Maternity Ultrasounds
Maternity Scans
Pregnancy and the bringing of a new life into the world is an amazing and very precious time. Here at Rivercity Ultrasound we feel privileged to be able share in this excitement with you. We aim to provide a positive experience while capturing precious images of your baby as they grow and develop.
Ultrasound produces sound waves to build a picture of baby. The scans are usually painless and have no known side effects. If you have any concerns about having an ultrasound during your pregnancy, we encourage you to discuss these with your midwife or obstetrician.
Please keep in mind that every baby is different. Your baby’s position, movement and individual body shape, as well as your own body type, can sometimes make it more difficult to obtain clear images. While we always do our best to capture the best possible pictures, image quality can vary from scan to scan.
For most parents, having an ultrasound is an exciting and memorable part of pregnancy. Occasionally, however, a scan may identify an unexpected finding or concern. Receiving this type of news can understandably be difficult and emotional. We recommend you consider this when asking friends/family to accompany you.
Rivercity Ultrasound performs scans for clinical purposes only and requires a valid referral from a New Zealand registered midwife or obstetrician.
Internal Scans
An internal scan (also called transvaginal) may be recommended during both the early and late stages of pregnancy. It can provide clearer images in very early pregnancy, particularly if your bladder is empty. It may also be helpful later in pregnancy when specific measurements are required.
If the sonographer feels it is necessary to perform a transvaginal scan she will explain why and will only go ahead if you agree.
An internal scan is always entirely your choice.
The scans we do
Dating scan
Please drink 2 large glasses of water 1 hour before your appointment and do not go to the toilet.
This scan is to give you a due date, (Estimated date of delivery for your pregnancy) or confirm your due date when you are unsure. Internal scan maybe required.
Sometimes an internal scan may be recommended i.e. if your bladder isn’t full enough or you are in the very early stage of your pregnancy.
Nuchal Translucency scan - ( First Trimester Combined Screening)
Please drink 2 large glasses of water 1 hour before your appointment and do not go to the toilet.
This scan is performed between 12 weeks and 13 weeks, 6 days. This risk assessment is made by combining the nuchal translucency measurement with your age, family history etc. Your midwife will explain the test and will give you the result.
You have the option at this scan to pay $5 for images from your scan to be sent to your phone via a text link.
Growth scan
No preparation is required.
Growth scans are performed in the third trimester to assess your baby’s growth and wellbeing. Not all pregnancies require growth scans.