| Private Early Pregnancy Scan |
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5 to 11 weeks of pregnancyLooking for a discreet appointment? We have an Early Pregnancy Clinic every Thursday evening from 6 - 9pm. More information here. Click on a question or scroll down to read more.
Too much information? Click here for a quick guide to Early Pregnancy Scans.
What is an Early Pregnancy Scan?
What is an Early Pregnancy Scan? Sometimes called a Viability Scan (to confirm the viability of your pregnancy), or Dating Scan (to date your pregnancy so you can plan your pregnancy diary), it is often done if you are not sure if you are pregnant or to provide reassurance in the very early stages of your pregnancy. Early Pregnancy Scans are not usually offered on the NHS but you may have one privately without affecting your NHS entitlement.
When can I have an Early Pregnancy Scan? Before 5 weeks it is not possible to see any signs of pregnancy with current ultrasound technology. After 11 weeks and 3 days your pregnancy has entered the window for the Nuchal Scan. If you do not wish to have the Nuchal Scan and screening for Down Syndrome an Early Pregancy Scan can be performed up to 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Why is the Early Pregnancy Scan useful? All future pregnancy scans and fetal growth milestones are performed and measured against this timeline. It is also useful to calculate when the 2 weeks and 3 days window for performing the Nuchal Scan will fall. Many couples also find this scan very reassuring as the first positive confirmation that they will soon become parents.
How accurate is an Early Pregnancy Scan? Generally the date of your EDD will not change unless a later scan predicts an EDD that is plus or minus 7 days of your original date. Sometimes if the sonographer is unable to obtain an clear, accurate measurement you will be asked to return a week or two later when your baby will have grown larger to enable a more precise assessment. What will I see at the Early Pregnancy Scan?Depending on the date of your pregnancy you may see either a pregnancy yolk sac, an early fetus and or some fetal heart activity.
Generally your baby may not be seen before 6 weeks gestation. If necessary the sonographer or consultant may send you for some blood tests to help determine if your pregnancy is healthy and in the correct location.
How does the Early Pregnancy Scan work? If the image is unclear the operator will ask you to empty your bladder in preparation for a scan to be performed internally (trans vaginally). This is not painful nor uncomfortable and is the best way to obtain clear images in early pregnancy. You will be asked to remove all clothing from your lower half, a clean towel is provided to wrap around your waist, then once back on the examination counch a long, thin probe is inserted. Performing an Early Pregnancy Scan this way is not harmful to you or your baby nor will it increase your chances of having a miscarriage.
When will I receive the results of my Early Pregnancy Scan? Please note that a pregnancy is only considered clinically viable when a regular fetal heart beat has been observed. If the operator has not indicated prescence of a fetal heart beat you will be advised to attend for a re-scan at a later date when viability is more likely to be confirmed. Are there any other reasons to have an Early Pregnancy Scan?Yes, an Early Pregnancy Scan is also useful if:
Why should I have my Early Pregnancy Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre? With appointments available on Saturdays and Thursday evenings you can confirm your pregnancy and plan your diary without revealing your personal news to friends, family or work colleagues. We provide an accurate dating scan and produce a medical report that will be accepted by your NHS GP, midwife or consultant Obstetrician.
How do I book an Early Pregnancy Scan? The next scan you should expect in your pregnancy is your first trimester Down Syndrome screening - either the 12 Week Nuchal Scan or an Integrated Test. |
