At GXU Radiology Specialists, we understand that pregnancy can be an exciting, joyful and potentially anxious time in life. Whether you’re at the beginning of your pregnancy journey, or further along, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our highly-skilled and experienced team are dedicated to providing detailed and accurate pregnancy ultrasounds with a compassionate, patient-centred approach. These ultrasounds not only capture the first images of your baby, but also provide vital information about their health, development and wellbeing.
With regular, routine pregnancy ultrasounds, we can keep you and your healthcare provider informed about the progress of your pregnancy, and help guide important decisions to support a healthy pregnancy and birth.
GXU’s Pregnancy Ultrasound Services
Dating Scan
A dating scan is generally the first ultrasound performed in early pregnancy. In order to visualise everything that is needed as part of this scan, it is recommended to be done between 7 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The purpose of a dating scan is to:
- Determine the gestational age
- Establish the expected due date
- Confirm a viable pregnancy by visualising the heartbeat
- Exclude any early pregnancy complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
A dating scan will start with a transabdominal assessment. This involves gel being placed on the abdomen by the sonographer, who will then use a probe over the abdomen to capture images.
Often in early pregnancy, a transvaginal assessment will also need to be performed, as it can help provide clearer images. The sonographer will discuss the need for this on the day of the scan.
Nuchal Translucency Screening & First Trimester Tests
A Nuchal Translucency (NT) screening test is a specialised ultrasound that we perform between 12 and 14 weeks that combines different measurements to calculate an estimated risk of certain conditions, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).
The NT screening test involves a blood test done prior to the ultrasound which measures PAPP-A and beta-hCG, and the ultrasound which measures the nuchal translucency or nuchal fold (the space at the back of the baby’s neck) and assesses for the presence of the nasal bone.
This information, along with other factors such as patient age and weight are used to calculate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
In conjunction with the NT screening test, we can also assess the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition that can cause high blood pressure during pregnancy.
How Does GXU Calculate the Risk for Pre-eclampsia?
At GXU Radiology Specialists, we use a method that looks at:
- Your medical history and personal characteristics
- The blood flow in an artery in your uterus
- Your blood pressure
- Levels of certain proteins in your blood (PLGF or PAPP-A)
This helps us predict the likelihood of pre-eclampsia, especially the kind that might occur early in pregnancy.
20-Week Morphology Scan
A morphology scan is a detailed assessment of the fetal anatomy. It is quite an involved examination, which is recommended to be performed between 19 and 22 weeks. The aim of the morphology scan is to:
- Examine different structures of the anatomy, including organs such as the heart, brain, kidney and bladder, as well as the spine and upper and lower extremities.
- Assess the overall growth and development through measuring the head, abdomen and limbs.
- Check the placenta and amniotic fluid
- Identify any potential risks of preterm labour through assessment of the uterus and cervix.
- Detect any potential birth defects
Growth and Well-being Scans
A growth scan is an ultrasound performed throughout the third trimester of pregnancy to monitor the growth and development of a baby. A growth scan may be performed for a number of reasons, including to:
- Determine the estimated fetal weight, to assess whether the baby is measuring too small or too large.
- Determine whether there is adequate amniotic fluid.
- Assess the location of the placenta, and visualise normal blood flow.
- Review of any abnormalities which were identified earlier in the pregnancy.
- Assess the fetal movement.
Use our pregnancy calculator below to work out the best date range to book your appointment
PREGNANCY CALCULATOR
Enter the date of the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP):
DUE DATE RESULT
Probable date of conception:
Foetal Age Today:
Best date range for NT scan:
(12 weeks 3 days to 13 weeks 3 days)
Morphology Scan Date:
(19 weeks)
First Heart Tones by Doppler:
(11 to 12 weeks)
Best time to evaluate cervical length in patient with risk factors:
Best time for routine anatomy ultrasound:
(18 to 20 weeks)
Estimated Due Date:
Bulk Billed Pregnancy & Obstetric Ultrasounds
At GXU, we endeavour to make imaging accessible for everyone, bulk billing dating scans and follow-up growth scans for pregnancy. While other pregnancy ultrasounds, such as the nuchal translucency screening and morphology scan are not bulk billed, we strive to keep these services as affordable as possible, particularly for our patients who hold a valid pension or concession entitlement.
Why Choose GXU for your Pregnancy Ultrasounds?
We are committed to providing exceptional pregnancy ultrasounds services that prioritise your health and comfort. Here’s why the people of Maitland, Newcastle and surrounds choose us:
Our compassionate team prioritises your comfort, ensuring a stress-free experience with clear communication and personalised support.
With over 25 years of experience, our highly-trained specialists provide precise imaging and expert interpretations for pregnancy scans.
We use advanced imaging equipment, including high-resolution ultrasound with app compatibility to provide clear, accurate results and images that you can take home with you.
From pregnancy ultrasounds (dating, nuchal translucency, and morphology scans) to paediatric hip ultrasounds, we offer a full suite of imaging services to support women and their babies before and after birth.
We work closely with GPs, obstetricians and gynaecologists, as well as our local hospital antenatal clinics to ensure the delivery of timely, accurate results.
Some of our services, including dating scans and follow-up growth scans can be bulk billed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.
Our Thornton clinic offers easy access with ample free onsite parking and a patient-friendly environment.
Where we Operate our Pregnancy Scans
Our pregnancy scans are performed at our Thornton practice, conveniently situated within the Thornton Healthcare complex, which offers a range of medical services including pathology, dental, obstetrics, physiotherapy, and podiatry.
We are easily accessible, just a 30-minute drive from Newcastle and 10 minutes from Maitland, with the practice offering plenty of free onsite parking. We also regularly welcome patients from Taree, Gloucester, Tea Gardens, and the Central Coast.
If you’re taking public transport, a bus stop is conveniently located right outside our building on Anderson Drive. If you’re arriving by taxi, our friendly reception team can assist with arranging one for you.
What Our Customers Say
Book a Pregnancy Scan
We have a team of highly-experienced sonographers ready to care for you and your baby. Click the button below to use our automated booking service, or call 02 4999 6499 and one of our friendly reception staff will arrange your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you have a Nuchal Translucency screening test?
The best time for the NT scan is around 13 weeks of pregnancy, but it can be done anytime between 12 weeks and 4 days and 13 weeks and 6 days. Doing the scan earlier might mean we need to repeat it to get clearer images.
What are my referral options for Nuchal Translucency scan?
At GXU Radiology Specialists, we offer four different service options for the NT scan. Patients receive a Medicare rebate for this ultrasound and will incur varying out-of-pocket costs based on the chosen service. All options include an early anatomical survey.
If the patient is undergoing NIPT:
- Combined Pre-eclampsia Screening: Request serum PLGF to be performed at or after 11 weeks’ gestation (the PLGF cannot be used if taken before 11 weeks).
- Early Anatomy Ultrasound: Structural ultrasound at 12-13 weeks’ gestation.
If the patient is not undergoing NIPT:
- Combined First Trimester Chromosomal and Pre-eclampsia (PE) Screening: Request serum beta-hCG, PAPP-A, and PLGF to be performed at or after 11 weeks’ gestation, up to 13 weeks and 6 days. The PE screening calculation can be performed with PAPP-A rather than PLGF for a slight reduction in sensitivity.
- Combined First Trimester Chromosomal Screening: Request serum beta-hCG and PAPP-A. This is best done three days before the NT scan, though up to seven days is acceptable. Blood samples taken after 13 weeks and 6 days cannot be used for the risk calculation.
What does a high-risk result mean for Pre-eclampsia and chromosomal abnormalities?
For Chromosomal Abnormalities:
- A high-risk result means there’s a higher chance your baby might have a chromosomal condition.
- We provide results for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.
- The detection rate for these conditions is between 80-89%.
For Pre-eclampsia:
- A high-risk result indicates a higher likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia.
- If you get a high-risk result, you might be advised to take low-dose aspirin (150mg daily at night) from before 16 weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy. This can help reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia by at least 60%.
What is the difference between a dating scan and a morphology scan?
A dating scan is typically performed earlier in pregnancy and is used to establish the gestational age and estimated due date.
A morphology scan is performed later in the pregnancy at around 20 weeks gestation and is a detailed examination of the fetal anatomy.
How early can I have a pregnancy ultrasound?
To confirm a viable pregnancy and to visualise a heartbeat and other structures of early pregnancy, it is recommended that a dating scan be performed from 7 weeks gestation.
If an ultrasound is performed earlier in the pregnancy, you may be required to return in a week or two for another ultrasound.
