Early Pregnancy and the Yolk Sac
At the time of ovulation (release of an egg from an ovary), conception takes place. This is usually 2 weeks after your last period. At the time of conception you are already 2 weeks pregnant, but this would not show positive on a pregnancy test until approximately at...
New team member
We are delighted to announce that Dr Sarah Merritt has joined the Somerset Early Scans team. Sarah is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with particular expertise in early pregnancy care. She has a qualification in ultrasound awarded with distinction and...
How Reassuring is an Early Scan?
Early pregnancy scans. How reassuring are they? The background risk of miscarriage is around 20%. After a heartbeat is seen on scan, the risk reduces to 3-4%. Other parameters can also provide reassurance. The size of the baby fitting in with the pregnancy dates. The...
New Team Member
We are delighted to announce that Beata Berkes, an Advanced Practitioner Sonographer has joined the team in our Paulton/Bath clinic. Beata has a postgraduate certificate in medical ultrasound from the University of the West of England. In addition to her role as a...
New Scan Machine
We are delighted to announce a new arrival in our Bridgwater clinic. Not the cuddly, awake in the night kind of arrival but a shiny new ultrasound scan machine! After 5 years of faithful service we have retired our Mindray and upgraded to a Canon Xario 200. This new...
Are you having a boy or a girl?
It’s a guessing game that has amused people for generations. Whether you want to find out before the baby is born or not, myths and old wives tales such as cravings, the way you are carrying and the ring test have been fun ways to try to predict the sex of your baby,...
Baby’s first movements
When does your baby first start to move? The first little wiggles are quite subtle and can be seen on ultrasound scan between 8 and 9 weeks of pregnancy. At this time we see little “limb buds” which are the first stages in your baby’s arms and legs...
Folic Acid
If you are planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to take a supplement of 400 micrograms a day of folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby (problem with the spinal cord or brain development such as spina bifida). You can do this by purchasing...