Pregnancy Scans
Viability & Dating Scan
An early pregnancy ultrasound is generally used to confirm the location of the pregnancy and to look at early development. It is often the first scan a patient has.
The First Look
What Is It?
The first ultrasound look at a pregnancy.
An early pregnancy scan is an ultrasound examination performed in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is generally used to confirm the location of the pregnancy and to look at early development.
Depending on how early the examination is performed, the type of scan used may differ. Any instructions relevant to your examination are shared when your appointment is confirmed.
What May Be Assessed
What the doctor may look at.
What can be seen depends on how far along the pregnancy is and on individual imaging conditions.
Location of the pregnancy
Confirming that the pregnancy is developing within the uterus.
Early development
Looking at the early structures that are expected at this stage.
Number of pregnancies
Whether more than one pregnancy is present.
Dating
Measurements that may help estimate how far along the pregnancy is.
Why a Repeat May Be Suggested
Very early examinations sometimes need time.
In a very early pregnancy, some structures may simply not be visible yet. When that happens, your doctor may suggest repeating the examination after an interval so that development can be reviewed again.
If your doctor suggests a repeat or additional examination, it usually means more information would be helpful. It does not by itself mean that something is wrong.
Clinical Context
- What you are seeing
- An ultrasound examination room at the centre.
- What the doctor assesses
- Early pregnancy examinations are performed here by our doctors using diagnostic ultrasound.
- Context
- How clearly structures can be seen varies between examinations. Gestational age, the baby's position, and individual imaging conditions all affect what can be visualised on a given day.
Appointment Notes
Questions you may want to ask
- What is this early scan being performed for?
- Is anything expected to be visible at this stage?
- Will a repeat examination be needed?
- What should I do before the examination?
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Our team can help you understand how to proceed, or arrange an appointment at the centre.
For medical concerns or interpretation of individual findings, please speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider.