Early ultrasound
Early ultrasounds can be performed from week 6 of pregnancy to confirm the pregnancy and examine the condition of the fetus. At Medicus, we have experienced gynecologists and ultrasound midwives who perform private ultrasounds throughout pregnancy at our clinics in Trondheim, Stavanger, Oslo and Bergen.
What does an early ultrasound involve?
Early ultrasounds can be performed from weeks 6 to 13 of pregnancy. An early ultrasound mainly examines whether:
- the embryo's heart has started to beat (approx. from week 6+0)
- there is more than one embryo
- the pregnancy is normally located inside the uterus
From week 11, you will also be able to see more of the anatomy.
Why do you have an early ultrasound?
There are various reasons why pregnant women want to have an early ultrasound. Many people primarily want confirmation of the pregnancy and how the fetus is doing. Other reasons may include:
- Uncertainty about the length of pregnancy
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Previous miscarriages
- Questions about multiple pregnancy (more than one fetus)
How is an early ultrasound performed?
Early ultrasound is performed normally like an internal ultrasound (vaginally), same as when having a regular gynecological examination. The gynecologist or midwife uses a sound head/probe on the ultrasound machine that emits sound waves. The sound wavee hits the fetus and reflected back so that give its an image on the screen. Ultrasound does not involve any form of radiation.
Is ultrasound harmful to the fetus?
The answer to that is no. A lot of research has been done on whether ultrasound during pregnancy is dangerous. The conclusion is that ultrasound during pregnancy is not harmful to the fetus. This is provided that approved equipment is used and that the examination is performed by qualified health personnel.
At Medicus, you can be assured that the examination will be performed by experienced experts who are qualified to perform ultrasound examinations. We are also committed to staying at the forefront of technology, ensuring that we have modern equipment that is up to standard.
Ultrasound later in pregnancy
Later in pregnancy, there are several things that can be examined with ultrasound , based on how far along you are and what you want to know.
NIPT test from week 10+0
During the NIPT test, a blood sample is taken and analyzed according to Norwegian legislation for the conditions Trisomy 13 ( Patau syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). An ultrasound examination is also performed to examine heart activity , the number of fetuses, gestational age and whether the fetus is developing normally.
Ultrasound from weeks 14-42
From week 14 it is possible to see the gender of the little one in the womb, and you will be able to see more than just the anatomy. When you reach week 18-19 it is possible to set a due date. Furthermore, from week 27 you can do a weight check, and when the due date approaches in week 36-37 you can look at how the fetus is positioned in terms of head position.
3D ultrasound from weeks 26-32
A 3D ultrasound will give you a more realistic image by providing a depth representation of the fetus. Growth is measured , the amount of amniotic fluid is assessed and you can see how the fetus is positioned inside the uterus.
Book an appointment for an early ultrasound
You can easily find an appointment for an early ultrasound via our online booking. You will get an appointment quickly and no referral is necessary.
