How many scans do you get

It usually takes place between 18 weeks and 21 weeks. Prenatal testing is available to check the health of your baby. It is your choice if you decide to have these tests and you should discuss your option A dating scan is an ultrasound scan to determine how many weeks pregnant you are and your due date. Learn more about how the procedure is performed. In the second trimester of pregnancy, you may be offered to have an morphology scan anomaly scan.

Learn about what it looks for and when it is perfo Genetic counselling may be recommended for people who have a history of hereditary disorders. Find out why you might need counselling and what to expe Neural tube defect affects less than one in pregnancies.

There are a number of factors that will increase this risk especially a close family his Questions to ask your doctor about the tests and scans you will be offered during your pregnancy. Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.

If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. For more information, please visit the links below:. You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly. Your GP, midwife and obstetrician are there to support you, and to explain everything to you in detail.

Never be afraid to ask questions. Page last reviewed: 15 March Next review due: 15 March Read our cookies policy to find out more about our cookies and how we use them. Extra scans during pregnancy. If a possible problem is detected If the scan shows up a possible problem, you may need to have extra scans and more tests. The sonographer estimates when your baby is due the estimated date of delivery, or EDD based on the baby's measurements.

The dating scan can include a nuchal translucency NT scan, which is part of the combined screening test for Down's syndrome , if you choose to have this screening. The second scan offered during pregnancy usually takes place between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.

It's sometimes called the mid-pregnancy scan. This scan checks for 11 physical conditions in your baby. You may be offered more than 2 scans, depending on your health and the pregnancy. You can find out more about the week dating scan and the week or mid-pregnancy scan.

No, not if you do not want to. Some people want to find out if their baby is more likely to have a condition, while others do not. The week dating scan and week scan will be offered to you, but you do not have to have them. Your choice will be respected if you decide not to have the scans, and your antenatal care will continue as normal. You'll be given the chance to discuss it with your maternity team before making your decision. Most hospitals do not allow children to attend scans as childcare is not usually available.

Please ask your hospital about this before your appointment. Remember, an ultrasound scan is an important medical examination and it is treated in the same way as any other hospital investigation. Ultrasound scans can sometimes find problems with the baby.

Most scans show that the baby is developing normally and no problems are found. This is because most babies are healthy. You can continue with your routine antenatal care.

If the scan shows your baby is more likely to have a condition, the sonographer may ask for a second opinion from another member of staff.