Freestocks/Unsplash It’s estimated about 40 per cent of pregnancies in 2020 didn’t have the required ultrasounds, and it’s hoped this move will change things. Hapū māmā will no longer have to pay for pregnancy scans in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, in a move intended to improve equity and healthcare. The full bill will now be footed by Bay of Plenty District Health Board, provided the ultrasounds are requested by a lead maternity carer (LMC), a statement said. Previously, a co-payment of $45 was required for the scans, which were partly funded. And, based on 2020 birth and scan numbers, the DHB estimates 40 per cent of pregnancies didn’t have the required number of ultrasounds.