Tests and scans

Your GP or private midwife will talk to you about the routine tests needed during your pregnancy. These tests are performed to check your health, your baby’s growth and to identify possible problems. Check-ups may include ultrasound scans, pap smear tests, breast check and blood tests.

Ultrasound scan

Your GP or private midwife will let you know when you need an ultrasound and refer you to a service. An ultrasound is a safe way to create an image of your developing baby. There may be a cost involved depending on where you go but some places bulk bill through Medicare.

Below is a list of common ultrasounds carried out in a normal, low-risk pregnancy. This list is also in your Pregnancy Health Record.

8-9 weeks | Dating scan

A dating scan is an optional early ultrasound to confirm your due date. This test can provide reassurance and is helpful if you don’t know the date of your last menstrual period.

11-13 weeks | First trimester screening test

At 11-13 weeks, a nuchal translucency scan and blood test is offered to calculate the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Your due date is estimated during this test.

18-20 weeks | Morphology scan

A morphology scan is an important ultrasound which checks for major physical abnormalities in your baby. It is also known to most parents as the scan to find out the sex of the baby or the 20 week scan.