At Specialist Imaging for Women we offer a number of neonatal and paediatric ultrasound services.
These include ultrasound of
- Hips
- Kidneys
- Head
- Abdomen
- Spine
- Scrotal/groin
Many of these ultrasound regions have certain age ranges and are particularly related to the neonatal and early paediatric period, (under 1 year), although sometimes are required for older children.
To help us make the experience as easy as possible, it is useful to have the baby/child fed and if possible have a toy or dummy available. All scans are performed with warmed gel and minimal undressing.
We have a quiet room available for breastfeeding, as well as a change table.
Hip Ultrasound
This scan is usually performed between birth and 6 months of age, for exclusion of a developmental condition called hip dysplasia. This scan is performed with the baby on its back or side.
It is useful to bring a spare nappy.
Kidney ultrasound
This scan is performed to follow up a condition called renal pyelectasis (hydronephrosis or a dilated pelvis) , often detected during your pregnancy scans, or in the setting of a possible renal tract infection in a baby or an older child.
This scan is performed with baby/child on its back or side.
Head ultrasound
This scan is usually performed where there is concern about the baby head size, and sometimes if there is a lump in the region of the head or neck. The scan is performed with a tiny probe utilising a normal gap in the skull (the fontanelle) which is present for a variable length of time in babies.
Abdominal ultrasound
The reasons for this scan are quite variable, and include vomiting, projectile vomiting and poor feeding. In some cases it is useful for the baby to be fed during the scan, and generally this scan is performed with the baby/child lying on its side or back.
It is useful to bring a spare nappy.
Spine ultrasound
This scan is usually performed in order to exclude a congenital issue with the development of the spine. This can only be performed during the first 3 months of life, after which time, the spine becomes too bony to be seen through with ultrasound.
This scan is performed with the baby on its tummy, generally over a soft towel.
Scrotal/groin ultrasound
This scan is performed as babies may be born with, or children may develop a lump or swelling in the region of the groin. There may also be concerns about the size of the scrotum in boys. This scan is performed with the baby/child lying on its back.
It is useful to bring a spare nappy.