Cervical length ultrasound scan
A cervical length ultrasound scan is performed to measure the length of the cervix to assess your risk of preterm labour and premature birth.
02036532008
What is a cervical length ultrasound scan?
A cervical length ultrasound scan is performed via a transvaginal (via your vagina) ultrasound to assess and measure the length of your cervix during pregnancy.
This test is particularly important if you have a history of preterm delivery or concerns regarding premature delivery, if you’ve had any surgery to your cervix, are pregnant with twins/triplets, or have had a previous caesarean delivery when fully dilated, as these can all indicate a higher chance of premature labour.
At Welbeck, cervical length ultrasound scans take place within our state-of-the-art Women’s Health centre and are performed by our specialist sonographers.
When should I have a cervical assessment scan?
The measurement of the cervix is recommended to be performed between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. This enables early detection and management of any identified risks or deviations from the norm, identifying any high-risk cases.
What does a cervical length ultrasound scan involve?
The cervical length scan is performed transvaginally by one of our experienced sonographers. Before performing the scan, they’ll talk you through the steps involved and why you’re having it, and also answer any questions you have.
For a transvaginal ultrasound, you’ll be asked to lie on your back with your legs apart and knees bent. A lubricated probe will be gently inserted into your vagina, and images will be produced on a screen. The probe will be fitted with a sterile, latex-free cover, and will be moved slowly and gently to obtain images of your uterus and pelvis.
Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy?
There are no known risks to you or your baby from having an ultrasound scan, either with transabdominal or transvaginal imaging.
At Welbeck, we want to do everything we can to help you feel safe and comfortable in our care. If you would like, you can request a trained chaperone to attend the scan with you.
How to prepare for a cervical length ultrasound scan
There is no preparation required to have a cervical length ultrasound scan.
What happens after the scan?
We’ll provide you with a detailed report of the findings and assessment of the cervical scan. A normal cervical length we look for is 25mm or more. In cases where we detect the cervical length to be <25 mm, we’ll discuss this with you and make appropriate referrals if required.
How much does a private cervical length ultrasound scan cost?
At Welbeck, a cervical length ultrasound scan costs £60. Please note that this scan is only available as an add-on to another scan. Please contact our Women’s Health centre for more information.
Why choose Welbeck?
It’s common to feel worried or anxious during pregnancy, at any stage. At Welbeck, we offer expectant parents peace of mind through advanced fetal monitoring and testing and are committed to supporting you at every stage of your pregnancy.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, we are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Booking a private cervical length ultrasound scan
If you’d like to book a private cervical length ultrasound scan, simply get in touch with our Women’s Health centre to make an appointment.
FAQs
Can an abdominal ultrasound be used to assess cervical length?
While an abdominal ultrasound can provide a general assessment of cervical length, a transvaginal ultrasound provides a more accurate measurement, so it’s the preferred scanning method.
Should I go to the toilet before having a cervical length ultrasound scan?
Yes, your consultant will ask you to empty your bladder before the scan, as a full bladder can artificially increase the cervical length, resulting in an inaccurate measurement.
What is a cervical length ultrasound scan?
What does a cervical length ultrasound scan involve?
Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy?
How to prepare for a cervical length ultrasound scan
What happens after the scan?
How much does a private cervical length ultrasound scan cost?
Why choose Welbeck?
Booking a private cervical length ultrasound scan
FAQs