Ultrasound Services

In early pregnancy, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is performed in two parts. The first part involves an early pregnancy ultrasound and the second, involves a maternal blood test.

The ultrasound is essential for several reasons. First, it confirms the gestation of the pregnancy, as NIPT can only be performed when the fetus is 10 weeks or more. For some patients, this may be their first ultrasound, and in these cases, the scan may help clarify the gestation and update the due date. The scan also checks for multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, and further counselling may be provided if a multiple pregnancy is detected. Additionally, the ultrasound assesses the fetus for a normal heartbeat and early signs of healthy development.

Once a normal, single pregnancy of 10 weeks or greater is confirmed, the maternal blood test can then be collected to complete the NIPT.

To learn more about NIPT click here.

How to Get Started? To book your NIPT with Repromed, you will need a referral from your doctor. Once you have a referral, simply contact us to schedule your appointment that includes both the early ultrasound and blood test.

The first trimester ultrasound, also known as the early anatomy scan, is typically performed at 13 weeks of pregnancy. This early scan provides a detailed look at the developing baby, allowing for the assessment of key structures and potential early concerns.

What’s Included in the Scan: 

• Confirmation of due date: Ensures accurate pregnancy dating.
• Detailed fetal anatomy: Early assessment of the brain, face, heart, abdomen, spine, and limbs.
• Nuchal Translucency Measurement: Used to assess the risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.
• Pre-Eclampsia Risk Assessment: Measurement of uterine artery blood flow.
• Placenta: Position and appearance of the placenta.
• Cervix and Ovaries: Evaluation of the cervix and ovaries for any abnormalities.

At 13 weeks, the anatomy of your baby can be assessed in great, including critical structures such as the brain, face, heart, and limbs. This early detection means that many potential anomalies, previously recognised only later in pregnancy, can now be identified much earlier.

Nuchal Translucency (NT) Screening: The nuchal translucency is a small pocket of fluid at the back of a baby’s neck. It can be measured at this stage, provided the baby is under 13 weeks and 6 days gestation. An increased NT measurement may be a marker for Down syndrome or other chromosomal or congenital abnormalities.

Down Syndrome Screening Options: At this stage, you can choose between different Down syndrome screening options. Many individuals opt for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which provides highly accurate results. Others may choose the First Trimester Combined Screening (FTCS), which combines a blood test with the NT measurement, fetal length, and maternal age to assess the risk of Down syndrome. While FTCS is less accurate than NIPT, it can still provide valuable information. Some people may choose not to undergo any screening for Down syndrome. Regardless of your choice, the NT will always be measured, as an increased NT can indicate a higher risk for certain congenital abnormalities.

Pre-Eclampsia Risk Assessment: During the 13 week scan, uterine artery blood flow is measured to assess the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition that can develop later in pregnancy. This is part of our comprehensive approach to your health and pregnancy monitoring.

Additional Examinations: The First Trimester Ultrasound also examines the placenta, cervix, ovaries, and amniotic fluid volume to ensure everything is developing as expected.

This detailed early scan helps ensure your pregnancy is progressing smoothly and provides valuable early information.

How is the scan performed? A combination of both trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal scanning is generally required to achieve an optimal results. Vaginal scans during pregnancy are safe and often provide exceptional detail of the developing baby.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can affect both the mother and the baby. It typically causes high blood pressure and can lead to organ damage, particularly to the kidneys of the mother.

Pre-eclampsia is also associated with fetal growth restriction, premature birth, and an increased risk of miscarriage.

Around 2-5% of pregnant women are affected by Pre-eclampsia, with about 1 in 100 experiencing severe cases before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Early screening is crucial, as early intervention (before 14 weeks) can significantly reduce risks for both mother and baby.

Pre-Eclampsia Screening at 11-14 Weeks: Our screening process includes:

• Blood Test for PAPP-A and PIGF: Measures important proteins that help assess the risk.
• Blood Pressure Measurement: To identify signs of high blood pressure.
• Height and Weight Measurement: To calculate body mass index (BMI), which influences risk.
• Review of Medical History: A history of high blood pressure or Pre-eclampsia in the family can impact your risk.
• Doppler Ultrasound of the Uterine Arteries: Measures the blood flow in the mother's uterine arteries at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy.

The combination of your medical history and ultrasound measurements, along with blood test results for PAPP-A and PIGF, provides a more accurate risk assessment. This approach helps identify approximately 75% of women who will develop pre-eclampsia and may need early delivery (before 37 weeks).

What Happens if You’re at High Risk? If your screening indicates a high risk for Pre-eclampsia, your obstetrician may recommend a simple, safe treatment of low-dose aspirin. This can help reduce the likelihood of developing the severe form of Pre-eclampsia.

A pelvic ultrasound is a high-quality ultrasound of the pelvis performed by a skilled sonographer to assess your uterus, ovaries, cervix and surrounding structures for abnormalities.

There are many reasons a patient may be referred for a pelvic ultrasound.

This can include:

• General check up
• Family history of cancer
• Abnormal bleeding
• Pain
• Fertility check

It may also be performed to monitor or examine for the following conditions:

• Fibroids
• Polyps
• Cysts
• Endometriosis/Adenomyosis
• Hydrosalpinx

At Repromed, we offer both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound scans, depending on your medical needs and comfort level.

Transabdominal Ultrasound: This scan involves placing the ultrasound probe on your abdomen, with a water-based gel applied to help obtain clear images. It is typically performed with a full bladder to improve visibility.

Transvaginal Ultrasound: This type of scan uses a sterilised probe inserted into the vagina. It is usually done with an empty bladder and provides a more detailed image since the probe is closer to the pelvic organs. This method delivers the most accurate results and produces clearer images compared to the transabdominal approach.

While the internal transvaginal scan offers enhanced image quality, the transabdominal ultrasound is the preferred option for underage patients, those who have not been sexually active, or individuals who do not consent to an internal examination. Both approaches are safe and tailored to meet your needs.

As part of your pelvic ultrasound a detailed endometriosis scan will also be performed. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of normal tissue of the lining of the uterus in an abnormal place. Most commonly it is found on the ovaries, deep in the pelvis on the ligaments behind the uterus, on the vagina, rectum and even on the bladder and appendix. This part of the pelvic examination is used to seek and identify patches of endometriosis that has infiltrated into these pelvic organs and spaces. This information is important in formulating your fertility management plan and can assist in guiding your doctor’s approach should surgical intervention be necessary.

When can I book a pelvic ultrasound? A pelvic ultrasound can be performed at any time however often the clearest images are obtained immediately after your period and prior to ovulation (approximately between day 6 and day 12 of a 28 day cycle).

A pelvic ultrasound is safe during pregnancy and can still be performed where there is spotting or bleeding if unavoidable.

How long do the results take? Our reporting Sonologist reviews images after each scan and a written report is forwarded to your referring doctor within a week.

A HyCoSy examines the endometrium and endometrial cavity of the uterus. The endometrium consists of two layers which rest on one another. These layers thicken and shed with the period. The cavity is the space between these two layers. The endometrium and endometrial cavity are assessed at the time of a routine pelvic ultrasound however a HyCoSy is designed to more closely examine each layer separately and the space within.

A tubal patency study is an ultrasound procedure which is performed at the time of your HyCoSy to check whether your fallopian tubes are ‘open’ or ‘blocked’. This low risk procedure is performed in an ultrasound room and examines the fallopian tubes for any blockages which may result in a woman being unable to conceive a pregnancy naturally. The test has been designed specifically to assess the tubes since they are not visible in a routine ultrasound examination.

A tubal patency test can only be performed on a woman who is not pregnant. The test is conducted after your menstrual period and prior to ovulation. In a normal 28-day cycle, this test would be booked from Day 6 – Day 11 of your cycle. Since the test is performed transvaginally, the appropriateness of the test should be discussed with your referring doctor if there are any concerns.

Your doctor may also request a Lipiodol Flush to be performed at the end of your Tubal Patency Study. Lipiodol contains poppy seed oil, which may improve your chances of embryo implantation. You cannot have Lipiodol if you are allergic to iodine or your fallopian tubes are blocked.