First Pregnancy Scan

Yes, early pregnancy scans are considered completely safe for both you and your baby. These scans use ultrasound technology, which works by emitting sound waves to create images of your uterus and the developing embryo. Unlike X-rays or other imaging methods, ultrasound does not use radiation and has no known risks when performed by trained professionals.

In fact, early scans are often recommended to provide essential information about your pregnancy. They are non-invasive and typically performed using a transvaginal probe for a clearer view during this early stage. This method might feel slightly uncomfortable but is entirely safe and offers highly detailed images of your baby’s development.

During a scan at 6-9 weeks, you can expect to see the gestational sac, which appears as a small black area within the uterus, and possibly the yolk sac, which provides nourishment to the embryo. By around 6-7 weeks, the sonographer should be able to detect the embryo itself, and with advanced ultrasound technology, a tiny flickering heartbeat may be visible.

Although the embryo is very small at this stage (about the size of a grain of rice), the scan provides an exciting first glimpse of your baby. It’s important to note that visibility depends on factors like the exact timing of the scan and your body’s anatomy. If the heartbeat isn’t visible yet, the sonographer may suggest a follow-up scan in a week or two for further evaluation.

Clinics who use older ultrasound equipment may ask you to drink water before the appointment to fill your bladder, which helps improve the clarity of the ultrasound images when using an abdominal scan. This isn’t a requirement for our early pregnancy scans, given the high resolution probes we use.

Wearing loose, comfortable clothing is recommended, as you’ll need to expose your lower abdomen or have the transvaginal scan performed. Arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork, and don’t hesitate to ask your sonographer questions—they are there to make you feel comfortable and informed.

If no heartbeat is detected during your scan, it may simply mean it’s too early in the pregnancy for it to be visible. This is not uncommon, especially if your dates are slightly off or if the scan is performed before the 7-week mark. In such cases, a follow-up scan is usually recommended in 7-14 days to reassess the situation.

However, if the follow-up scan also fails to detect a heartbeat or shows other concerning signs, further investigations will be carried out to determine the next steps. We may refer you to your nearest EPU (Early Pregnancy Unit) for these further investigations.

The primary focus of a 6-9 week scan is to confirm the pregnancy and assess its viability, rather than to diagnose abnormalities. That said, this scan can identify certain early complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy, a blighted ovum (where a gestational sac forms without an embryo), or signs of miscarriage.

More detailed assessments for abnormalities are typically done later in the pregnancy, around 10 weeks, during the combined screening scan. However, if the sonographer notices anything unusual during the early scan, they will inform you and refer you for further evaluation to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby.

In the UK, the first pregnancy scan offered free of charge by the NHS is the dating scan, typically performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This ultrasound aims to estimate your baby’s due date, assess their development, and check for multiple pregnancies. Additionally, it may include a nuchal translucency (NT) measurement to screen for conditions like Down’s syndrome, if you choose to have this screening.

While the dating scan is the initial routine ultrasound provided by the NHS, earlier scans may be available if medically indicated. For instance, if you experience symptoms such as pain or bleeding, or have a history of pregnancy complications, your healthcare provider might refer you for an early pregnancy scan before 11 weeks. These early scans are conducted to ensure the pregnancy is progressing normally and to address any concerns promptly.