maternal and fetal wellbeing centre

Our Maternal and Fetal Wellbeing Centre uniquely offers Consultant and Sonographer led services. Using state of the art ultrasound equipment patients are now able to participate as a family, with their Consultant or Midwife, in the progression of their pregnancy. Soon-to-be parents can share in the experience of seeing their baby grow and mark the milestones in their development. The pictures produced can be the start of baby’s first photo album.

Parents can also chose to have a 3D/4D scan to further enhance the excitement of seeing baby as it grows. Copies can be provided on DVD, VHS, CD, or we can send you a secure internet link so you can share your pictures with family and loved ones by email or by sending it to their mobiles. The images can then be downloaded to ipods or used as a screensaver.

The following scans and tests are available at the Maternal and Fetal Wellbeing Centre:

Early Pregnancy & Dating Scan: The first early ultrasound scan provides you and your Consultant with important information regarding the number of babies and the expected date of delivery. The presence of a pregnancy and detection of the fetal heart can be seen from 6 weeks gestation by vaginal scan and from 8-9 weeks by abdominal scan. Accurate measurements and images are taken of the gestational sac, the crown to rump length of the embryo, to accurately date the pregnancy and assess the pelvic region to exclude pathology.
Combined screening test: The Maternal and Fetal Wellbeing Centre offers serum blood screening in early pregnancy in combination with nuchal scanning and maternal age in order to identify pregnancies at high risk of complications/abnormalities. The combination of these factors allows the detection of about 85% of Down's Syndrome cases and also those at high risk for Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18). This test is performed between 11-13 weeks gestation and if the results show an increased risk, a diagnostic test is offered such as chorionic villus sampling from 11 weeks or amniocentesis after 15 weeks.
Integrated test: The Integrated Test identifies pregnancies at a high risk of Down's Syndrome, open neural tube defects and Edward's Syndrome (Trisomy 18). This test detects 85% of Down's Syndrome cases although it does have a lower 'false positive' rate than the Combined test. The test is performed in two stages and the result is based on the data collected on both occasions. Stage 1 is undertaken between 11-13 weeks and comprises a blood test and an ultrasound scan. Stage two is undertaken ideally between 15-16 weeks and involves a second blood test. Women with a risk of 1 in 250 or greater are interpreted as screen-positive for Down's Syndrome and are offered a further diagnostic test such as a CVS or an Amniocentesis.
Chorionic Villus Sampling: A chorionic villus sampling diagnostic test (CVS) is performed between 11-14 weeks of pregnancy. Using ultrasound guidance, a sample of placental tissue is taken using a needle inserted through the abdominal wall or fine forceps through the cervix. The tissue collected is then tested for chromosomal abnormalities. Preliminary results are usually available within 2-3 working days with a full report available within 2-3 weeks.
Amniocentesis: An amniocentesis is performed later in pregnancy. Using ultrasound guidance, a sample of amniotic fluid is taken using a needle inserted through the abdominal wall. The fluid collected is then tested for chromosomal abnormalities. Preliminary results are usually available within 2-3 working days with a full report available within 2-3 weeks.
Fetal anatomy scan: Between 19-21 weeks the anatomy of your baby is scanned in detail so that any information about the many body systems, such as the urinary tract, digestive tract, heart and major blood vessels, brain and others, can be imaged and interpreted. The careful and accurate measurements made during the scan help to monitor the wellbeing of your baby.
3D / 4D scan: A 3D / 4D ultrasound scan focuses on your baby's face and facial features. It is not a diagnostic scan and therefore does not include measurements of fetal growth or weight. The success of the scan depends on the fetal position and gestation. Care will be taken to ensure that optimum images are obtained, however on occasions examinations may be unsuccessful and / or need to be rescheduled. A 20 minute VHS or DVD, CD with JPeg still images and some thermal images will be presented to you at the end of the scan. The Sonographer or Consultant performing the scan will be able to answer any further questions you may have.
Growth Scan: In later pregnancy, accurate measurements and scan images are taken and plotted to monitor the growth pattern of your baby.
Biophysical Profile: Ultrasound diagnosis of wellbeing can be assessed by observing baby’s movements, muscle tone and breathing as well as growth measurements in a biophysical profile scan. The information provided by ultrasound scanning enables you and your Consultant to decide if all is well as your baby develops and grows.
Counselling: Our team of Fetal Medicine Consultants and Sonographers are available to give the best care and attention, and provide caring support and counselling at sensitive times.