PRP's Pregnancy Ultrasound Service Information

Pregnancy ultrasounds are performed at key stages throughout your pregnancy to monitor your baby’s growth, development, and wellbeing. Expecting a baby is an exciting journey and understanding when to book each obstetric ultrasound can help you feel confident and prepared at every stage. From early pregnancy scans that confirm viability and estimate your due date, through to detailed anatomy and later growth scans, each ultrasound plays an important role in your obstetric care.

At PRP Diagnostic Imaging, we provide comprehensive pregnancy ultrasound services using advanced technology, delivered by experienced sonographers and specialist radiologists to support you and your referring doctor at every stage of your pregnancy.

Ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to obtain images of the unborn baby and pelvic organs. It is very safe and painless.

When are pregnancy ultrasounds performed?

Pregnancy ultrasounds are typically recommended at specific stages, depending on your individual care and your doctor’s referral.

Early pregnancy (7 weeks up to 12 weeks)

Early ultrasounds, often performed around 7–8 weeks, are used to:

  • Confirm the pregnancy and viability
  • Estimate your due date (dating scan)
  • Assess for concerns such as bleeding, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy

In some cases, a viability scan may also be performed from around 10 weeks, particularly when combined with NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing).

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Generation® Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a simple, yet highly accurate (lowest failure rate of any NIPT test) prenatal screening test. We do a viability scan and NIPT blood test at 10 weeks and 5 days gestation for both single, twin and IVF pregnancies.

A simple blood sample is taken from the mother to screen for the most common chromosomal abnormalities that can affect your baby’s health.

Generation® NIPT looks for missing or extra chromosomes, which are often associated with mental and physical disabilities. This includes testing for an extra copy of

  • Chromosome 21 (Down Syndrome)
  • Chromosome 18 (Edwards Disease)
  • Chromosome 13 (Patau Syndrome)
  • If requested, Sex Chromosomes.

Nuchal translucency (NT) scan (11–13 weeks)

The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is performed between 11 weeks 5 days and 13 weeks 5 days, with an ideal timing around 12 weeks 4 days.

This scan:

  • Assesses the risk of chromosomal conditions
  • May be combined with blood tests taken from the mother for first trimester screening.

See NIPT for further information https://www.prpimaging.com.au/ultrasound-services/nipt/

12–16 week ultrasound

This scan, sometimes referred to as an early anatomy or structural scan, is typically performed around 14 weeks. It provides an early assessment of your baby’s development and may be recommended alongside or following NIPT screening.

Morphology scan (18–22 weeks)

The morphology scan, usually performed around 20 weeks, is a detailed ultrasound that:

  • Examines your baby’s anatomy and development
  • Assesses major organs, growth, and placenta position
  • Are an opportunity to discover the sex of your baby if you want to know it early

This is one of the most important scans in pregnancy and typically requires a longer appointment.

Third trimester scans (22 weeks onwards)

Later in pregnancy, growth and wellbeing scans may be performed from 22 weeks onwards to:

  • Monitor your baby’s growth, wellbeing and position
  • Assess placental function and amniotic fluid
  • Support management of higher-risk pregnancies

With PRP’s pregnancy ultrasound services you will receive personalised care throughout your pregnancy.

The number and timing of ultrasounds may vary depending on your individual pregnancy and your doctor’s recommendations. Some patients may require additional scans, particularly in multiple pregnancies or where closer monitoring is needed.

At PRP Diagnostic Imaging, our team works closely with your referring doctor to ensure you receive the right scans at the right time, with accurate reporting and a focus on patient care and reassurance throughout your pregnancy journey.

For more information visit our blog Different Types of Pregnancy Scans and When You Need Them https://www.prpimaging.com.au/pregnancy-scan-types-and-timing/

Preparation

Empty bladder 90 mins prior to appointment, drink 750ml of water over the next 60 mins and hold.

What happens during the procedure

You may be asked to put on a gown. Gel is applied to the skin to improve contact between the skin and transducer (a handheld plastic probe which sends and receives the reflected sound waves that forms the image). The transducer is moved slowly over the abdomen to acquire images of the baby and pelvic organs in different planes. The images are displayed on a computer monitor for interpretation. Ultrasound is painless but discomfort from transducer pressure may be experienced if your bladder is full.

You may be asked permission to perform an internal (transvaginal) examination if a more detailed examination of the cervix is required. You will be asked to wear a gown after emptying your bladder and undressing from the waist down. A sheet will cover your lower abdomen. A sterilised and covered transducer coated with gel is placed carefully into the vagina where it lies closer to the cervix.

How long does it take?

An ultrasound takes approx 15-60 minutes depending on the complexity.

After your examination

There are no restrictions after having an ultrasound.

Your images and report

After your examination, the most pertinent images from your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal. A report, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.

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