Dating pregnancy scan

Download and print as a PDF. (258kB pdf)

What is this information about?

This information is about your dating pregnancy scan. It explains:

• why you are having this scan
• what you need to know before your scan
• what we look at in this type of scan
• what happens after your scan.

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you are having dating pregnancy scans. This information will help make sure that you are prepared for your scan and that we get the best information possible about you and your baby. This will help us care for you during your pregnancy, delivery (when your baby is born) and postnatally (after your baby is born).

Why am I having a dating scan?

A dating scan is done so that we can work out your estimated due date (EDD). This is done by measuring the size of your baby.

We do dating scans if:

• you have chosen not to have combined screening for Down’s Syndrome, Edward’s Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome
• you think you are more than 14 weeks pregnant.

What measurements of my baby will the sonographer do at the dating scan?

• If you are up to 14 weeks pregnant the sonographer will measure your baby from their head to their bottom. This measurement is called a Crown Rump Length (CRL) and is used to work out your EDD.
• If you are over 14 weeks pregnant the sonographer will measure around your baby’s head. This measurement is called a Head Circumference (HC) and is used to work out your EDD.

Depending on the size of your baby, you may be offered another scan so we can work out your due date.

Which parts of my baby’s body will be checked at the dating scan?

We will check parts of your baby’s body to make sure your baby is developing as expected. These checks look at your baby’s:

• head and brain
• tummy (stomach, bladder and abdominal wall)
• arms and legs.

What else will the sonographer be checking for at my dating scan?

We will also check your placenta and the ‘water’ around your baby (amniotic fluid).

We will look around your womb and try to check your ovaries.

What happens after my scan?

• For most people, the sonographer will explain the results of your scan to you.
• We will give you a printed copy of the results (scan report) and a copy will also be uploaded to your Badgernotes (your electronic pregnancy notes).
• If you do not understand the results or if you have any questions or concerns, do ask your sonographer at the time of your scan.
• We will book in your other scans at the correct times based on your dating scan.

What happens if there are unexpected findings at my scan which show that there may be concerns for the health of me or my baby?

• If there is anything on the scan which does not look as we would expect, your sonographer will tell you.
• If we are not sure about anything on your scan you may see someone from our ‘screening team’. This could be a specialist midwife or doctor who will give you more information after the scan.
• Sometimes we need to arrange more detailed scans; scan later in the pregnancy or give you extra tests before we can get any extra information about you or your baby.
• These extra scans or tests may be at different hospitals.
• For some people, unexpected findings come back with no problems once a specialist has had a closer look.

How can I find out more about preparing for my scan?

Who should I contact if I need further information about my dating scan or support after I have read this information?