancy
- Measure your baby to estimate gestational age and due date
- Assess how much of the anatomy can be visualised (depending on gestation)
- Check the position of the placenta
- Assess amniotic fluid levels
What's Included
- Ultrasound examination
- Nuchal translucency measurement (if between 11.2–13.6 weeks)
- Medical obstetric ultrasound report
- Glossy keepsake photo
Why You Might Need This Scan
- •You missed your early dating scan
- •You want to monitor baby's growth
- •To obtain measurements between scheduled hospital appointments
- •To confirm or establish your due date
- •To see your baby's progress and hear the heartbeat
What to Expect
Before Your Scan
11-14 weeks: Attend with a mildly filled bladder. After 14 weeks: No full bladder required. Know your last menstrual period or established due date. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Preparation checklist:
- Mildly filled bladder if under 14 weeks
- Bring your due date if already established
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Arrive 10 minutes early
During the Scan
You'll lie comfortably on an examination table. The sonographer applies warm gel to your abdomen and gently moves the probe to visualise your baby.
You'll be able to watch the scan on a large HD screen. The sonographer will point out your baby's features and explain what you're seeing. You'll hear the heartbeat and see your baby moving.
The sonographer will take various measurements and document the findings for your report.
The scan typically takes 20-30 minutes.
After Your Scan
You'll receive immediate verbal results explaining how your baby is measuring. You'll also receive a medical obstetric report and a keepsake photo to take home.
Pricing
Later Dating Scan: €150
Twins: +€100
Cancellation: We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.
Call 01 210 0232Make an AppointmentReady to Book Your Scan?
Our experienced team is available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.