Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans: What to Expect During Your Journey

Pregnancy is one of life’s most exciting journeys — filled with anticipation, questions, milestones, and unforgettable moments. One of the most special parts of pregnancy is seeing your baby grow through ultrasound scans.

At First Glimpse Ultrasound Services in Brackenfell, we understand that every pregnancy is unique. Our goal is to provide professional, compassionate care while giving parents precious moments to connect with their baby.

Why Are Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans Important?

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to create images of your baby inside the womb. They are safe, non-invasive, and play an important role in monitoring both baby and mother throughout pregnancy.

Ultrasounds help us:

• Confirm pregnancy and viability

• Estimate due dates accurately

• Monitor baby’s growth and development

• Assess anatomy and wellbeing

• Check placental position and amniotic fluid

• Provide reassurance during pregnancy

Common Pregnancy Scans and When They Are Done

1. Early Pregnancy / Dating Scan (From 6 Weeks)

This is often the first exciting glimpse of your baby.

During this scan we:
✔ Confirm pregnancy location
✔ Confirm heartbeat
✔ Estimate gestational age
✔ Calculate an estimated due date

Many parents describe this as the moment the pregnancy finally feels real.

2. NT Scan (11–13 Weeks + 6 Days)

The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is an important screening scan performed during the first trimester.

This assessment looks at:

• Baby’s growth

• Nuchal translucency measurement

• Presence of the nasal bone

• Risk assessment for certain chromosomal conditions

• Early placental assessment

This scan can provide valuable information early in pregnancy.

3. Fetal Assessment / 20 Week Scan

Often called the anatomy scan, this is one of the most detailed pregnancy ultrasounds.

During this appointment we assess:

• Baby’s anatomy

• Brain and spine

• Heart structures

• Face and limbs

• Placenta

• Growth measurements

This is also often the stage where parents may learn baby’s gender if they choose to.

4. Pre-Delivery Scan  (Third Trimester)

As pregnancy progresses, growth scans help monitor how your baby is developing.

We assess:

• Estimated fetal weight

• Baby’s position

• Fluid levels

• Placenta

• Growth trends

These scans can provide reassurance as you prepare to meet your baby.

More Than Just a Medical Scan

Pregnancy scans are not only about measurements — they are moments.

Seeing tiny fingers, watching baby stretch, hearing the heartbeat, or simply sharing the experience with loved ones can create memories that last forever.

Visit First Glimpse Ultrasound Services

At First Glimpse, we offer professional pregnancy ultrasound services in Cape Town with a warm and welcoming environment.

Whether it’s your very first scan or one of your final visits before meeting your little one, we look forward to being part of your journey.

Because every pregnancy deserves a first glimpse ❤️