Twins Scan Gold Coast | Multiple Pregnancy Ultrasound
Haven Ultrasound offers morphology scans, fetal growth and wellbeing scans on the Gold Coast, providing detailed ultrasound assessments at key stages of your pregnancy. Our morphology scan, also known as the anatomy scan or mid-trimester scan, is performed between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and provides a comprehensive evaluation of fetal anatomy, organ development, growth, and placental position. Our fetal growth and wellbeing scans are available throughout the second and third trimesters to monitor fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and fetal wellbeing over time. Our experienced team of specialist sonographers works closely with your referring GP or obstetrician to support your ongoing antenatal care.
CONSULTATIONS
Understanding Multiple Pregnancy Ultrasound
A multiple pregnancy — whether twins, triplets, or a higher-order multiple — places additional demands on ultrasound surveillance compared to a singleton pregnancy. The type and frequency of scans recommended will depend primarily on chorionicity and amnionicity, as these factors determine the level of risk associated with the pregnancy and the appropriate level of monitoring.
The key categories of multiple pregnancy — each requiring a different antenatal care and surveillance approach — are:
- Dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins: Each twin has their own placenta and amniotic sac. This is the most common type of twin pregnancy and is generally associated with lower risk than monochorionic pregnancies, though regular growth surveillance is still recommended.
- Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins: Twins share a placenta but each has their own amniotic sac. This category carries a higher risk of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and requires closer and more frequent ultrasound monitoring from the second trimester.
- Monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twins: Twins share both a placenta and an amniotic sac. This is a rare and higher-risk category requiring specialist management and surveillance.
- Triplets and higher-order multiples: Chorionicity assessment is performed for all fetuses, and an individualised surveillance plan is established in conjunction with your specialist care team.
Early and accurate chorionicity determination is the foundation of multiple pregnancy management. At Haven Ultrasound on the Gold Coast, chorionicity is assessed in the first trimester where possible, as this is the most reliable gestational window for making this determination.
Specialist expertise matters in a multiple pregnancy. At Haven Ultrasound, our team has the training, experience, and technology to support the additional complexity that twin and triplet pregnancies require. Our Gold Coast clinic is a dedicated women’s ultrasound practice, and we work closely with obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists across the region to ensure continuity of care for families with multiple pregnancies.
- Specialist Sonographers with Multiple Pregnancy Experience: Performing a detailed twins scan on the Gold Coast requires significant expertise. Our sonographers are experienced in the assessment of multiple pregnancies across all trimesters, including chorionicity determination, individual fetal anatomy assessment, and serial growth surveillance.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist Support: Haven Ultrasound is supported by maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Where scan findings in a twin or triplet pregnancy require further specialist assessment or consultation, this support is available at our clinic.
- High-Resolution Imaging Technology: We use advanced GE Voluson equipment to support detailed and accurate imaging across all aspects of multiple pregnancy ultrasound, including 3D imaging where clinically appropriate.
- Extended Appointment Times: Twins and triplets scans are allocated additional appointment time to allow for the thorough, individualised assessment each baby requires.
- Collaborative Communication with Your Care Team: Results are communicated promptly to your referring GP, obstetrician, or maternal-fetal medicine specialist to support the coordinated antenatal management that multiple pregnancies require.
The Multiple Pregnancy Scan Experience at Haven Ultrasound
At your twins or triplets scan appointment on the Gold Coast, you can expect the following:
- A specialist sonographer will perform each component of the scan with care and precision, assessing each baby individually.
- The scan is conducted abdominally in most cases. A transvaginal component may be included where indicated, such as for cervical length assessment or to improve visualisation of specific structures.
- 3D imaging may be obtained where clinically appropriate.
- Our team explains what is being assessed as the scan progresses, so you leave each appointment informed and supported.
- A formal report with measurements for each baby is prepared and communicated to your referring clinician following every appointment.
- Where a finding requires further discussion, a consultation with one of our maternal-fetal medicine specialists can be arranged.
Haven Ultrasound understands that a multiple pregnancy can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. Our team is committed to providing a calm, private, and supportive environment at every appointment, while maintaining the highest standard of clinical care for you and your babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I have my first twins scan on the Gold Coast?
If you are expecting twins or a multiple pregnancy, your first ultrasound is ideally performed in the first trimester — ideally between 11 and 13 weeks 6 days — to accurately determine chorionicity and amnionicity. This early assessment is the most reliable way to classify the type of twin pregnancy and establish the appropriate level of ongoing surveillance. An earlier scan between 6 and 10 weeks may also be performed if you are experiencing symptoms, have had fertility treatment, or your GP has requested earlier imaging.
How often will I need ultrasound scans with a twin pregnancy?
The frequency of ultrasound scans in a twin pregnancy depends primarily on chorionicity. Dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies are generally monitored with growth scans every four weeks from around 24 weeks. Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies typically require more frequent monitoring — usually every two weeks from around 16 weeks — due to the risk of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Your obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist will advise on the recommended surveillance schedule for your specific pregnancy.
What is chorionicity and why does it matter?
Chorionicity refers to whether twins share a placenta (monochorionic) or each have their own placenta (dichorionic). Amnionicity refers to whether they share an amniotic sac (monoamniotic) or each have their own (diamniotic). These factors are critical because they determine the level of risk associated with the pregnancy and the appropriate frequency and type of antenatal monitoring. Monochorionic pregnancies carry a higher risk of complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and therefore require closer and more frequent surveillance. Chorionicity is most accurately determined by ultrasound in the first trimester.
Is a referral required for a twins scan at Haven Ultrasound?
Yes. A referral from your GP, obstetrician, or maternity care provider is required to attend a scan at Haven Ultrasound. A valid referral also allows you to access any applicable Medicare rebates for your ultrasound. Please contact our reception team if you have any questions about your referral prior to booking.