If you are around 30 weeks pregnant you may like a 4D ultrasound which shows 3D baby images in real time movement. Look at 4D ultrasounds for pregnancies.

Why have an Obstetric Ultrasound?

Obstetric ultrasounds give us important information on the presence or absence of one or more foetus. They can provide an estimated age and delivery date of the baby as well as show any abnormalities.

Ultrasounds emit no radiation and are completely safe for mother and baby.

Who performs the examination?

Ultrasounds are performed by specialist staff called sonographers. All X-RAY & IMAGING sonographers have extensive ultrasound experience.

What happens during the examination?

In most cases you will be required to remove clothing that obstructs your lower abdomen. Once in the ultrasound room you will be asked by the sonographer to lie on the bed whilst the sonographer applies a water based gel to your lower abdomen. The sonographer will then pass a marker pen shaped instrument over the gel. Images of the foetus should then appear on the screen in front of you.

Occasionally, in cases such as a threatened miscarriage, the sonographer may decide that it is necessary to perform a transvaginal ultrasound in order to gain the necessary images. In such a case the transducer is placed 5 to 8 cms into the vagina. You will be required to empty your bladder for this.

Once the sonographer is happy that the images are accurate the examination is over. The images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist and are printed for you to take with you to your next doctor's appointment.

In most cases the whole process takes less than an hour from entering the building and leaving with your results.

Is the examination painful or uncomfortable?

Normal Obstetric Ultrasounds are completely painless. Other than the initial cool feeling of the gel you should not feel any discomfort during the examination.

During transvaginal ultrasounds you may feel minimal discomfort as the transducer is placed in the vagina especially as the bladder begins to refill. This will only be minimal discomfort and only temporary.

What does it show?

Obstetric ultrasounds are designed to show the following information:

• Presence of one or more living foetus
• Size and estimated age of the foetus/ embryo
• Position of the foetus and placenta
• If there is any shortening or opening of the cervix
• The amount of amniotic fluid around the foetus
• The heart rate of the foetus

Do I need to do any preparation for an obstetric ultrasound?

This procedure requires you to have a full bladder so it is advised that you begin drinking a litre of water an hour and a half before your examination, finishing the water an hour before arriving. It is important that you do not urinate until your obstetric ultrasound has been performed.

You should try to wear loose fitting clothing, preferably 2 pieces of clothing to allow you to expose your lower abdomen. This will prevent you from having to remove your clothes for the ultrasound.

Where can I have this examination and how much does it cost?

You can have all obstetric ultrasounds performed at all X-RAY & IMAGING practices.

X-RAY & IMAGING bulk bill ($0) obstetric ultrasounds including the 4D ultrasounds to all patients entitled to Medicare and DVA cover who have a doctor's referral.

However, Medicare only allows bulk billing for one ultrasound every trimester of the pregnancy. Therefore X-RAY & IMAGING can only bulk bill one ultrasound for weeks 12-16, one for weeks 17-22 and one for over 22 weeks of the pregnancy. Unlimited bulk billed ultrasounds are available for weeks 11 and under.

Additional ultrasounds to this will therefore incur a charge of $110; though it is unusual for a mother to require more than three ultrasounds for one pregnancy.

Can I bring a camera or video camera into the appointment?

Unfortunately we cannot allow you to bring any type of recording device into the ultrasound room. We understand it is an exciting time for new parents, but legally we have to decline the use of these items. Images from your scan can be put onto a disc for you upon request, just ask your sonographer at the start of your examination.

Do I have to book an appointment?

Yes. Ultrasounds appointments are often booked several days in advance so it is important to call as soon as possible to book your appointment. Call your nearest X-RAY & IMAGING practice to receive this examination bulk billed.