Private Early Pregnancy Scan

5 weeks to 11 weeks of Pregnancy

Sometimes called a Viability Scan or Dating Scan this may be the first private pregnancy scan you will have.

It is often done when you are not sure if you are pregnant or to provide reassurance in the very early stages of your pregnancy.

An Early Pregnancy Scan is usually requested by a doctor or midwife to confirm that your pregnancy is healthy and ongoing and to check the date when your baby is due.

What will I see at this scan?

• 5 weeks | The pregnancy sac may be seen
• 6 weeks | The early fetus (embryo) may be seen
• 7 weeks | Fetal heart activity. Your baby may have a recognisable form
• 8 weeks | The outline of your baby is seen more clearly. Limb buds may be seen.

Generally your baby may not be seen before 6 weeks gestation.

If the scan is performed too early to see your baby clearly a repeat scan in 10 - 14 days is sometimes needed to confirm that your pregnancy is progressing satisfactorily.

If necessary the consultant may suggest blood tests to help determine if your pregnancy is healthy and in the correct location.

As this scan is not normally offered on the NHS many patients come to us for this scan independently, without referral, before continuing their pregnancy care with the NHS.

Having a private Early Pregnancy Scan with us does not exclude or jeopardise your future NHS care.

On the contrary having your pregnancy accurately dated prior to your 12 Week Nuchal Scan & Screening for Down Syndrome can be a sensible choice.

Our medical reports can be passed on to your NHS midwife or Obstetrician and we will happily liaise with your NHS carer should we have any concerns with your first scan.

An Early Pregnancy Scan is also useful if:

• You don’t know the date of your last period
• You have had some worrying bleeding
• You think you may be miscarrying

Dating your pregnancy at this early stage will help you better organise your scans and your ongoing pregnancy care.

Early Pregnancy Scan - Gynaecological

In the gynecology setting, the scan is generally done:

• If you are not sure you are pregnant
• You have had some bleeding or pain and are concerned about miscarriage
• Your doctor wants to make sure that the pregnancy is in the womb and not in your fallopian tube (called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy).

This scan is often performed internally to obtain the best pictures and is very straightforward.

It should not be uncomfortable and only takes a few minutes.

For bookings information and prices please see our Prices page.

What is my next scan?

The next scan you should expect in your pregnancy is the 12 Week Nuchal Scan.