An ultrasound scan involves having a hand-held scanning device rolled over your stomach. This allows images from inside your womb to be shown on a screen.
These may be used to:
 determine the size and age of your baby
check the position of the baby and placenta
check for physical problems in the baby or placenta
determine whether you are expecting more than one baby.
You may be offered a scan at:
about eight to 14 weeks
about 18 to 20 weeks
Screening tests
These tests are used to check for conditions such as spina bifida and Down 's syndrome. If you are offered a screening test, check with your midwife why you are being offered the test. All women regardless of age can be tested for spina bifida and Down's syndrome, however, older mothers are at greater risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome.
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