Transvaginal Scan

A transvaginal scan (TVS) is an internal ultrasound examination performed gently through the vagina using a slim, high-resolution probe. Because the probe sits close to the womb, it can give exceptionally clear images of your baby's anatomy, the placenta, womb, cervix and other important structures. It uses the same safe sound waves as a standard scan, simply from closer range.

Yes, a transvaginal scan is safe for you and your baby. It uses the same ultrasound waves as an external (transabdominal) scan, which have no known harmful effects, and the probe never comes into direct contact with your baby. The probe is cleaned with high-level disinfection and covered with a single-use sterile cover and gel, which keeps the risk of infection extremely low. Imaging time is often shorter than an abdominal scan because the resolution is better.

A transvaginal scan should not be painful. A slim probe, covered with a sterile sheath and lubricating gel, is inserted gently into the vagina, much like a routine gynaecological ultrasound. Some women feel mild pressure but not pain. If you have a latex allergy, please tell us beforehand so we can use a latex-free probe cover for your comfort and safety.

Please empty your bladder immediately before your transvaginal scan. Even a small amount of urine changes the position of the womb and reduces the quality of the image, so an empty bladder gives the clearest results. This is the opposite of an abdominal scan, which sometimes needs a full bladder. No other special preparation is required, and you can eat and drink normally beforehand.

A transvaginal scan is used when it gives clearer, more detailed images than an external scan. Common reasons include detailed assessment of the early fetus and its anatomy, expert examination of the brain (neurosonography), screening for vasa praevia, measuring cervical length, checking a previous C-section scar, and examining the placenta. It is often part of a thorough early fetal scan when close-range detail is important.

No, a transvaginal scan is entirely optional and you may choose to decline it. We only ever suggest a TVS when we cannot obtain sufficient information about your baby and pregnancy from an external (transabdominal) scan. If you prefer not to have one, we will explain the limitations of the abdominal scan in your particular case so you can make an informed decision.

Your transvaginal scan is performed by a highly experienced doctor or sonographer. Obtaining accurate images of the early fetus this way is technically demanding, and only a few specialists in London perform detailed transvaginal assessment of early pregnancy. Our clinicians have the expertise this level of examination requires. To book, you can arrange your appointment through our scan booking page.

They answer different questions. An abdominal (transabdominal) ultrasound surveys the pregnancy from outside, sometimes with a full bladder to lift the womb into view, and is ideal for a broad overview. A transvaginal ultrasound works from much closer range with an empty bladder, so it is chosen when fine detail matters most — the early baby, the cervix or the lower part of the placenta.

One is not simply better than the other, and they often work together. At London Pregnancy Clinic we start with an external scan and only add a transvaginal view when it will show something the abdominal scan cannot. You can see the full range of options on our scans page.

A transvaginal scan itself usually takes only a few minutes. Because the probe sits close to the womb, the resolution is high and the images are often obtained more quickly than with an external scan. The exact length varies depending on what is being examined and the position of the womb.

Your appointment will be a little longer than the scan alone, as it includes time to talk through your history, explain what is being done, and discuss the findings afterwards. There is no need to rush, and you can ask questions at any point.

From about six weeks of pregnancy onwards — and there is no upper limit. In the earliest weeks, the close-range view makes it easier to check that a pregnancy is developing in the right place and to pick up the earliest heartbeat, which can be hard to see through the tummy at that stage.

Later in pregnancy it remains useful for specific questions, such as measuring the cervix or examining the lower part of the placenta. Whether one is suggested depends on what your clinician needs to see, rather than simply on how many weeks pregnant you are.

Yes — a transvaginal scan can usually still be carried out during a period, and menstruation does not affect the safety of the scan or, in most cases, the quality of the images. If you use a tampon or menstrual cup, you will simply be asked to remove it just before the scan. And if you would feel more comfortable rescheduling, that is completely understandable — just let us know.

One important distinction: bleeding during pregnancy is not a period. It is common in early pregnancy and often has a harmless cause, but it should always be checked promptly — contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit, or read about our early pregnancy bleeding scan, which is designed for exactly this situation.

You will usually be asked to undress from the waist down for a transvaginal scan. You will be given privacy to do this and a cover or sheet for modesty, and you can keep the rest of your clothing on.

Many women find a skirt or dress makes this easier, as it simply needs lifting out of the way rather than removing. Once you are settled and covered, we will check you are ready before the scan begins, and you are welcome to ask any questions first.

No — a transvaginal scan does not cause miscarriage. NHS patient guidance on transvaginal scanning in early pregnancy states that there is no increased risk of miscarriage, and ultrasound in pregnancy has no known risks for you or your baby. The probe sits only a short way inside the vagina and never comes into contact with the baby, who remains safely inside the womb.

We understand this worry is common, especially if you have experienced a loss before or are being scanned because of bleeding or pain. Tell your clinician how you are feeling on the day — they can talk you through each step before anything happens, and nothing goes ahead until you are ready.