Please also visit
Cambridge Fetal Care Services
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Early pregnancy assessment (7 - 11 weeks) - Leaflet
Images at this stage of pregnancy will confirm the presence of a fetal heartbeat and also the number of fetuses and give an indication of the due date. This scan is also essential in determining the optimal timing for other antenatal investigations.
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NTplus scan: a risk assessment for Down’s syndrome incorporating blood tests and a nuchal scan - Leaflet
Ultrasound can be used to assess the risk of Down’s Syndrome and also to determine the presence or absence of a number of other serious fetal problems at this early stage of pregnancy. We then statistically bring together the result of the nuchal scan and PAPP-A blood test with that of the triple test (performed after 14 weeks) to give a ‘combined’ risk assessment on the basis of which a decision can be made as to whether or not invasive testing (Amniocentesis or CVS) is required.
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Detailed Scan and Uterine Artery Doppler (18-24 weeks) - Leaflet
Scanning the baby at this stage of pregnancy usually allows us to reassure parents about their baby, but also allows the detection of a number of problems (for example, cleft palate or heart defects). We also check baby’s growth, amniotic fluid and the placental position. Uterine Artery Doppler is a method of predicting severe pre-eclampsia or poor fetal growth, particularly if ‘high risk’ either because of a past pregnancy history or an underlying problem such as high blood pressure.
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Fetal Growth Scan with Umbilical Artery Doppler (24-42 weeks)
Although midwives and doctors feel and measure the maternal abdomen during pregnancy these are not particularly good methods for detecting small or indeed large babies. Ultrasound allows a more accurate estimation of baby’s size and also a comprehensive assessment of fetal health and wellbeing. We also check the umbilical artery Doppler, baby’s movements, and the volume of amniotic fluid. If there is a concern about baby’s growth or health, we will perform a full biophysical assessment of your baby including (if necessary) full fetal arterial and venous Doppler blood flow measurement.
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Chorionic Villus Sampling (11+ weeks) Including Rapid FISH Result & Full Karyotype - Leaflet
This test involves a biopsy of the placenta, and carries a 1% risk of miscarriage. It is requested when there is heightened concern about Down’s syndrome or other chromosomal conditions either following a nuchal scan, a previous affected baby, or if the maternal age risk is high.
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Amniocentesis (15+ weeks) Including Rapid FISH Result & Full Karyotype - Leaflet
A sample of amniotic fluid can be taken to determine the baby’s chromosomes if the parents feel that there is sufficient risk of Down’s syndrome or other chromosomal abnormality. This carries a small, but important, risk of miscarriage (1%).
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Pre and Post-Natal Counselling
When there is a maternal medical disorder or poor outcome in a previous pregnancy it may be helpful to discuss the implications for a future pregnancy with a specialist obstetrician.
Some General Comments:
Appointments do not normally exceed 30 minutes although on occasion the baby may be in a particularly difficult position and we may ask that you walk about for 15 minutes or so or fill or empty your bladder to obtain the very best views.
We are very happy to give photographs at the time of the scan; there is no charge for this but the quality of the picture may depend on the baby taking up a photogenic position!
After the scan, we will give you a follow up form. We should be very grateful, as part of our audit and quality control, if you would return this after your pregnancy.