Are you expecting a little one? Congratulations! This exciting new chapter brings both joy and a unique set of challenges. As the pregnancy progresses and the baby grows, you must attend many prenatal appointments. Initially, it will assess your health to ensure your pregnancy goes as expected. One key part of this early care is the Early Pregnancy Scan, giving you the first peek at your baby. So what is an Early Pregnancy Scan, what should you expect, and is it right for you? Read on to find out!
An Early Pregnancy Scan, or a Dating or Viability Scan, is a diagnostic scan to determine if you are pregnant. It is typically recommended between six and ten weeks after conception. It is recommended for women who are probably pregnant or for those who are experiencing bleeding or pain during the early weeks of pregnancy. The scan may be abdominal, where a probe is passed over the stomach, or it may be transvaginal, where a small probe is inserted into the vagina. Typically, transvaginal ultrasound is performed when the fetus needs a closer examination. An Early Pregnancy Scan is performed to assess the viability and get an accurate pregnancy date, which is why these scans are called Dating or Viability Scans.
Getting a viability scan is essential because it offers important information, such as:
● To check if the embryonic sac is implanted inside the womb.
● To eliminate the possibility of ectopic pregnancy (a condition where the pregnancy sac grows in the fallopian tube).
● To know if multiple fetuses are growing within the womb.
● To assess the reason for bleeding or spotting.
● To predict the due date by determining the number of weeks of pregnancy. This is particularly useful if you have irregular cycles or have been on a pill and cannot get the due date from the last menstrual period. The Dating Scan gives the expected delivery date, EDD, which can be used later to determine the stage of your pregnancy.
● To verify that the baby's heartbeat is regular, which can be detected from the sixth week of pregnancy.
● To assess the chance of complications in case there is a history of miscarriages.
● To assess the cause behind excessive nausea or vomiting.
● To check the presence of ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
An Early Pregnancy Scan gives you the first look at your growing fetus. While heartwarming, do not expect to see much detail. All you will be able to see is a small, bean-shaped image. If you're carrying multiples, you may see more than one gestational sac or embryo. Initially, the head and body are the same size. You can also see a gestational sac inside, the yolk sac. The fetus's heartbeat may or may not be heard, depending on the baby's location.
The radiographer won't assess fetal anatomy during the first scan, as it's still early. Instead, they will check:
● The location of the pregnancy, to ensure it is inside and not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
● Gestational sac size to help determine the due date and the age of the fetus.
● If possible, heartbeat detection includes both auditory (listening) and visual (imaging).
● Potential health issues or complications to empower you to make informed choices about your pregnancy.
However, at times, these scans can be inconclusive. Not all pregnancies are identical, and there are strict guidelines for scans in early pregnancy. If the results are unclear, the scan will be conducted again in a week, so do not panic. Waiting for the next follow-up ultrasound can feel challenging, but remember, most pregnancies progress smoothly. If any concerns are identified during the scan, your doctor can provide you and your baby with the best care and support.
It may not necessarily indicate the worst outcome if the doctor cannot hear or see a heartbeat. The possible reasons could be:
● The baby's position may have obstructed the view and prevented hearing the heartbeat.
● Wrong date of conception. If you have conceived later, you may not hear or see anything as it is too early in the pregnancy.
● Anatomical or medical conditions like uterine fibroids can make it harder to obtain clear images.
Each pregnancy is unique and the reasons for a missed or abnormal heartbeat can vary. Once the above causes have been ruled out, your healthcare provider may conduct an in-depth examination to find the pregnancy status. If the baby is not seen inside the uterus, it may be an ectopic pregnancy. A blighted ovum may also be the cause of the gestational sac being present, but the embryo stops growing. Miscarriage is another possibility. Remember, these are just possibilities, and your healthcare provider will provide personalised guidance and support throughout this process.
An Early Pregnancy Scan can be performed in two ways: transabdominal or transvaginal.
Transabdominal scans are carried out between 7 and 11 weeks of pregnancy. Highly qualified sonographers perform these ultrasound scans. During this process, the mother must drink plenty of water for the sonographer to get a clear view of the fetus. A full bladder helps the ultrasound waves reach the womb and present a clear picture. Once your bladder is full, a gel is applied to your belly, and a handheld transducer is gently moved over it to capture the image of the fetus.
Transvaginal scans may be recommended if the images are unclear.
During a transvaginal scan, the sonographer gently inserts a lubricated vaginal transducer into the vagina as part of the Early Pregnancy Scan procedure. Once inserted, the transducer sends sound waves that bounce off internal organs, creating images on a monitor.
Early pregnancy scans carry little to no risk or side effects. You and your baby will be safe during the procedure, as we use harmless sound waves instead of radiation to capture images of your baby. Healthcare providers have used this technology for decades with no known associated risks. Plus, the process is relatively pain-free, so if you feel any discomfort, let your healthcare provider know.
Whether you undergo an Early Pregnancy Scan or not is up to you. However, it is recommended for expectant mothers, especially if they fall into the following categories:
● If there is a history of miscarriage.
● If there is a history of ectopic pregnancy.
● If you have conceived through IVF or other assisted fertility treatment.
Additionally, if you see any signs that are a cause for concern, an ultrasound can provide answers.
An Early Pregnancy Scan confirms pregnancy and the conception date and checks that the fetus is developing well. It is a safe procedure and gives you helpful information about the baby's health and peace of mind, knowing that your pregnancy is progressing well. So, if your pregnancy test has come back positive, then be sure to search for the best Early Pregnancy Scan near me and book your appointment today!
1. How to prepare for an early pregnancy scan?
Drink plenty of water while waiting for your scan to ensure a full bladder for the transabdominal scan.
2. What are the criteria for an early pregnancy scan?
It is performed between 7 and 11 weeks of pregnancy.
3. Which scan is suitable for early pregnancy?
Both transabdominal and transvaginal scans are suitable for detecting any complications during the early stages of pregnancy.
4. Which week is best for the first scan?
A scan conducted after the 7th week of pregnancy is optimal for the first ultrasound.
