placental localisation scan

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Examination of placental location

If you are around 20 weeks pregnant, you will have the 20-week ultrasound. In this structural ultrasound examination, we see that in some cases the placenta lies (partially) over the cervix. When the placenta is too low, it can interfere with a natural delivery. Is there a low lying placenta? If so, it is important to recheck the location of the placenta later in pregnancy and check that the cervix is clear.

When can placental localisation take place?

We ideally perform placental localisation from the 32th week of your pregnancy. During the examination, the ultrasound technician performs both an external and internal ultrasound. This allows us to see where the placenta is and how low it is. For optimal viewing, we recommend that you come with a full bladder. 

What do we look at during placental localisation?

Were you told during the 20-week ultrasound (or during a later ultrasound) that your placenta is too close to or over the cervix? Then we will take another look after the 30th week of your pregnancy. We call this examination placentalocalisation. Usually we see that the placenta is back in the right place nicely. But, of course, it is important to know this for sure. During the study we look at:

  • the location of placenta
  • the size of the unborn child
  • the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus

After the examination, we will discuss the results with you and your midwife or gynecologist.

What about cost and reimbursement?

You don’t have to pay anything for placenta localization. Because this is a medical ultrasound, your health insurance company will reimburse the cost from basic insurance. However, you do need a referral. The ultrasound takes about 15 minutes and is done in 2D. You will be given 2 black and white photos of your baby.

Placental localisation in Amstelveen or Amsterdam?

Do you have a referral for a placental scan and want to have it done in Amstelveen or Amsterdam Buitenveldert? We are happy to welcome you at Het Echocentrum. The referring midwife or gynecologist sends us the request for the examination through a secure system. Please contact us for an appointment.

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