An ultrasound scan of the hips, abdomen and skull at 6-8 weeks after birth can reveal birth and developmental problems that may not yet be causing visible problems, but early detection is important for the healthy development of your baby. The infant ultrasound scan is completely safe and painless, has no side effects and babies tolerate it peacefully. You can as well contact us if your child needs a radiological screening recommended by a pediatric doctor. The examinations test is performed by our paediatric radiologists Dr. Ildikó Várkonyi and Dr. Anna Nyitrai senior physician and clinical specialist at the Department of Paediatrics I at Semmelweis University.
For the babies
Ultrasound screening can help to treat problems detected early and more effectively. In many cases, problems that can only be corrected with surgery or long-term treatment can be prevented. It is therefore recommended that all babies from 6-8 weeks to 5-6 months of age should have an ultrasound screening.
Frequently asked questions
When should I have an infant ultrasound screening test?
The ideal time to have a screening ultrasound scan is around 6-8 weeks of age. An abdominal ultrasound scan can be done at any age, ultrasound scans of the hip can be done from 6 weeks to 5-6 months of age as long as the head of the femur is cartilaginous. Brain ultrasound can be performed until the skull is ossified, i.e. until the child is 6 months old, because after that the ultrasound does not pass through the skull bone.
Who is ultrasound screening recommended for?
Ultrasound screening is recommended for all babies, but it is highly recommended for babies with a family history of developmental disorders, kidney disease, hip dysplasia. Ultrasound screening of the baby is also recommended if the baby’s development is below average.
What are ultrasound scans for?
Ultrasound scans of the skull, abdomen and hips can detect congenital malformations that would otherwise not cause any complaints or symptoms, as well as abnormalities that may have occurred during the perinatal period. Infant ultrasound scans can also detect abnormalities that intrauterine ultrasound scans cannot yet detect.
Will the baby hurt?
An ultrasound scan is not painful or a health risk for the baby and can be repeated indefinitely if necessary. Of course, in most babies, no abnormalities are found.
How long does the ultrasound scan take?
An ultrasound scan of your baby covering all the important details takes about 10 minutes.
How is the scan done?
When the baby arrives for the ultrasound scan, the parent lays the baby down on the examination bed and our paediatric ultrasound doctor uses the ultrasound head to examine the baby’s head, tummy and hips. The examination is completely painless and not stressful for the baby. At the end of the scan, our doctor will verbally assess the results, which the parent will receive a text report. If necessary, we will provide help and information on what to do next.
