A new scanner introduced at Stepping Hill Hospital’s maternity unit is now helping to enhance an expectant mothers’ / birthing parents’ journey throughout their pregnancy.

The new ultrasound scanner means that expectant mothers / birthing parents can receive the scans they need without having to go to a different department.

Selected midwives in the maternity unit have undergone additional training to enable them to perform ultrasounds with the scanner for women or birthing parents who are over 26 weeks into their pregnancy.  These midwives are known as ‘Midwife Ultrasound Practitioners’ (MUPs). There are currently two in place, with plans to train more.

Women/birthing parents being scanned by the midwives will have the opportunity to discuss with them any concerns they may have with their pregnancy, allowing for more joined-up care during the journey. If any problems are identified, a midwife can perform a full antenatal scan straight away without the person needing to be sent elsewhere in the maternity unit.

Carrying out the scans within the maternity department also helps to reduce waiting times and allow expectant mothers/birthing parents to receive the scans they need sooner, which in turn leads to improved medical outcomes. 

It is expected that the new scanner will be carrying out around 2000 ultrasound scans a year.

Sharon Hyde, Divisional Director of Midwifery for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “We are delighted the new scanner is now in place and  providing ultrasounds for expectant mothers or birthing parents here at Stepping Hill Hospital. Having midwives on-hand with the skills to carry out the scans can help create a more holistic and reassuring experience for our mothers or birthing people, and will help them to receive swifter scans and better outcomes too.”