Early Pregnancy Scan

Early pregnancy ultrasound is a precious first glimpse of your baby, providing reassurance and essential information in early pregnancy. Performed from 6-12 weeks, this gentle scan confirms pregnancy, checks the baby’s heartbeat, establishes accurate due date, and ensures the pregnancy is in the right place (ruling out ectopic pregnancy).

We also detect multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets) and measure the gestational sac and fetal pole. Many expectant mothers book this scan for peace of mind during those anxious early weeks, especially after previous miscarriage or fertility treatment.

Our experienced sonographers create a warm, supportive environment at our Brentwood clinic. You’ll receive photos to take home and a detailed report. Perfect for mums-to-be in Essex wanting reassurance before their NHS 12-week scan.

What’s Included:

• Pregnancy confirmation
• Fetal heartbeat check (visible from 6 weeks)
• Accurate dating of pregnancy
• Estimated due date (EDD) calculation
• Gestational sac measurement
• Fetal pole and yolk sac visualization
• Number of babies confirmed (twins/triplets detection)
• Location of pregnancy verified (intrauterine vs ectopic)
• Multiple photo printouts
• Detailed written report

When to Book:

6 Weeks:

• Confirm pregnancy
• See gestational sac
• Yolk sac visible
• Too early for heartbeat usually

7-8 Weeks (Ideal for Heartbeat):

• Heartbeat clearly visible
• Fetal pole measurable
• Early embryo development
• Most reassuring timing

9-12 Weeks:

• Accurate dating possible
• Baby clearly visible
• Movement often seen
• Anatomy starting to form

Who Needs This Scan:

Peace of Mind:

• First pregnancy anxiety
• Previous miscarriage history
• Long wait for NHS scan
• Fertility treatment (IVF/IUI)
• Just want reassurance

Medical Reasons:

• Light bleeding or spotting
• Mild cramping or pain
• Uncertain dates (irregular periods)
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Family history of twins

Symptoms Requiring Assessment:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Pregnancy symptoms suddenly stopping
• Very positive pregnancy test (possible twins/molar)

What You’ll See:

At 6 Weeks:

• Gestational sac: Round fluid-filled structure
• Yolk sac: Provides nutrition (small circle inside)
• Fetal pole: May just be visible
• Heartbeat: 50/50 chance of seeing it

At 7 Weeks:

• Heartbeat: Usually clearly visible (flickering)
• Embryo: Tiny baby shape emerging
• Crown-rump length: First measurement
• Movement: Sometimes slight twitches

At 8-10 Weeks:

• Clear baby shape: Head and body distinct
• Active movement: Baby wriggling around
• Limb buds: Arms and legs forming
• Strong heartbeat: Clearly beating

At 10-12 Weeks:

• Recognizable baby: Human features clear
• Active baby: Lots of movement
• Anatomy visible: Head, body, limbs, hands, feet
• Nuchal area: Can sometimes assess

Scanning Methods:

Transabdominal (External):

• Performed through abdomen
• Requires moderately full bladder
• Suitable from 9 weeks onwards
• Completely non-invasive
• Similar to standard pregnancy scan

Transvaginal (Internal):

• Internal probe scan
• Empty bladder preferred
• Best for very early pregnancy (<9 weeks)
• Much clearer images in early weeks
• More comfortable than you might think
• Essential for ectopic pregnancy detection

Which Method:

• Before 8 weeks: Transvaginal usually needed
• 8-10 weeks: Either method usually works
• After 10 weeks: Transabdominal sufficient
• We’ll discuss and use the most appropriate method

Confirming Viability:

Positive Signs:

• Visible heartbeat (most important!)
• Appropriate size for dates
• Normal yolk sac
• Intrauterine location
• Expected development for gestation

Concerns We Check For:

• Ectopic pregnancy: Outside uterus (usually fallopian tube)
• Miscarriage: No heartbeat when expected, or irregular sac
• Molar pregnancy: Abnormal placental tissue
• Blighted ovum: Empty gestational sac
• Slow development: Smaller than expected

If Heartbeat Not Seen: Don’t panic! This is common at very early gestation.

Possible Reasons:

• Too early (you’re not as far along as thought)
• Dates incorrect (ovulation later than expected)
• Retroverted uterus (tilted back, harder to see)
• Need transvaginal scan for better view

What We Do:

• Explain findings clearly and kindly
• Arrange follow-up scan in 7-10 days
• Measure everything carefully
• Give you all information to understand
• Never rush to conclusions

Multiple Pregnancy Detection:

Twins/Triplets:

• Number of gestational sacs counted
• Number of embryos confirmed
• Type determined:
  • Identical: One sac, one placenta
  • Non-identical: Two sacs, two placentas
• Important for pregnancy management
• Earlier scans better for determining type

Estimated Due Date (EDD):

• Calculated from crown-rump length (CRL)
• Most accurate between 8-13 weeks
• More accurate than dates from last period
• Used as official date for pregnancy
• NHS will use this for booking scan

Preparation:

Transabdominal Scan:

• Drink 500ml-1 litre water 1 hour before
• Don’t empty bladder before scan
• Moderately full bladder needed (not bursting!)
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Can be lifted easily

Transvaginal Scan:

• Empty bladder before scan
• No special preparation needed
• Wear comfortable clothing (skirt/dress easier)
• Bring sanitary towel if bleeding

What to Bring:

• Maternity notes (if you have them)
• Previous scan reports
• List of medications
• Partner/support person welcome

After the Scan:

Normal Scan:

• Photos to take home
• Detailed report
• Due date confirmed
• Reassurance provided
• Advice on next steps

If Concerns:

• Clear explanation of findings
• Follow-up scan arranged if needed
• GP letter provided
• Support and guidance offered
• Never left uncertain

Important Notes:

This is NOT a Diagnostic Scan:

• We don’t perform detailed anatomy assessment
• We check viability and location
• Detailed anomaly scan comes later (20 weeks)
• This is for reassurance and dating

NHS Scans Still Important:

• You still need your 12-week dating scan
• You still need your 20-week anomaly scan
• Our scan is additional, not replacement
• Private scans complement NHS care

Emotional Support:

• We understand anxiety in early pregnancy
• We explain everything we see
• We give you time to ask questions
• We’re here for reassurance
• Warm, caring environment

Success Stories:

“Seeing the heartbeat at 7 weeks after previous miscarriage gave me so much peace.”

“Discovered we were having twins at 8 weeks – gave us time to prepare!”

“The sonographer was so kind and explained everything clearly.”