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Understanding the Early Pregnancy Scan: What to Expect and When to Schedule Yours

Early pregnancy is an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking journey, especially for first-time parents. An early pregnancy scan, also known as ...

Early pregnancy is an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking journey, especially for first-time parents. An early pregnancy scan, also known as a viability scan or dating scan, offers reassurance by confirming the health, placement, and development of the embryo. Knowing when to schedule this scan, what to expect, and what the results mean can make this experience both informative and reassuring.


What Is an Early Pregnancy Scan?

An early pregnancy scan is an ultrasound conducted between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. The scan provides essential information about the pregnancy and is often used to:

  • Confirm pregnancy in the womb
  • Establish a due date
  • Detect a fetal heartbeat
  • Identify multiple pregnancies (such as twins)
  • Check the position of the embryo within the uterus
Should I get a private early pregnancy scan? Your questions answered

Timing Your Early Pregnancy Scan: When Should You Go?

The ideal timing for an early pregnancy scan depends on your medical history, the advice of your healthcare provider, and any pregnancy-related symptoms. Here’s what you can generally expect week by week:

  • 6-7 Weeks: The earliest recommended timing for an ultrasound scan. A small gestational sac and yolk sac are visible, and a fetal heartbeat may be detected. Scans this early are typically recommended for those with a history of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or bleeding.
  • 8-10 Weeks: By this stage, the fetus is more visible. The heartbeat is usually detectable, and fetal growth can be measured. For many parents, this is a reassuring time to schedule an early scan to confirm viability.
  • 10-12 Weeks: Most early pregnancy scans are completed by the 12th week. By this time, the fetus is well-developed, and healthcare providers can assess overall growth and provide an accurate due date.

What to Expect During an Early Pregnancy Scan

Early pregnancy scans are typically conducted transabdominally or transvaginally:

  1. Transabdominal Ultrasound: A gel is applied to your lower abdomen, and a transducer is moved across the area to capture images. This type of scan may be less effective in the very early weeks due to the small size of the fetus.
  2. Transvaginal Ultrasound: A small, specially designed transducer is gently inserted into the vagina. This provides clearer images, especially between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, and is common for early scans.

The ultrasound technician or sonographer will guide you through the scan, showing you the screen and explaining the images. The heart rate, size, and shape of the fetus will all be assessed to confirm a healthy pregnancy.


What’s Visible on an Early Pregnancy Scan?

Here’s what you may be able to see during an early pregnancy scan, based on gestational age:

  • 6 Weeks: A gestational sac and yolk sac should be visible. The yolk sac is vital, as it provides nutrients to the embryo in the early stages. A heartbeat may also be detectable.
  • 7-8 Weeks: The fetal pole (the first visible sign of the embryo) is often visible, as well as a heartbeat. It’s an exciting time, as you may even be able to make out the head and body.
  • 9-10 Weeks: The fetus becomes more recognizable with clear head, body, and limb development. The heartbeat should be strong, and you may even see slight movement.
  • 11-12 Weeks: By the 12th week, you can see defined features of the baby, including arms, legs, and head shape. This is often when parents can take home a clear ultrasound image.

Benefits of an Early Pregnancy Scan

An early pregnancy scan has several benefits for both expectant parents and healthcare providers:

  • Peace of Mind: Seeing the heartbeat and confirming a healthy, in-utero pregnancy is reassuring for many parents.
  • Accurate Dating: Early scans are highly accurate in estimating gestational age, which can set a reliable due date.
  • Detection of Multiple Pregnancies: Early scans can reveal twins, triplets, or more, allowing your healthcare provider to monitor you closely.
  • Identifying Early Issues: Detecting ectopic pregnancy or other complications early can ensure timely intervention.

Common Misconceptions About Early Pregnancy Scans

It’s common to have questions and misconceptions surrounding early pregnancy scans, especially for first-time parents:

  • “If I don’t see a heartbeat, the pregnancy isn’t viable.”
    Not seeing a heartbeat at 6 weeks doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Some embryos develop slower, so a heartbeat may not appear until 7-8 weeks.
  • “A transvaginal ultrasound isn’t safe.”
    Transvaginal ultrasounds are perfectly safe and widely used. They’re especially beneficial in early pregnancy when transabdominal scans may not offer clear images.
  • “An early scan will reveal the baby’s gender.”
    While early scans provide information on the baby’s health and development, gender isn’t visible until around 18-20 weeks, during the anomaly scan.
Private Early Pregnancy Scan Ensuring Personalized Care and Peace of Mind

When to Book Your Early Pregnancy Scan

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as cramping, spotting, or unusual pain, you may want to schedule an early pregnancy scan sooner, as these can sometimes indicate complications. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine the ideal time based on your specific needs.

At Phoenix Ultrasound, we offer early pregnancy scans with compassionate, professional care to support your pregnancy journey. Contact our team to schedule your scan at one of our Central London or Surrey/Banstead locations.

Phoenix Ultrasound Locations:

Central London Branch
1 Portpool Lane, Holborn, London, EC1N 7UU

Surrey Branch
63 Nork Way, Banstead, SM7 1HL

📞 Contact Number: 020 3318 1373
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://phoenix-ultrasound.co.uk

Start your pregnancy journey with the best possible care and guidance. Schedule your early pregnancy scan today with Phoenix Ultrasound for peace of mind and a positive beginning to parenthood.