Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan
Early pregnancy ultrasound scans are usually performed between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy to estimate your due date, and assess the health of your baby.
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What is an early pregnancy ultrasound scan?
An early pregnancy ultrasound scan, also called a viability, dating, or reassurance scan, is usually performed between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. They are designed to give you the confidence and support you may need during the first stages of pregnancy.
At Welbeck, early pregnancy ultrasound scans take place in our state-of-the-art Women’s Health centre. The scan is done by one of our specialist sonographers, and you will be provided with a same-day report and results.
Why is an early pregnancy ultrasound performed?
This is the first scan you’ll have in your pregnancy journey, and it can provide you with early reassurance of the development of your pregnancy at this stage. This allows us to assist you in the next steps and have a discussion on what to expect after the first scan.
We recommend this scan for all women, but particularly for those aged 35 or over, due to the increased risk of miscarriage. We also recommend early scans to women who have had previous miscarriages or concerns requiring early reassurance.
What will be checked on the scan?
An early pregnancy ultrasound scan can provide you with the reassurance you need in the early weeks of pregnancy. During the scan, we aim to do the following:
confirm that the pregnancy is correctly positioned within the uterus
assess viability through the detection of the baby’s heartbeat (usually visible from 6 weeks)
provide an estimated due date (EDD)
confirm single or multiple pregnancies
assess your pelvis and ovaries to rule out any early pregnancy concerns/pregnancy positioned outside the uterus – known as ectopic pregnancy
How is the scan performed?
Early ultrasound scans are usually performed transabdominally (over your tummy). However, depending on how early on you are in your pregnancy, we may need to perform the scan transvaginally (via your vagina). This method is a safe method of scanning and may be offered to provide more information and clearer/accurate imaging of the pelvic anatomy and measurements to assess the pregnancy.
If you’re having a transvaginal ultrasound, you’ll be asked to lie on your back with your legs apart and knees bent. A small, lubricated probe will be gently inserted into your vagina, and images will be produced on a screen. The probe will be fitted with a sterile, latex-free cover, and the probe will be moved slowly and gently to obtain images of your uterus and pelvis.
If you’re having a transabdominal (over your tummy) ultrasound, ultrasound gel will be applied to your tummy so that an ultrasound probe can be easily moved back and forth. Live images will appear on a screen for you and your sonographer to see.
Is an early ultrasound scan safe?
Ultrasound scans are safe in all stages of pregnancy, and there is no evidence that having a vaginal or an abdominal scan will cause a miscarriage or cause any harm at any stage of pregnancy.
At Welbeck, we want to do everything we can to help you feel safe and comfortable in our care. If you’d like, you can request that a trained chaperone attend the scan with you.
How do I prepare for the scan?
We advise you to attend your appointment with a full bladder to enable optimal imaging via a transabdominal scan. If we recommend a transvaginal scan for clearer imaging, or if the pregnancy is too early to assess through the transabdominal method, you will be asked to empty your bladder.
What happens after my scan?
After your scan, you’ll be provided with a comprehensive ultrasound report and assessment from our sonographer on the findings and measurements taken. This will document the overall scan findings and any recommendations, along with your expected due date.
How much does a private early pregnancy ultrasound scan cost?
At Welbeck, a first-trimester scan costs £150.
Why choose Welbeck?
It’s completely normal to feel worried or anxious during pregnancy. At Welbeck, our experienced sonographers are committed to supporting you at every stage of your pregnancy, listening to any concerns and answering any questions you have, no matter how big or small.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, they are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Book your private consultation
If you’d like to book a private early pregnancy ultrasound scan, simply get in touch with our Women’s Health centre to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
FAQs
Will I receive Images?
Yes. Along with your report, we’ll provide you with printed images and hard copies for you to take home and share.
Can you see the baby’s heartbeat?
During the early stages of fetal development, the heartbeat can be visualised from around 6 weeks of gestation on ultrasound and should have a strong pattern. This is a good indicator of the overall progression of the pregnancy.
Can I have an early pregnancy scan if I have concerns?
Yes, early pregnancy ultrasound scans can also help identify any potential issues which may require further monitoring. Ultrasound can be safely used if you’re worried or experiencing any pregnancy concerns, such as mild bleeding or spotting, or mild pain – a scan will be done to check for complications such as ectopic/molar pregnancy or miscarriage. It’s important to talk to your consultant if you’re experiencing episodes of severe pain or bleeding, and we advise that you go to your nearest A&E if you experience these symptoms prior to having an early pregnancy scan.
Is an early pregnancy ultrasound scan painful?
If you’re having a transvaginal scan, you may feel a little discomfort, but it should not be painful. If you’re having a transabdominal ultrasound, you won’t experience any pain or discomfort.