A morphology ultrasound scan is performed in the second trimester of pregnancy between 19 and 22 weeks gestation. It is routine practice for all pregnant women to undergo a second trimester morphology scan as part of their antenatal care.
The primary focus of this scan is to assess the growth and development of your baby by performing a thorough anatomical and structural assessment.
A comfortably full bladder is required for this scan. Please drink approximately 500ml of water an hour before your appointment time and try not to empty your bladder before the scan.
A full bladder can help the sonographer obtain better views of your baby as well as improve visualisation of your uterus, cervix and pelvic structures.
A morphology ultrasound is a comprehensive scan of your uterus, pelvic structures as well as your developing baby. The scan is usually performed through the lower abdomen, although occasionally, a transvaginal (internal) scan may be required to obtain a better view of your baby. The transvaginal examination is performed with an empty bladder and is not harmful to you or your baby. Your Sonographer will discuss with you in detail any questions or concerns you may have, if a transvaginal ultrasound is required.
A saline based gel is applied to the skin and an ultrasound probe is used to generate images of your baby.
The morphology scan includes the following:
Anatomical and structural assessment of your baby – we routinely assess:
Fetal growth assessment – we measure the following structures:
These measurements are compared to a normal reference range for the age of the baby and then combined to give an average gestational age.
It is possible to determine the gender of your baby at this stage of the pregnancy. However, we are not always able to confirm the gender with absolute certainty. This may be due to a number of factors such as fetal position or an anterior placenta.
Please let your Sonographer know if you wish to know the gender of your baby and this will be assessed at the end of the scan once all of the essential views and measurements have been completed.
The morphology scan is a detailed assessment of your baby. A scan at this stage of your pregnancy is able to detect a wide range of structural problems. A normal scan is reassuring, however, ultrasound is not able to detect all potential problems or complications as some may be too subtle to detect or may not develop until later in the pregnancy.
The actual scanning time for your morphology ultrasound may vary depending on the position of your baby, the gestational age and the degree of bladder filling, however 1 hour is allocated for this scan. On occasion, you may be asked to return later in the day or on another day to obtain additional images. If this is required, your Sonographer will discuss this in more detail with you.
There is no radiation dose associated with ultrasound.
Your morphology ultrasound scan does not have any known risks, side effects or complications and is considered very safe.
Our Customer Service Team will be able to advise you of all costs involved with your morphology ultrasound scan, including any out of pocket cost (if relevant).
Following your morphology ultrasound scan, you will receive a CD as well as a photograph of images obtained.
All ultrasound scans are digitally recorded. At Qscan, a subspecialty trained Radiologist interprets the images and provides a report for your doctor within 24 hours.
Reports and images will be available electronically via the Qscan MyResults Patient Access app and web portal 7 days after your report has been processed. Â If required, films are available for collection or delivery to your referring practitioner.
You will need an appointment with your doctor to discuss these results and your antenatal management.
Please discuss which Qscan Clinic location is best suited for your appointment at the time of booking.
Meadowbrook Shopping Village, 261 Loganlea Road, Meadowbrook QLD, Australia
(07) 3445 4757
Level 2, Xavier Building Calvary Hospital Bruce ACT
02 6251 6624
480 North East Road SA 5070, Australia
(08) 8164 5045
Mater Private Clinic, Stanley Street, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
07 3010 5791
Gold Coast, 2 Classic Way, Burleigh Waters, Queensland, Australia
07 5587 6344
Pacific Private Clinic, 123 Nerang Street, Southport, Queensland
07 5503 3444
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Qscan+Radiology+Clinics+Upper+Coomera/@-27.8504795,153.2956767,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b91130a8e5d72b5:0x7a66a8acf900032!8m2!3d-27.8504795!4d153.2978707
07 3539 9860
279A Marius Street, Tamworth NSW 2340, Australia
02 6798 9998
99 Barber Street, Gunnedah NSW 2380, Australia
02 6742 2051
Bowral and District Hospital, Bowral Street, Bowral NSW, Australia
64 Brook Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333, Australia
02 6541 4847
103 Peel Street, North Tamworth NSW 2340, Australia
02 6764 6060
Goondiwindi Hospital, Bowen Street, Goondiwindi QLD 4390, Australia
07 4671 2161
Warwick Hospital, 56 Locke Street, Warwick QLD 4370, Australia
07 4661 5532
193 Little Baker Street, Temora NSW 2666, Australia
02 6977 4459
Parkwood Village, 76-122 Napper Rd, Parkwood, QLD, 4214, Australia
(07) 5631 7222