Booking or dating scan & Nuchal transluceny scan (CUBS)

The booking scan is used to check your baby’s development. It’s sometimes called your dating scan as it helps to show how many weeks pregnant you are. It’s offered between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

What can the scan show?

The purpose of the booking scan is to:

• estimate the stage of pregnancy
• assess growth and development
• check your baby’s heartbeat

Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan

If booked early enough, a nuchal translucency (NT) scan can also be performed at the same time as your dating scan. This scan:

• helps to assess the risk of your baby having Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome
• is offered between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy
• is part of the screening test for Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome

This scan is always combined with a blood test and often referred to as a CUBS scan (combined ultrasound & biochemical screening). Your named midwife will discuss the result of your test with you. A specialist midwife will provide you with information if further testing is recommended. This will help you make an informed decision. It is important we have your correct contact details.

If you’d like a dating scan, but don’t want to know your baby’s chance of having Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome or Patau’s syndrome or other conditions, please discuss this with your midwife.

On the day of your scan 

You are welcome to bring one person with you to your scan but please do not bring young children. Neither you or the sonographer (person who performs the scan) will be able to supervise a child whilst the scan is being done.

• We request you attend for this scan with a full bladder
• We suggest you wear loose fitting clothes so your abdomen can be easily exposed
• Please remove any belly piercings as they can damage the ultrasound equipment
• Plan your journey so you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Parking can sometimes be tricky
• Staff present during the scan will be introduced to you and their role explained
• NHS Lanarkshire is a teaching hospital so trainees may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room, please let
• the sonographer know and the trainee will be asked to step outside
• The scan should take around 30 minutes.
• In the interest of confidentiality, we kindly ask you to switch off your phone when entering the scan room

Occasionally, the sonographer is unable to perform a complete examination on your 1st visit. This can happen when the baby is in a particular position, or a mum’s BMI (body mass index) results in a poor scan image. You may be asked to return for another appointment if necessary.

Useful Contacts

• UHW Scan Department: 01698 366427 / 01698 366340
• Airdrie Scan Reception: 01698 703032
• Airdrie Day Bed Unit: 01698 703033
• Hairmyres Day assessment: 01355 584503

Information used from Ready Steady Baby – Scottish Government NHS Scotland 2019

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk