Pregnancy ultrasound in Onitsha.

Obstetric and gynaecological scanning at our Awada centre — including 3D and 4D imaging and Doppler studies, performed by certified sonographers.

What a pregnancy ultrasound does

Ultrasound builds a live image of your baby using high-frequency sound waves. Because it uses no ionising radiation, it is the standard imaging method used in pregnancy care worldwide, and can be repeated when there is a clinical reason to do so.

A scan can confirm a pregnancy and its location, estimate how far along you are, check the number of babies, follow growth and position, assess the placenta and amniotic fluid, and look at blood flow through Doppler study.

Scans available at Reene

• Obstetric ultrasound (all trimesters)
• Gynaecological ultrasound
• 3D pregnancy scans
• 4D pregnancy scans
• Doppler blood-flow studies
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Breast, thyroid and neck ultrasound

2D, 3D and 4D — the difference

2D is the standard greyscale cross-section used for clinical assessment and measurement. 3D combines those slices into a still surface image. 4D is 3D imaging in motion, so you see movement in real time. 3D and 4D are usually added to a clinical scan rather than replacing it.

How to prepare

Preparation depends on the stage of pregnancy and the type of scan. Early scans are often clearer with a comfortably full bladder, while later scans usually need no preparation at all. Wear something that lets you expose your abdomen easily.

Tell us which scan you have been asked to have when you book, and we will confirm exactly what you need to do beforehand. Bring any referral or request form from your doctor, along with previous scan reports if you have them.

What happens during the scan

• You lie on your back on the couch and your abdomen is exposed.
• A water-based gel is applied — it improves contact and can feel cold.
• The sonographer moves a handheld probe over the area, watching the screen.
• Measurements are taken as the scan proceeds. It is painless, though light pressure may be used.
• Your report is prepared afterwards; we confirm the timeline when you book.

Common questions