PREGNANT women are to be banned from bringing children along to scans at a hospital.

From the beginning of September, the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, will no longer allow youngsters to be present in the room when a woman undergoes an antenatal ultrasound exam.

Lynne Young, the hospital’s matron for obstetrics and gynaecology, said the decision had not been taken lightly.

She said: “After careful consideration, our ultrasound team has announced it will soon be restricting the number of people who are allowed to be present in the room when a pregnant woman undergoes a scan.

“From 1 September 2018 this will be limited to two adults, and children will no longer be permitted in the scan room to enable the sonographer to concentrate fully on this important medical examination.

“During a first routine baby scan the foetus is only 15cm long and sonographers are looking closely for any structural abnormalities which will determine the care of the pregnancy and sometimes the outcome can result in a decision to end the pregnancy.

“It is vital that they have as little disturbance as possible.

“It can also be very upsetting for young children if we have to discuss a problem.”

Saying that staff would continue to “go above and beyond” by providing souvenir scan photographs and foetal sexing upon request, she added: “This decision has not been taken lightly, in most instances it is a joyous occasion and women like to share this with their family, however this is a medical examination and the health of mum and baby has to be our top priority.”