First-Trimester Dating Scan
A first-trimester pregnancy scan, often referred to as a 12-week scan, is performed any time between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy to assess fetal health and development.
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What is a first-trimester dating scan?
In most cases, the first-trimester dating scan is the first scan you’ll have during your pregnancy. It’s used to accurately measure how many weeks pregnant you are and provide you with an estimated due date (EDD).
At Welbeck, we perform all first-trimester dating scans 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.
During the scan, the first thing we’ll do is check that your baby has a strong and healthy heartbeat. We will then take some measurements to help determine an estimated due date (EDD). This first scan will also identify if you are pregnant with more than one baby.
During the scan, your sonographer will measure the baby’s crown–rump length (CRL) to accurately date the pregnancy. This is from the top of your baby’s head (crown) to the bottom of the buttocks (rump). This is the most accurate way at this stage to provide an estimated due date with an error margin of 3 to 5 days.
The first trimester scan can also assess the early anatomy of the baby and looks for certain conditions and developmental abnormalities, to ensure your baby is growing as expected at this stage.
Is a dating scan recommended?
It’s recommended that you have a dating scan between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It’s a non-invasive scan that’s not harmful to you or your baby and is the most accurate way to estimate your due date. The CRL measurement also provides a baseline to enable more accurate monitoring of the baby’s growth and development at later stages.
How is the scan performed?
A first-trimester scan is usually performed abdominally. However, depending on how early you are in pregnancy, it may be advised that you have a transvaginal ultrasound scan (via your vagina).
A transabdominal ultrasound scan usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and will follow these steps:
- Your sonographer will ask you to lie on a couch with your tummy exposed.
- They will apply a warm gel to your tummy before moving a hand-held device called a probe across it to carefully examine your baby.
- Live black and white images of your baby will appear on the ultrasound monitor, which your sonographer will turn for you to see your baby. You will also be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
- With help from the ultrasound machine, your sonographer will take some measurements of your baby, which will help them determine how far along you are.
- They will then print some images of your scan for you to take home.
- Your sonographer will explain what they are seeing to you throughout the scan and discuss any findings.
If you’re having a transvaginal (internal) 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. This 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.
Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy?
There are no known risks to you or your baby from having an ultrasound scan, either with transabdominal or transvaginal imaging.
At Welbeck, we want to do everything we can to help you feel safe and comfortable in our care. If you would like, you can request for a trained chaperone to attend the scan with you.
How do I prepare for the scan?
We recommend you attend your appointment with a full bladder. This allows optimal visualisation via transabdominal imaging. Should a different imaging technique and transvaginal scan be recommended, we will ask you to empty your bladder.
What will happen after my scan?
After your scan, you will be provided with a written report and assessment with the findings and measurements taken. This will show the expected due date, and any anatomy checked on the scan will be documented.
How much does a private first-trimester ultrasound scan cost?
At Welbeck, a first-trimester scan costs £200.
Why choose Welbeck?
It’s common to feel worried or anxious during pregnancy. At Welbeck, we offer expectant parents peace of mind through advanced fetal monitoring and are committed to supporting you at every stage of your pregnancy.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, we 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.
Booking a private early pregnancy ultrasound scan
If you’d like to book a private first-trimester ultrasound scan, simply get in touch with our Women’s Health centre to make an appointment.
FAQs
Will I receive images?
Yes. Along with your report, we will provide you with printed images for you to take home and share.
How many scans should you have in your first trimester?
Most expectant parents will only have 1 scan in the first trimester. If any deviations are recognised, we may recommend performing other types of scans or tests, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Can I have a scan before the first-trimester scan?
Yes. You can opt for an early pregnancy/viability scan from 6 weeks of pregnancy.
How accurate is my estimated due date?
During the scan, your sonographer will digitally measure from the top of your baby’s head to their bottom, which provides an estimated due date with an accuracy of ±3 to 5 days.