At Create Health we offer a comprehensive 2D, 3D and 4D (active real-time motion and expression) ultrasound scanning to all pregnant women, using the latest cutting edge technology. The vast majority of ultrasound scans are done through the abdomen – although in early pregnancy and when examining the cervix and low lying placenta at any stage, the transvaginal scanning is optimal. Ultrasound Diagnosis in the First Trimester Assessment of gestational age by crown rump length. This is particularly important for any women who are unsure of their dates because of irregular periods, conception after recently stopping the pill or whilst on the pill, and conception whilst breast feeding. Diagnosis of pregnancy from 1 week after the first missed period. It is possible to visualize the gestational sac inside the uterus at this gestation, and confirm an ongoing pregnancy. Diagnosis of fetal viability from 5.5 – 6 weeks. It is possible to detect heartbeat even at this early stage (1.5 – 2 weeks after the first missed period), and allows confirmation of a live fetus. Whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, or an ectopic pregnancy can be accurately assessed. Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. A potentially life threatening condition when the pregnancy occurs in the wrong place, early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can be made through ultrasound and biochemical tests. Early diagnosis facilitates medical treatment and avoids a surgical operation. Thus appropriate medical or surgical treatment can be planned to avoid danger. Diagnosis of multiple pregnancy and zygocity. Approximately 2% of women conceiving spontaneously and 10 -30% of women on fertility treatment will have a multiple pregnancy. At this stage of gestation it offers a unique opportunity to check if the fetuses share a common placenta, as this would have implications to for the rest of the pregnancy. Screening for chromosomal abnormalities by nuchal translucency scanning between 11-14 weeks. By measuring the fluid behind the neck of the fetus at this stage of pregnancy, in combination with maternal age, we are able to give you a risk for major chromosomal abnormalities which is specific to you, You and your partner can then decide, based on the results, whether it’s high enough to warrant invasive prenatal diagnosis testing which can be chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis later in the pregnancy. Diagnosis of some major congenital abnormalities. Some of the major congenital abnormalities can be visualized at this early gestation, and allow for a plan of management to be decided upon.