Ultrasound scans

All our ultrasound scans are performed by highly trained and experienced fetal sonographers and doctors. 

Even so, ultrasound scanning is not a perfect science and some things may be missed or not seen depending on the age of your baby, your body composition and the position of the baby.

We use the term "baby" to refer to the fetus, which is the unborn child in the uterus.

Viability scan

This is a pregnancy scan carried out at 7 to 10 weeks, this is usually the first scan to be done soon after finding out you are pregnant. Thus, it is also called the "dating scan".

This is an ultrasound scan that is carried out to:

The viability scan can be performed on the abdomen or through the vagina however, we advise to perform the scan through the vagina as it provides a much clearer image of the baby.

We advise every pregnant woman to get a viability scan as soon as they know they are pregnant. 

But more specifically:


Unfortunately, in some cases you may receive unexpected news during the scan. In any case, we offer counselling, information and guidance during the appointment for the next steps. If the need arises, we do refer clients to some of our other practioners at The Clinic in Kabulonga.

The Nuchal translucency scan comes next and genetic screening tests (optional)- these are blood tests that check for genetic conditions that the baby may have such as Down syndrome, Patau syndrome and Edward's syndrome.


**Important information regarding your appointment.

Nuchal translucency scan

This is an ultrasound scan that is carried out at 11 weeks +3 days to 13 weeks +6 days. The scan is performed over the abdomen but in some cases may need to be performed through the vagina. This scan is one of the important scans that all pregnant women need to do. 

During the visit we assess the risk of developing pre-eclampsia ( high blood pressure in pregnancy) based on maternal characteristics and history.

We tend to advise for a blood test called an "antenatal profile", with this blood test we assess for your general wellbeing



The scan is a screening test that only indicates the probability of having a baby with genetic syndromes and not a diagnostic scan. In the case that the probability is high, we may offer you further screening tests- Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) and Dual marker test. These tests when done in combination with the nuchal translucency scan, give a reliable result which tells us whether a genetic or chromosomal abnormality are present or absent. 


The Anomaly scan is the next recommended scan.


**Important information regarding your appointment


Gender reveal & basic anomaly scan

This is an ultrasound scan that is carried out from 16 week onwards, in which we identify the baby's gender as well as examine the baby from head to toe superficially. 



The scan is performed over the abdomen.






**Important information regarding your appointment

Anomaly scan

This is an ultrasound scan that is carried out between 18 to 22 weeks ( ideally at 20 weeks), it is done over the abdomen. This is one of the most important scans that every woman should receive. During this scan we look closely at the baby to detect the presence of any abnormalities and assess the condition of the uterus.



This scan is done in two parts:

a) The first part is the anomaly scan which is performed over the abdomen of the woman.

b) The second part is the cervical length check, in which we assess the length of the cervix by inserting the probe through the vagina and measuring it. Studies have shown that it is a good indicator of the chances of going into preterm labour.

We tend to advise for both parts of this scan however, you can opt not to have the cervical length checked.


If any abnormalities are detected on the scan, these will be discussed as well as the significance of the findings and the client will be given the opportunity to have further counselling.


The Fetal wellbeing scan comes next and is especially important to determine how the baby is growing.


**Important information regarding your appointment

Fetal wellbeing scan

This is an ultrasound scan that is carried out at 30 weeks, performed over the abdomen and is another important scan for every pregnant woman to do. During this visit we also send resources in preparation for labour and delivery, and may opt to order some blood tests.


Supplementary fetal wellbeing scans may be done anytime to further monitor the growth of the baby if there is concern or for reassurance. 

However, the next important scan is the Growth & Position scan.


**Important information regarding your appointment 

Growth & Position scan

This is an ultrasound scan that is carried out at 36 weeks, it is performed over the abdomen. During this appointment we begin to prepare for delivery as the baby approaches term. Preparations include a discussion about the delivery, blood donation and a blood test.


From this point on, regarding all appointments and related consults including delivery, we advise the clients to visit Medland hospital every week until delivery. The weekly check-ups consist of alternating visits between Dr Bastiaan at either SES or Medland hopsital and the midwives at Medland hopsital. 

These visits are particularly important. They enable us to keep monitoring the wellbeing of both mother and baby closely as labour approaches.


**Important information regarding your appointment