Viability / Early Assessment

An early pregnancy ultrasound confirms the location of the pregnancy, establishes how many pregnancies are present, looks for fetal cardiac activity and takes a measurement used to date the pregnancy.

Depending on how early the scan is, it may be performed transabdominally or transvaginally. A transvaginal scan often gives clearer views in very early pregnancy and is a routine part of early assessment.

The position of the pregnancy within the uterus, the number of gestational sacs, the presence of a fetal heartbeat, and a crown–rump length measurement used to estimate the due date.

It may be advised where dates are uncertain, where there has been bleeding or pain, after previous pregnancy loss, or following fertility treatment. Whether it is needed, and when, is decided by your referring doctor.

A very early scan can be inconclusive simply because the pregnancy is not yet far enough along to show what is being looked for. In that situation a repeat scan after an interval is common practice and is not, on its own, an indication that something is wrong.

This examination does not assess the baby's structural development. That review is carried out later in pregnancy.

Preparation depends on the type of scan performed and is confirmed when your appointment is booked. A transabdominal scan in early pregnancy often requires a full bladder; a transvaginal scan does not.