12 Week Scan

Gestation Required: 11-13 Weeks

Our comprehensive 12 Week Scan, also known as the Nuchal Translucency Scan, screens for chromosomal conditions. You will need to be 11w3d-13w6d for this ultrasound.
€150
Available at Bray, Dublin, Gorey
Book this scan
Learn more about this scan

Information on 12-Week Pregnancy Scan

Also known as the Nuchal Scan, we conduct this ultrasound between 11 weeks + 3 days and 13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy.  This is one of the most critical scans during pregnancy and is recommended for all women.

During this scan we assess the visible anatomy of the baby as well as measure the Nuchal Translucency (NT). An increased NT measurement can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).

First Trimester Screening:

If you are interested in the First Trimester Screening Package (Nuchal scan and Blood Test) to receive a risk assessment report, please contact the Bray Women’s Health Centre to make your booking for the blood tests on 012761522. These blood tests are best performed at 10 weeks and the scan at 12 weeks.

You can also check out our Non Invasive Prenatal Tests, which offer higher accuracy rates than First Trimester Screening.

 

During this scan, we:

  • Verify the location of the pregnancy: Ensuring the pregnancy is inside the uterus.
  • Assess fetal viability: Confirming your baby’s heartbeat.
  • Measure fetal heart rate: We can calculate the beats per minute, to check for viability.
  • Identify and examine major fetal organs: Looking at the brain, face, heart, stomach, umbilical cord, bladder, arms, and legs. While a full assessment might not be possible in the first trimester, any obvious abnormalities will be referred to a fetal medicine specialist.
  • Hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time: 12 weeks is the earliest we can use Doppler to assess the heartbeat.
  • Determine fetal growth by measuring crown-rump length: Establishing accurate dates.
  • Calculate the baby’s due date: Predicting when your baby is due.
  • Determining the number of fetuses (checking for twins)
  • Measure the Nuchal Translucency
  • Evaluate for obvious uterine and ovarian issues: Visibility of these structures may vary, but we do our best to check them.

Unsure of your due date?

Click here to use our due date calculator to find out. 

Locations available for this ultrasound scan

Gorey

The Palms Centre
Block B 2nd Floor
The Avenue
Gorey
County Wexford
Y25 Y5P3

Dublin

Grafton Medical Centric Health
34 Grafton Street
Dublin 2
County Dublin
D02 XY06

Bray

Bray Women’s Health Centre
Bri Chualann Court
Adelaide Road
Bray
County Wicklow
A98N4C4

FAQ's

The best time for the nuchal scan is at 12 weeks. The scan can be performed on its own, yielding 75% accuracy, or combined with PAPP-A and a Free beta-hCG blood tests to yield a higher accuracy. These bloods need to be booked directly with the Bray Women’s Health Centre on 012761522.

If you combine the scan with the blood tests, this table will explain the accuracy rates per gestation.

BLOOD TESTSULTRASOUND SCANACCURACY
10 weeks12 weeks94%
11 weeks11 weeks92%
12 weeks12 weeks84%
13 weeks13 weeks80%
No blood tests12 weeks75%

Please ensure your bladder is moderately full for the scan. There’s no need to drink water just before; simply hydrate well and avoid emptying your bladder for about an hour before your appointment.

You will lie back while the sonographer applies gel to your abdomen and moves a transducer over your tummy. The scan will be displayed on a large screen in front of you, allowing you to see what the sonographer sees.

There’s a possibility that a transvaginal scan may be necessary for a clearer view of the baby and to examine smaller structures.

We thoroughly assess major fetal organs such as the brain, face, heart, stomach, umbilical cord, bladder, arms, and legs. We also check for any issues in the uterus and ovaries, such as fibroids, masses, or cysts.

Take home Package

The ultrasound suite offers a fantastic package for expectant parents to take home after their pregnancy scan.

This comprehensive package includes a detailed ultrasound report and two glossy photograph printouts, capturing precious moments in high-quality images.

Additionally, digital pictures and a video clip of the scan are conveniently sent to you via SMS or email, ensuring that these cherished memories are easily accessible and shareable with loved ones.

Meet

Our Sonographers

Debbie Sudding
Deborah Sudding

Director and Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Deborah has been a qualified sonographer for over 18 years. As the Director, she is deeply committed to outstanding patient-centred healthcare, continually striving to enhance the quality of care through innovation and compassionate leadership. Her dedication ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of diagnostic imaging and personalised attention.
Danyelle Howard
Danyelle Howard Hill

Lead Clinical Specialist Sonographer

With over 14 years of experience, Danyelle Howard Hill excels in performing a diverse range of ultrasound examinations. Her commitment to compassion and professionalism sets her apart as a leader in the field. She sits on the management team as Lead Clinical Specialist Sonographer.
Diana Ciornei
Diana Ciornei

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Diana Ciornei has over seven years of sonography experience, specialising in high-risk obstetrics and patient care. Her expertise extends to abdomen, gynaecological, small parts, and vascular studies. Diana’s strong communication skills enhance her ability to deliver quality diagnostic ultrasound examinations, ensuring optimal patient care.
Olesia
Olesia Cabric

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Olesia Cabric is a highly skilled sonographer with extensive knowledge of complex perinatal cases. She also has a versatile background in abdomen, gynaecology, and vascular ultrasound exams. With eight years of sonography experience, Olesia is fluent in English and Russian and has a passion for travel.
Rebecca
Rebecca Falnes

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Rebecca Falnes, a Johns Hopkins graduate, brings over eleven years of comprehensive experience in obstetrics, general, vascular, echocardiography, paediatrics, transplants, and ABI/TBI/PVR ultrasound exams. An avid hiker, Rebecca’s distinguished background includes service in the United States Air Force as a Korean Linguist and Intelligence Analyst.

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