Early Pregnancy Scans at IUS London

What Is an Early Pregnancy Scan?

An early pregnancy scan, also known as a viability or dating scan, is an ultrasound examination performed during the first trimester of pregnancy, typically between 6 and 12 weeks gestation. This scan provides valuable information about your pregnancy's progress and offers early reassurance.

The purpose of the early pregnancy scan is to:

• Confirm the Pregnancy: Verify the presence of a gestational sac within the uterus.
• Establish Gestational Age: Determine how far along the pregnancy is and estimate the due date.
• Detect a Heartbeat: Observe the baby's heartbeat, a key indicator of a viable pregnancy.
• Check for Multiple Pregnancies: Identify if you are carrying twins or multiples.
• Assess Early Development: Evaluate the initial growth and development of the embryo.
• Rule Out Ectopic Pregnancy: Ensure the embryo is correctly implanted in the uterus.

Our scans are conducted by experienced sonographers using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, ensuring both safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

During your early pregnancy scan, our specialist team will carefully examine several important aspects of your pregnancy:

Confirmation of Pregnancy

We begin by confirming the pregnancy through the identification of the gestational sac within the uterus. This initial step provides early reassurance and lays the foundation for further assessments.

Heartbeat Detection

One of the most exciting moments of the early scan is detecting the baby's heartbeat. Typically visible from around 6 weeks gestation, the heartbeat is a positive sign that the pregnancy is progressing well.

Gestational Age and Due Date

Using precise measurements of the embryo, particularly the crown-rump length (CRL), we estimate the gestational age. This helps establish an accurate due date, which is crucial for planning your prenatal care and anticipating key developmental milestones.

Multiple Pregnancies

We check for the presence of more than one embryo to determine if you are expecting twins or multiples. Early identification is important for managing the unique aspects of multiple pregnancies.

Ectopic Pregnancy Screening

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. This can pose significant health risks. Our scan includes a thorough examination to ensure the pregnancy is located within the uterus.

Assessment of Early Fetal Development

We evaluate the embryo's early development, checking for the formation of essential structures and overall growth patterns. This assessment helps identify any early concerns that may require additional monitoring or intervention.

At IUS London we aim to make your early pregnancy scan a comfortable and reassuring experience. Here's what you can expect before, during, and after your appointment:

Before the Scan

• Scheduling Your Appointment: After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, directions to the clinic, and any preparation instructions.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Hydration: For optimal imaging, we recommend drinking about one pint (500ml) of water an hour before your scan. A moderately full bladder can enhance the clarity of the ultrasound images.
  • Attire: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access to your abdominal area.

During the Scan

• Meeting Your Sonographer: You'll be introduced to your certified sonographer, who will explain the procedure and answer any questions to ensure you're fully informed.
• The Scanning Procedure:
  • Abdominal Ultrasound:
    • Process: You'll lie comfortably on an examination bed while the sonographer applies a warm, water-based gel to your abdomen.
    • Imaging: The sonographer will gently move a transducer across your belly to capture images of your developing baby.
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound (if necessary):
    • When It's Used: In early pregnancy (usually before 7 weeks), a transvaginal scan may provide clearer images.
    • Process: A slender, covered probe is carefully inserted into the vagina. This procedure is safe and typically painless, but please let us know if you have any concerns.
• Viewing the Scan:
  
  • Explaining the Images: Your sonographer will point out key features and explain what you're seeing.
• Duration:
  • Timeframe: The entire scanning process usually takes between 10 to 20 minutes, allowing ample time for both imaging and discussion.

After the Scan

• Immediate Feedback:
  • Discussion: Your sonographer will share initial findings, providing reassurance and answering any immediate questions.
• Receiving Your Results:
  • Detailed Report: You'll receive a comprehensive written report summarizing the scan findings.
  • Keepsake Images: Take home printed ultrasound images of your baby. 
• Next Steps:
  • Further Guidance: If any concerns arise, we'll guide you on the appropriate next steps and coordinate with your healthcare provider as needed.
  • Additional Appointments: You may choose to schedule future scans or explore our other prenatal services.