Obstetric ultrasonography – pregnancy week: 11-14

An ultrasound scan in pregnancy between 11 and 14 weeks is a mandatory examination according to the guidelines of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians. It is performed after the 11th week but before the start of the 14th week of pregnancy, i.e. up to a gestational age of 13 weeks and 6 days.

The examination covers:

• heart rate;
• foetal nuchal translucency;
• foetal position;
• amniotic membrane;
• foetal nasal bone;
• venous flow;
• tricuspid valve flow.

The presence of a nasal bone and the nuchal translucency (NT) value are crucial in assessing the risk of chromosomal aberrations, including Down syndrome. For this reason, patients often call the ultrasound examination between weeks 11 and 14 a “genetic ultrasound”.

An ultrasound scan in pregnancy between 11 and 14 weeks is performed through the abdomen. The patient lies down on a bed and exposes her abdomen, while the doctor applies a special gel onto the device head to obtain good-quality images. The gel applied on the skin may cause discomfort as it feels cold and sticky, but the unpleasant sensations end as soon as the test is completed. We recommend reporting for the examination in clothing that makes it easy to expose the abdomen.

The examination includes an assessment of:

• foetal ovum: number of gestational follicles and foetuses in the uterine cavity;
• foetal heart function (FHR);
• biometric measurements such as crown rump length and biparietal diameter;
• foetal anatomy: cranium, abdominal wall, stomach, heart, spine, upper and lower limbs, chorion in multiple pregnancies.

• The examination requires no special preparation.
•  You should bring your medical records to the examination, if available: results of previous ultrasound examinations (if performed), hospital information sheets, etc.
• The duration of the examination is approximately 15-20 minutes.
• The patient receives the result of the examination in the form of a medical impression together with a photo. All documentation is printed during the appointment and the patient receives the original result.
• There are no contraindications to this examination. The ultrasound examination is safe for both the woman and the foetus.

At selected Medicover Medical Centres it is possible to obtain a recording of the examination. If you wish to receive a CD with the recording, please inform your doctor before the ultrasound examination. There is an additional charge for the recording, according to the current price list of the respective medical facility.