What is an Early Pregnancy Scan?
An Early Pregnancy Scan is the very first scan that you can have in your pregnancy. It is sometimes requested by a doctor or midwife to confirm that your pregnancy is healthy, ongoing and to calculate the date when your baby is due. It can be also performed to confirm the results of a pregnancy test kit.
Sometimes called a Viability Scan (to confirm the viability of your pregnancy), or Dating Scan (to date your pregnancy so you can plan your pregnancy diary), it is often done if you are not sure if you are pregnant or to provide reassurance in the very early stages of your pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Scans are not usually offered on the NHS but you may have one privately without affecting your NHS entitlement.
Why is the Early Pregnancy Scan useful?
The Early Pregnancy Scan is useful because performed correctly it allows you to plan the next 42 weeks leading up to the birth of your baby by providing an Estimated Due Date (EDD).
All future pregnancy scans and fetal growth milestones are performed and measured against this timeline.
It is also useful to calculate when the 2 weeks and 3 days window for performing the Nuchal Scan will fall.
Many couples also find this scan very reassuring as the first positive confirmation that they will soon become parents.
How accurate is the Early Pregnancy Scan?
No ultrasound scan is 100% accurate when it comes to predicting exactly when your baby will be due or when it was conceived. The Early Pregnancy Scan is usually accurate enough to provide you with an EDD to enable you to plan your pregnancy.
Generally the date of your EDD will not change unless a later scan predicts an EDD that is plus or minus 7 days of your original date.
Sometimes if the sonographer is unable to obtain an clear, accurate measurement you will be asked to return a week or two later when your baby will have grown larger to enable a more precise assessment.
What will I see at the Early Pregnancy Scan?
Depending on the date of your pregnancy you may see either a pregnancy yolk sac, an early fetus and or some fetal heart activity.
- 5 weeks | The pregnancy sac may be seen
- 6 weeks | The early fetus or embryo may be seen
- 7 weeks | Fetal heart activity begins. Your baby may have a recognisable form
- 8 weeks and onwards | The outline of your baby is seen more clearly. Limb buds may be formed.
Generally your baby may not be seen before 6 weeks gestation.
How does the Early Pregnancy Scan work?
The sonographer will first try to scan you through your tummy (trans abdominally). With our latest technology high resolution ultrasound machine we are usually able to obtain a clear image using this technique.
Performing an Early Pregnancy Scan not harmful to you or your baby nor will it increase your chances of having a miscarriage.
When will I receive the results of my Early Pregnancy Scan?
Please note that a pregnancy is only considered clinically viable when a regular fetal heart beat has been observed. If the operator has not indicated prescence of a fetal heart beat you will be advised to attend the Early Pregnancy Unit at your hospital.
Are there any other reasons to have an Early Pregnancy Scan?
Yes, an Early Pregnancy Scan is also useful if:
- You don’t know the date of your last period
- You know you are pregnant and are bleeding or in pain
- You think you may be miscarrying
- Your doctor wants to make sure that the pregnancy is in your womb and not in your fallopian tube (called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy)
Why should I have my Early Pregnancy Scan at Face2Face Baby Scans?
Having your Early Pregnancy Scan at Face2Face Baby Scans Together with our colleagues at Tummy2Mummy Midwifery Service we ensure you will receive a personal and discreet service at a time that suits you.
With early pregnancy scan appointments available on Saturdays, and most weekdays you can confirm your pregnancy and plan your diary without revealing your personal news to friends, family or work colleagues.
How do I book an Early Pregnancy Scan?
For bookings information and cost please see our Maternity Scans page
