Understanding the Different Types of Pregnancy Scans Available for Mums 🤰✨

Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, curiosity, and many beautiful milestones. One of the most reassuring parts of this journey is seeing your little one grow through pregnancy scans. These scans offer more than a glimpse into your baby’s world. They help monitor development, check health, and give mums and families peace of mind. 💛

To help you feel confident and informed, here is a simple guide to the different types of scans you may be offered during your pregnancy.

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The Early Pregnancy Scan (6 to 10 weeks) 🩷

Often called a dating scan, this is usually the first time you see your baby. This scan can:

• Confirm your pregnancy
• Check the heartbeat
• Estimate how far along you are
• Show if it is a single or multiple pregnancy

For many mums, this moment feels magical. Seeing that tiny flicker of a heartbeat brings the reality of the journey to life. 🌟

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The Nuchal Translucency Scan (11 to 14 weeks) 🧡

This specialised ultrasound measures the fluid at the back of your baby’s neck. Combined with a blood test, it forms part of optional screening for chromosomal conditions.

The scan is gentle and non invasive, and it provides helpful information for parents who would like early insight into their baby’s health. 💕

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The Anatomy Scan (18 to 22 weeks) 💛

Also called the mid pregnancy scan, this is one of the most detailed scans. Your sonographer checks:

• Your baby’s organs
• Limb development
• Placenta position
• Amniotic fluid levels
• Growth and movement

Many families choose this moment to discover their baby’s gender, although that part is always optional. 🎀💙

This scan can feel emotional, comforting, and incredibly bonding as you watch your little one wriggle, stretch, or even wave. 👋✨

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3D and 4D Scans (26 to 32 weeks) 📸💕

These scans are optional and often done at private clinics. They offer a more lifelike view of your baby’s features.

• 3D scans capture still images
• 4D scans show real time movement

These are not medical scans, but they can be wonderfully memorable. Many parents love seeing their baby’s tiny nose, lips, or chubby cheeks for the first time. 😍

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Growth Scan (around 28 weeks and beyond) 📏🩵

Your healthcare provider may recommend this scan if:

• Your baby is measuring small or large
• You are carrying multiples
• You have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes

Growth scans track your baby’s size, weight estimates, and general wellbeing. 🌼

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Doppler Scan 💗

This scan measures blood flow in the umbilical cord, placenta, and certain blood vessels in your baby’s brain. It is usually recommended when extra monitoring is needed.

It helps ensure your baby is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients to grow well. 🌱

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Presentation Scan (around 36 weeks) 🤎

Toward the end of pregnancy, this scan checks your baby’s position ahead of labour. It confirms if baby is head down, breech, or lying in another position that may need special planning for delivery. 🍼

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A Final Thought for Mums 🌷

No matter which scans you have along your journey, each one offers reassurance and connection. Every image is a small moment that brings you closer to meeting your little one.

At Carriwell, we believe in supporting mums through every stage, from pregnancy to postpartum, with comfort, care, and confidence. As you prepare for each step ahead, may your scans bring peace, joy, and a deeper bond with the precious life growing inside you. 💞