Pregnancy ultrasound diagnostics - prenatal ultrasound in Warsaw
At OpenMed Warsaw we perform pregnancy ultrasound and prenatal ultrasound at different stages of a baby's development. The scan makes it possible to monitor the course of pregnancy, assess fetal development, check selected anatomical structures, confirm gestational age and, if needed, plan further diagnostics.
At our clinic patients can have, among others, an ultrasound before 10 weeks of pregnancy, a first-trimester prenatal ultrasound, an 11-14 week combined (genetic) scan, an anomaly scan at 18-22 weeks, a third-trimester ultrasound, a pregnancy Doppler ultrasound, a fetal heart echo and additional tests such as CTG. Every scan is discussed with the patient, and after the visit she receives a report with the most important measurements and recommendations.
Who do we help?
We help patients who:
- want to have a pregnancy ultrasound in Warsaw privately,
- need confirmation of pregnancy and assessment of its location,
- are before 10 weeks of pregnancy and want to check the development of early pregnancy,
- are looking for an 11-14 week prenatal ultrasound,
- want to have a first-trimester genetic scan,
- need an anomaly scan at 18-22 weeks,
- are in the third trimester and need an assessment of the baby's growth,
- have indications for a Doppler flow study,
- need a fetal heart echo,
- want to discuss worrying symptoms or an earlier test result,
- are looking for information about the price of prenatal ultrasound, pregnancy ultrasound or CTG privately.
Doctors performing pregnancy ultrasound in Warsaw
Meet the doctors of OpenMed Warsaw who perform pregnancy ultrasound and prenatal examinations at different stages of pregnancy. During the visit the doctor assesses the baby's development, takes the necessary measurements, discusses the result of the examination and indicates whether further follow-up or additional diagnostics are needed.
Pregnancy ultrasound in Warsaw - scans at every stage of pregnancy
A pregnancy ultrasound is performed to assess the baby's development and the course of pregnancy at a specific stage. An early pregnancy scan has a different scope, the 11-14 week prenatal ultrasound another, and the anomaly scan or third-trimester ultrasound yet another.
At OpenMed the doctor matches the scope of the scan to the week of pregnancy, medical indications and existing documentation. During an ultrasound it is possible to assess, among others, gestational age, the number of embryos or fetuses, heart activity, the baby's growth, the structure of selected organs, the position of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid and, if indicated, Doppler flows.
When to have a pregnancy ultrasound?
The timing of ultrasound scans depends on the stage of pregnancy. Most often patients have several scans at key moments to confirm the correct development of the pregnancy and assess the baby according to the current week.
The most important stages are:
- before 10 weeks of pregnancy - confirmation of pregnancy, the location of the gestational sac, the number of embryos and heart activity,
- 11-14 weeks of pregnancy - first-trimester prenatal ultrasound, often referred to as the genetic scan,
- 18-22 weeks of pregnancy - the anomaly scan, that is a detailed assessment of fetal anatomy,
- 28-32 weeks of pregnancy - third-trimester ultrasound, assessment of growth, the baby's position, the placenta and amniotic fluid,
- as indicated - pregnancy Doppler ultrasound, fetal heart echo, additional growth monitoring or CTG.
Types of pregnancy ultrasound scans
Pregnancy ultrasound is a general name for several scans performed at different stages. They differ in their purpose, the scope of assessment and the week of pregnancy in which they are performed.
The most frequently performed scans are:
- ultrasound before 10 weeks of pregnancy,
- first-trimester prenatal ultrasound,
- 11-14 week combined (genetic) scan,
- anomaly scan at 18-22 weeks,
- third-trimester ultrasound,
- pregnancy Doppler ultrasound,
- fetal heart echo,
- 3D/4D ultrasound,
- CTG at the end of pregnancy or as indicated.
Ultrasound before 10 weeks of pregnancy
An ultrasound before 10 weeks of pregnancy is usually performed to confirm the pregnancy and assess its early development. The scan can help check whether the pregnancy is located in the uterine cavity, whether it is single or multiple, and whether the gestational sac, embryo and heart activity are visible.
During an early ultrasound the doctor can assess, among others:
- the location of the pregnancy,
- the gestational sac (GS),
- the yolk sac,
- the embryo and CRL measurement,
- the embryo's heart activity (FHR),
- the number of embryos,
- the chorion and amnion,
- the ovaries and uterus,
- any worrying symptoms, e.g. pain or bleeding.
In early pregnancy the scan is often performed transvaginally, because this method provides a more accurate image at a very early stage.
First-trimester ultrasound and the 11-14 week prenatal test
The first-trimester prenatal ultrasound is usually performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It is one of the most important scans in pregnancy, because it makes it possible to assess the baby's development at an early stage, confirm gestational age and check selected parameters relevant to prenatal diagnostics.
During the scan the doctor can assess, among others:
- crown-rump length (CRL),
- fetal heart activity,
- nuchal translucency (NT),
- the nasal bone,
- basic fetal anatomy,
- the number of fetuses,
- chorionicity and amnionicity in multiple pregnancy,
- the risk of selected abnormalities, if the scan is part of broader prenatal diagnostics.
The 11-14 week genetic scan is not the same as diagnosing a genetic disorder. The scan helps assess the risk and indicate whether further diagnostics are needed, e.g. prenatal tests, a specialist consultation or a follow-up ultrasound.
Anomaly scan in pregnancy
The anomaly scan is most often performed around 18-22 weeks of pregnancy. It is a detailed anatomical scan of the fetus, during which the doctor assesses the baby's development, the structure of the organs and selected growth parameters.
During the anomaly scan the doctor checks, among others:
- the head and brain,
- the face,
- the spine,
- the heart,
- the chest,
- the abdomen,
- the kidneys and urinary bladder,
- the limbs,
- the placenta,
- the amount of amniotic fluid,
- fetal biometric measurements.
During the anomaly scan it is often also possible to determine the baby's sex, if the position of the fetus and the image quality allow it. The most important purpose of the scan, however, remains the assessment of fetal anatomy and development.
Third-trimester ultrasound
The third-trimester ultrasound is most often performed around 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. The scan makes it possible to assess the baby's growth, its position, the amount of amniotic fluid and the condition and position of the placenta. It is an important check before the final stage of pregnancy.
During the scan the doctor can assess:
- the estimated fetal weight,
- the rate of growth,
- the baby's position,
- the position and maturity of the placenta,
- the amount of amniotic fluid,
- fetal heart activity,
- selected anatomical structures,
- Doppler flows, if indicated.
The third-trimester ultrasound is especially important when a pregnancy requires closer monitoring, e.g. in case of suspected growth disorders, maternal illnesses, multiple pregnancy or previous abnormal results.
Pregnancy Doppler ultrasound
Pregnancy Doppler ultrasound makes it possible to assess blood flow in selected vessels. The scan may be performed as part of monitoring fetal well-being, assessing the placenta or diagnostics when growth disorders are suspected.
Depending on the indications the doctor can assess, among others:
- umbilical artery Doppler,
- umbilical cord flows,
- uterine artery Doppler,
- flows in the fetal vessels,
- parameters related to placental function.
A Doppler flow study is not always needed at every visit. The doctor decides whether to perform it based on the week of pregnancy, the course of the pregnancy, the results of earlier tests and the patient's health situation.
3D/4D ultrasound in pregnancy
3D/4D ultrasound provides a three-dimensional image of the baby, and in the case of 4D also a moving image. For many parents it is an additional, emotional part of the scan, but its value depends on the technical conditions and the stage of pregnancy.
The quality of the 3D/4D image is affected by, among others:
- the baby's position,
- the amount of amniotic fluid,
- the position of the placenta,
- the week of pregnancy,
- fetal movement,
- the patient's body build,
- the technical conditions of the scan.
3D/4D ultrasound does not replace the medical assessment of pregnancy. It can be a complement to the scan, if conditions allow a good quality image to be obtained.
Fetal heart echo
Fetal heart echo is a specialist ultrasound scan that assesses the structure and function of the baby's heart. It may be recommended when the doctor sees indications for a more detailed assessment of the fetal heart, e.g. after an inconclusive ultrasound result, when a heart defect is suspected, with a burdened family history or certain maternal illnesses.
During a fetal heart echo the doctor assesses, among others, the structure of the heart, the heart rhythm, the flows and selected elements of the fetal circulatory system. The result of the scan helps determine whether further follow-up, a specialist consultation or planning of postnatal care is needed.
CTG in pregnancy
CTG, or cardiotocography, is not an ultrasound scan, but it is often part of monitoring the baby's well-being at a later stage of pregnancy. The CTG test records the fetal heart activity and the contractile activity of the uterus.
A patient may be referred for CTG, among others, at the end of pregnancy, with reduced fetal movement, in a post-term pregnancy, with certain maternal illnesses or on other indications from the doctor. At OpenMed CTG can be included privately as a test complementing pregnancy care, if it is available in the clinic's current offer.
What does the doctor assess during a pregnancy ultrasound?
The scope of assessment during an ultrasound depends on the week of pregnancy and the type of scan. In early pregnancy the doctor focuses on confirming the location of the pregnancy, gestational age, the number of embryos and heart activity. In the following weeks the assessment of anatomy, growth, the placenta, amniotic fluid and flows becomes increasingly important.
The scan report may include, among others:
- gestational age,
- fetal biometric measurements,
- heart activity,
- estimated fetal weight,
- fetal position,
- the position of the placenta,
- the amount of amniotic fluid,
- assessment of selected organs,
- the Doppler result, if it was performed,
- recommendations for further follow-up.
Transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound?
The method of performing an ultrasound depends mainly on the week of pregnancy and the purpose of the scan. In early pregnancy the doctor may perform a transvaginal ultrasound, because it allows a more accurate assessment of a very small pregnancy, the location of the gestational sac, the embryo and heart activity.
At later stages of pregnancy the scan is most often performed transabdominally. Sometimes the doctor may combine both methods, if it is needed for a more accurate assessment of the cervix, the placenta or other structures.
How to prepare for a pregnancy ultrasound?
Preparation for a pregnancy ultrasound depends on the type of scan. It is worth bringing to the visit your pregnancy record card, the results of earlier tests, previous ultrasound reports, prenatal test results and a list of the medications you take.
Before the scan it is worth:
- checking the current week of pregnancy,
- bringing your medical records,
- preparing questions for the doctor,
- reporting any bleeding, pain or other symptoms,
- mentioning a multiple pregnancy, previous losses or chronic illnesses,
- asking at registration whether a full bladder is needed for the given scan.
For a transabdominal ultrasound later in pregnancy no special preparation is usually required. In early pregnancy the rules may depend on whether the scan will be performed transvaginally or transabdominally.
Is pregnancy ultrasound safe?
Pregnancy ultrasound uses ultrasound waves, not X-ray radiation. A scan performed by a qualified doctor and for medical indications is a commonly used part of pregnancy monitoring.
It is important, however, to use ultrasound sensibly - when it is needed to assess the pregnancy, the baby's development or further medical management. 3D/4D scans and keepsake imaging should not replace a diagnostic ultrasound performed by a specialist.
What to do when an ultrasound result requires further diagnostics?
Not every abnormal or inconclusive ultrasound result means a serious problem. Sometimes the scan needs to be repeated, a check in a specific week of pregnancy is needed, a consultation with another specialist or extended diagnostics.
The doctor may recommend, among others:
- a follow-up ultrasound,
- a pregnancy Doppler ultrasound,
- a fetal heart echo,
- prenatal tests,
- a perinatology consultation,
- a genetic consultation,
- additional laboratory tests,
- more frequent monitoring of fetal growth,
- CTG at a later stage of pregnancy.
The most important thing is to discuss the result with a doctor who knows the stage of pregnancy, the patient's history and the full context of the scan.
Pregnancy ultrasound and pregnancy care
Pregnancy ultrasound is one part of caring for the patient, but it does not replace regular visits to the doctor leading the pregnancy. The result of the scan should be discussed in the context of the whole pregnancy: the patient's well-being, laboratory test results, chronic illnesses, previous pregnancies and any symptoms.
At OpenMed a patient can have a pregnancy ultrasound as a separate scan or as part of broader gynaecological care. This allows the doctor to combine the ultrasound image with a further plan of follow-up, tests and recommendations.
Price of pregnancy ultrasound in Warsaw
The price of a pregnancy ultrasound in Warsaw depends on the type of scan, the week of pregnancy, the scope of assessment and whether the scan includes additional elements such as Doppler ultrasound, fetal heart echo, 3D/4D ultrasound or a specialist consultation.
The current price of prenatal ultrasound, pregnancy ultrasound, CTG and additional tests can be checked in the OpenMed price list or obtained at registration.
Frequently asked questions about pregnancy ultrasound
In practice patients often use these terms interchangeably, especially for the 11-14 week scan. The genetic ultrasound is part of prenatal diagnostics and serves to assess the risk of selected abnormalities. It is not, however, a test that diagnoses a genetic disorder - if indicated, the doctor may recommend additional diagnostics.
The anomaly scan is most often performed around 18-22 weeks of pregnancy. This scan assesses fetal anatomy, its measurements, the placenta and amniotic fluid. It is best to arrange the timing with the doctor leading the pregnancy.
No. 3D/4D ultrasound can be a complement to the scan, but it does not replace a diagnostic prenatal ultrasound. The most important thing is the medical assessment of the baby's development, measurements and fetal anatomy.
Most often it is enough to bring your pregnancy documentation and earlier test results. For an early ultrasound the way you prepare may depend on whether the scan will be performed transvaginally or transabdominally.
It depends on the clinic's rules and the type of scan. In many situations the presence of a close person is possible, but it is worth confirming this at registration.
The baby's sex can often be determined during the anomaly scan, if the position of the fetus and the image quality allow it. It is not always possible during a single visit.
Doppler ultrasound is performed when the doctor wants to assess blood flow, e.g. in the umbilical artery or the uterine arteries. The scan may be indicated when monitoring fetal growth, with maternal illnesses or other worrying results.
Ultrasound shows an image of the fetus, the placenta, amniotic fluid and selected anatomical structures. CTG records the fetal heart activity and uterine contractions. These are two different tests that can complement pregnancy monitoring.
Not always. Some results only require follow-up, repeating the scan or extending diagnostics. An ultrasound result should always be discussed with a doctor who will take into account the whole course of the pregnancy and previous results.
Do you have any questions? Call us - 22 100 45 20.
You can check the cost of pregnancy ultrasound diagnostics and other services in our price list.