Perth Radiological Clinic | Pregnancy Ultrasound

Your examination (scan) will be performed by a Radiologist or by a Sonographer, who is a specially trained technologist. The ultrasound is performed to obtain information that will assist your doctor in managing your health. The Sonographer or Radiologist require a high level of concentration to ensure an accurate assessment is achieved. For this reason, under most circumstances, family and friends of the patient are not permitted to watch non-obstetric ultrasound scans. You will need to either leave children in the care of a babysitter or bring a babysitter to supervise them in the waiting room, as children must not be left unsupervised in the waiting room.

If you have diabetes, please inform your referring doctor who will advise you of any special dietary instructions. If you have diabetes and are on insulin, or suffer epilepsy, please discuss the timing of your scan with our booking staff.

Pregnancy over 12 weeks gestation:

Finish drinking 750ml of water 1 hour prior to exam.
Do not empty bladder.

Pregnancy over 12 weeks gestation:

Gradually drink 750mls of water, starting 1½ hours before your appointment time, finish drinking ½ hour before your appointment time.
Do not empty bladder
Continue to take medication.

A clear gel is applied to the area to be examined. The ultrasound probe is then placed in contact with the skin and moved over the surface to study the tissues below. When the still pictures are taken you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds. The scan is completely painless, although pressure may be applied to improve the view in some areas. Please tell the sonographer should this become uncomfortable.

In some female pelvic scans, we may suggest using a transvaginal probe to get a closer view of the pelvic organs. A transvaginal scan is frequently performed early in pregnancy (12 weeks or less). There may also be some indications for this procedure later in the pregnancy. The transvaginal scan is performed with an empty bladder, and as a result many patients find it more comfortable. The small sterilised probe, about the same diameter as a thumb, is lubricated with gel before insertion into the vagina. A protective cover (a condom) is placed over the transducer each time it is used, so there is no risk of infection. We only offer a transvaginal study if it may be of benefit, but it is your decision. If you have an objection to a transvaginal ultrasound being performed, please inform the sonographer.

An ultrasound will provide valuable information about your pregnancy;

Help determine the due date of your baby.
Check the number of babies.
Determine if the pregnancy is continuing normally if there has been any bleeding early in the pregnancy.
Check the position of the placenta.
Check the anatomy of the baby and as far as possible check for abnormalities.
Assess the growth of the baby and its well-being.

Not all birth defects are reliably diagnosed with ultrasound and a normal scan is not an absolute guarantee of a normal baby.

Most ultrasound appointments are for up to 30 minutes, although some complex studies may require longer. Sometimes the radiologist may come to view the screen, however this is quite routine and should not cause alarm. The images are then interpreted by the radiologist and the results will then be forwarded to your referring doctor. We can provide you with some still pictures or a CD from your scan should you wish. We do not provide video tapes of your ultrasound examination.

Please note: Due to the high demand for these tests, a fee may be charged for appointments that are cancelled within 24 hours prior to the booking.Please bring any previous ultrasounds with you on the day.

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