HOME
How safe is the scan?
How will my scan be done?
Do I need a Full Bladder?
Do I need a referral?
I am pregnant what scans do I need?
Do I get any pictures?
How much do the 3D/4D images cost?
Do I get to talk to anyone about my scan?
How long will my scan take?
When will I get my report?
What I really want is the 3D/4D pictures do I really need the scan?
How much will the Ultrasound cost?
Can I find out the sex of my baby?
Where Can I Park?
Do you run on time?
How safe is the scan?
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves outside the range human hearing to generate an image. There is no evidence after 40 years of use that ultrasound causes any harm to the fetus. We do however recommend that you only get scans done for a good medical reason.
How will my scan be done?
Your Scan will be done by a female sonographer with assistance form the doctor if needed. There are two basic types of scans that are done. Transabdominal and Transvaginal.
Transabdominal
This scan involves the placement of the probe on your abdomen with a small amount of gel. The probe needs to be applied firmly to ensure a good image. This is not usually painful but may produce some discomfort. If pain occurs let the sonographer know immediately.
Transvaginal
This scan involves the use of a sterile probe covered with a sterile disposable cover and sterile gel for lubrication. This is then gently inserted into the vagina. This is less uncomfortable than a pap smear and no pain relief is usually required for this procedure. Your privacy is respected and utmost care is taken to minimise discomfort. You will be given an examination gown during this scan.
This scan is performed because the sound waves have less skin, fat and muscle to travel through enabling more detailed pictures to be taken. For instance a transabdominal scan may miss an early pregnancy. It may also be done because the probe is at a better angle to take some of the pictures required.
You do have a choice about whether or not to have this procedure. Please discuss and concerns or issues you have with the Doctor or Sonographer before the scan begins. This scan is not normally performed on children at Tara.
Do I need a Full Bladder?
Yes. The bladder acts like a balloon and pushes the uterus closer to the ultrasound probe. The less distance the sound waves travel the better the picture.
We ask you to drink 2 glasses of water (500 ml) 1 hour prior to your appointment and not to empty your bladder again. If you are feeling very full and need to go then we recommend that you try and empty enough to make yourself comfortable then drink another glass of water afterwards. Please do not torture yourself.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. The referral may be from a Specialist, GP or antenatal clinic. It does not need to be on our referral form.
Do I get any pictures?
Every woman will be provided with images before they leave the surgery. There are a number of things that may affect the quality of your pictures. Some babies are simply in the wrong position or covering their face with their hand or foot. There needs to be a small amount of fluid between the babys face and the uterine wall in order to get an image. The density of the fat layer and the thickness also reduce the quality of the image as it is harder for the sound beam to penetrate. We do everything we can to get the best diagnostic pictures of your baby as this is our main focus. The doctor may ask you to come back to ensure that the medical examination is through and complete. It is a good idea for parents to remember the limitations of 3D/4D scans. We do however usually get images for everyone but you may be asked to go for a walk and come back so the baby moves!
I am pregnant what scans do I need?
Congratulations on your pregnancy. Generally most women have a Nuchal Translucency Test (12 - 14 weeks) to screen for Down's syndrome and a Morphology scan (18 - 20) weeks to check the baby is developing normally. Your doctor may also request a dating scan (5 - 16 weeks) or a growth scan (23 - 42) if they feel it is required. Most growth scans are performed around 28 – 30 weeks. In some cases it is necessary to have a growth scan every 2 weeks to monitor the baby.
How much do the 3D/4D images cost?
They are FREE with any medical scan although there is a small additional fee for the DVD. We aim to give you good quality 3D/4D pictures, however, our main focus is to ensure that your baby is growing and developing normally. This usually means that the 3D/4D scan is only done as part of the medical examination. We do not however do 3D/4D scans without referral for a medical scan or for entertainment.
What I really want is the 3D/4D pictures do I really need the scan?
Every parent wants to see their baby. This is normal. A 3D/4D scan on its own is of limited diagnostic value. There are certain conditions like cleft lip/palate, limb/digit abnormalities that can be assessed using a 3D/4D scan. This is why we do not believe in doing the 3D/4D scan without a through medical scan to ensure that your baby is growing and developing normally.
While we are doing a thorough medical checkup of your baby you have the opportunity to marvel at the pictures on the TV and bond with your baby. You will leave the surgery with some pictures of your baby reassured in the knowledge of your baby is progressing normally. We are not going to just give you the pretty pictures of your baby without checking that everything is progressing normally.
What happens if the scan shows something is wrong?
If the scan finds a problem the Doctor on site will explain the findings and discuss available options. The Doctor will then ring your referring doctor to discuss the findings. We will not let you leave the surgery without explaining to you what we have found. We believe that our job is to reduce your anxiety levels which is why we do not like making our patients wait for there results.
How much will the Ultrasound cost?
The service we offer at TARA is personal, professional and thorough, with providing specialist obstetric and gynaecologic imaging. Our specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist is on site at all times. We also take time and care with every scan. Because of this level of service, we are unable to offer bulk billing. We have made every effort to keep our costs low without compromising our quality. This has resulted in us having a modest price structure (our fees are significantly lower than the AMA recommended fee) compared to similar specialist medical imaging centres. Most services will leave you $100 to $150 out of pocket.
Can I find out the sex of my baby?
After 18 weeks the sex of the baby can normally be determined providing the baby is not too shy! You will be asked if you wish to know the sex of the baby. Whilst every effort will be made not to tell you the sex if requested sometimes a quick glance at the TV screen may reveal your proud baby showing it all!!
Where Can I Park?
There is car parking available off Tyler St. There is also usually plenty of on street parking in Beverley and Tyler streets. Because of our location parking next to the surgery is not usually an issue.
Do you run on time?
Generally we run on time but it is not possible for us to predict how long every scan will take. We allow extra time so that it is possible to catch up if a scan takes longer than expected. We do ask that you ring us if you are concerned about the possibility we are running late. The reasons we may be running late include a baby being in an awkward position for the scan, a complicated pelvic scan or a patient running late for an appointment. Whatever the problem we will take the time needed to do the scan thoroughly.
What happens if the scan shows something is wrong?
No you cannot see my face!
I like my hand where it is!
I am quite comfortable, Thankyou!
HOME
About Us
Services
Contact Us
About Us
Services
Contact Us
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Top
Do I get to talk to anyone about my scan?
Yes. Every patient has a consultation with the onsite Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. This along with our compassionate care sets us apart from other imaging services.
How long will my scan take?
Most scans take around 30 to 45 minutes. You will be in the surgery for around an hour from start to finish. Having relaxed appointment times allows us to deliver a compassionate, detailed service that is unique to TARA.
When will I get my report?
We try to supply you with a report at the same time you talk to the doctor. If the scan is complicated however it can take longer. In this case the doctor will talk to you about what has been found and it will be completed before the end of the day. We will post the report to you if you wish to have a copy. All of our reports are faxed and posted to the referring doctor. Our philosophy we work in the dark but not in isolation! We will ensure that your referring Doctor or Midwife gets the report promptly, so your care is not compromised.
Top
Top
Top
Play
