Ultrasound and Imaging Services

Ultrasound scans are available at both the John Radcliffe (JR) Hospital and the Horton General Hospital, but specialist scans are only available at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Contact us

John Radcliffe Hospital Maternity Ultrasound

Tel: 01865 221715

Email: maternity.ultrasound@ouh.nhs.uk

Horton General Hospital Ultrasound

Tel: 01295 229453

Dating/nuchal scan

This early ultrasound scan provides important information about the number of babies present and the expected date of delivery.

Pregnancy and the fetal heart can be seen from six weeks gestation by vaginal scan, and from eight to nine weeks by abdominal scan. Accurate measurements and images are taken of the gestational sac and the 'crown to rump' length of the embryo, to accurately date the pregnancy.

If combined screening is accepted at this scan further measurements will be taken.

Please visit 'Screening'

Mid trimester anatomy scan

At 18+0 to 20+6 weeks we scan your baby to assess the major systems of the body for anomalies, the majority of which cannot be picked up through earlier screening. Careful and accurate measurements of the baby are taken to monitor the baby's wellbeing.

At this scan your umbilical artery dopplers will be measured; these measurements help us to detect those babies who may be at higher risk of not growing as we expect.

Based on these measurements you will be placed on one of three pathways: no additional scans (apart from a routine 36 week scan) or additional scans at various points in your pregnancy. We will tell you which pathway you are on and what this means for your pregnancy.

36 week scan

This scan ensures the baby is growing well, identifies babies that are 'breech' (not head down) and also enables us to identify which babies could be at risk after this point if the pregnancy continues.

Scan images

These are £5 per image - card payment only.

Children at scan appointments

Your ultrasound scan is a medical examination important for your wellbeing and that of your baby. Your sonographer needs to concentrate fully to obtain accurate images and measurements and provide the best care.

For this reason, please do not bring children to your appointment, unless you have no alternative. We may ask your companion to take children out of the scan room if they distract your sonographer.