Early Scans: What to expect

Pregnancy is a life-changing journey, filled with a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, a little anxiety. As you navigate this journey, early pregnancy scans play a critical role in monitoring your baby's development and ensuring your health. The first-trimester ultrasound, together with other scans and tests, provides vital information that helps healthcare providers assess both the mother and baby’s well-being. These initial scans can have the added benefit of helping ease some of that early pregnancy anxiety. 

Understanding what to expect during early pregnancy scans can ease some of the uncertainty, the unknown, and provide reassurance as you move through this exciting phase of life. We want to help you with the information you need going into your first pregnancy scan and in this blog we’ll cover everything you need to know. 

What is an Early Pregnancy Scan and why are they important?

An early pregnancy scan, sometimes called a dating scan, is typically performed between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and typically takes between 15-30 minutes. It provides a wealth of information and gives an early glimpse into how the pregnancy is progressing and fetal development. Using ultrasound safe technology, sound waves create images of the developing embryo or fetus inside the uterus (womb).

Most early scans are done transabdominally, where the ultrasound probe is placed on the belly. In some cases, especially if the pregnancy is less than eight weeks along, a transvaginal scan may be recommended. This involves inserting a small probe into the vagina for clearer and more detailed images of the uterus and growing embryo.

Early pregnancy scans are valuable for several reasons. They provide essential information about fetal development, the health and development of the pregnancy, help in identifying some  potential complications early, and offer reassurance to expectant parents.

Some of the key reasons for having early pregnancy scans include:

1. Confirming the pregnancy
   One of the first purposes of an early pregnancy scan is to confirm that you are indeed pregnant and that the pregnancy is located within the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy test might give a positive result, but the pregnancy could be ectopic, meaning it develops outside the uterus, which can be dangerous. Early scans help in detecting ectopic pregnancies early, ensuring prompt medical intervention if necessary.

2. Determining gestational age and due date
   An early pregnancy scan can help accurately date the pregnancy. This is particularly helpful if you’re unsure of your last menstrual period or if your menstrual cycles are irregular. Accurately determining the gestational age helps in predicting the due date, which is crucial for monitoring the pregnancy’s progress and planning future care.

3. Detecting multiple pregnancies
   In some cases, an early pregnancy scan might reveal more than one developing embryo, indicating a multiple pregnancy. Knowing early on if you're carrying twins, triplets, or more is important for ensuring appropriate care and monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Multiple pregnancies often require more frequent scans and specialised antenatal care to reduce potential risks. 

4. Monitoring the baby’s heartbeat
   One of the most exciting moments during an early pregnancy scan is seeing and/or hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. The scan can typically detect the baby’s heartbeat around six to seven weeks into the pregnancy. A reassuring heartbeat is a positive indicator that the pregnancy is progressing well.

5. Assessing the shape of the uterus and ovaries.
   Early scans can sometimes  assess the anatomy of the uterus and ovaries.  Early detection of anatomical conditions can help doctors plan appropriate care and prevent complications later in pregnancy.

6. Identifying potential complications
   In some cases, early pregnancy scans can detect potential issues that may require medical attention and or specialised care. For example, the scan might reveal that the embryo is not growing as expected, or that there is no heartbeat, indicating a potential miscarriage. While these findings can be heartbreaking, early detection allows for timely medical care and support.

When to have an early pregnancy scan and what to expect

The timing of an early pregnancy scan can vary depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendations and your individual circumstances. If you experience any symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or if there is a history of complications in previous pregnancies, your healthcare provider may recommend an earlier scan.

For most women, the first scan is done between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, some healthcare providers may suggest a scan as early as six weeks, especially if there is any uncertainty about the pregnancy’s viability or if you’ve undergone fertility treatments.

Now that we’ve covered when and why early pregnancy scans are important, let’s discuss what you can expect during the procedure. Understanding the process can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.

1. Preparation
   Before your scan, you may be asked to have a full bladder. A full bladder makes  it easier to obtain clear images of the uterus during a transabdominal scan. For a transvaginal scan, a full bladder is not necessary and you may be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder. It’s advisable to wear a two-piece and loose-fitting clothing for easy access to the abdomen.
   

2. The Procedure
   During a transabdominal scan, you’ll be asked to lie on an examination bed while a sonographer or trained healthcare professional applies gel to your abdomen. This gel helps transmit the ultrasound waves, and it’s safe for both you and your baby. The sonographer will move a small handheld device (the transducer) over your belly to capture images of the uterus and developing embryo.
   

   In the case of a transvaginal scan, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on the bed. A specially designed ultrasound probe, which is slightly larger than a tampon, will be gently inserted into the vagina to provide clearer images of the early pregnancy. While this procedure might feel a bit uncomfortable, it should not be painful.  You can be given the option to insert the probe yourself if you would prefer.
   

3. The Results
   During the scan, you’ll be able to see the images on a screen, and the sonographer may point out important details, such as the embryo’s position and the presence of a heartbeat. After the scan, your healthcare provider will explain the results to you and discuss the next steps in your antenatal care. In most cases, the scan will provide reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing normally.

While early pregnancy scans provide critical medical information, they can also be an emotional experience. For many women, seeing their baby for the first time and seeing or hearing the heartbeat is a magical moment that makes the pregnancy feel more real. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that these scans can bring up feelings of anxiety, especially if there are concerns about the pregnancy’s development. It is a good idea to review  information on how to stay healthy during pregnancy so that you can feel as confident as possible throughout your pregnancy and understand the importance of antenatal care.

If you’re feeling anxious before your scan, consider talking to your healthcare provider or a trusted friend or partner. Many women find it helpful to bring a loved one with them to the scan for emotional support.

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Early pregnancy scans are an essential part of antenatal care, offering vital information about the development of the pregnancy. These scans can help confirm the pregnancy, establish the due date, detect multiple pregnancies, and monitor the baby’s heartbeat. They also play a crucial role in identifying potential complications early on, allowing for timely medical intervention if needed.

Knowing what to expect during an early pregnancy scan can help alleviate some of the uncertainty and help make the experience more enjoyable. As you embark on this exciting journey to parenthood, early scans offer a first glimpse into the new life growing inside you and provide the reassurance you need to move forward with confidence.

We're here to support you through every step of this incredible journey. Find out more about our obstetricians and how we can help you.