Skip to main content
  1. Right Decisions
  2. GGC - Clinical Guidelines
  3. Maternity
  4. Back
  5. Ultrasound
  6. Safe Practice for Scanning Women with a High BMI (468)
Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. 

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number.  To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Safe Practice for Scanning Women with a High BMI (468)

Please report any inaccuracies or issues with this guideline using our online form

Clinical obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI)>35. Obstetric ultrasound scanning of patients with a high BMI may increase the likelihood of sonographers developing muscular-skeletal disorders (MSD). In order to reduce the likelihood GG&C sonographers should follow these guidelines.

  • Do not apply any extra pressure and stop scanning if you experience any pain.
  • Do not use a two handed technique as this will rotate the spine, shoulder muscles and ligaments increasing the risk of MSD. Use alternative techniques to improve resolution e.g. patient supporting any excess tissue, bladder filling/emptying, sending patient for a walk, re-adjust patient position.
  • All efforts will be made to ensure ultrasound rooms are equipped with suitable ergonomic equipment.
  • Sonographers should optimise image resolution by making full use of machine settings.
  • Consider using a trans vaginal method to improve image resolution where appropriate.
  • If there is inadequate visualisation at a routine Fetal Anomaly Scan due to a high BMI one further appointment may be given at 22 weeks.
  • Where an examination has been limited due to maternal BMI, document this in the ultrasound report.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 17/12/2021

Next review date: 23/12/2026

Author(s): Donna Maria Bean.

Version: 2

Approved By: Obstetrics Clinical Governance Group

Document Id: 468

References

MONNINGTON, S. DODD-HUGHES, K. MILNES, E. AHMAD,Y. (2012) Risk management of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonographer. Health and Safety Executive Project Report.

THOMSON, N. (2014) Work related Musculo-skeletal Disorders-Sonographers [Online] Available from: http://www.sor.org/learning/document-library/work-relatedmusculo-skeletal-disorders-sonographers

KUPPER, A. MACKENZIE, S. HEASMAN, T. (2004) The challenge of managing upper limb disorders – how can health professionals become more effective? Health and Safety Executive – Project Report 215