Early Pregnancy Scan

This scan can provide peace of mind for the parents, and valuable information for your health professional, as it can give details such as:

• Confirm an intrauterine pregnancy
• Exclude ectopic pregnancy
• Check the viability/heartbeat of the fetus for the first time
• Show single or multiple pregnancies
• Estimate the due date, by taking the fetus measurements
• Find out the cause of any concerning symptoms, such as pain or bleeding

This scan is normally done between 6 to 11 weeks of pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy scan is done transvaginally, since this gives us the best view of the baby. However, if you prefer the scan can be done transabdominally, but a full bladder is needed. It will be discussed to you at the time of your scan.

Most scans are carried out by sonographers. The scan is carried out in a dimly lit room so the sonographer is able to get good images of your baby.

You'll be asked to lie on your back and reveal your tummy.

The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy, which makes sure there is good contact between the machine and your skin.

The sonographer passes a probe over your tummy and a picture of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen.

During the exam, sonographers need to keep the screen in a position that gives them a good view of the baby.

The sonographer will carefully examine your baby's body. The sonographer may need to apply slight pressure on your tummy to get the best views of the baby.

Viability scan, first pregnancy scan, early reassurance scan &heart beat scan.

A scan usually takes around 20 minutes. However, the sonographer may not be able to get good views if your baby is lying in an awkward position or moving around a lot.

If it's difficult to get a good image, the scan may take longer or have to be repeated at another time.

There are no known risks to the baby or the mother from having an ultrasound scan.