When to have it: 20-22 weeks
Cost: $320 ($350 on weekends) and then a rebate of ~$91.
Duration: 30-40 minutes
What’s included:
Morphology Scan is considered to be a very safe procedure with no known risks to either the mother or the baby. There is no radiation involved in this scan and it does not use any harmful chemicals.
If you have any concerns about the safety of this procedure, please speak to your doctor or midwife.
Your doctor or midwife will usually recommend that you have your Morphology Scan between 20 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Morphology Scans are important in helping to assess the health and development of your baby. This scan can detect some birth defects and conditions, such as spina bifida, that may require further treatment or monitoring.
You should drink plenty of water before your scan. This will help to fill up your bladder, which will make it easier to see your baby on the ultrasound. You should also empty your bladder before the scan begins.
During the scan, a gel will be applied to your stomach. The gel helps to transmit the ultrasound waves and allows them to bounce off your baby. A handheld device called a transducer will be used to create images of your baby on a screen.
The sonographer performing the scan will look at different parts of your baby’s body to make sure that they are developing normally. This includes the head, brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidneys, and limbs. The scan usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
