Early Pregnancy Scans

(performed from 6 to 16 weeks)

These scans are performed for several reasons. The principal reason is for reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing satisfactorily and that the baby's heartbeat is present. The age of the pregnancy is easily determined through ultrasound measurement and the presence of one, two or more babies is established.

The examination is usually carried out by scanning through the abdomen but if the pregnancy is very early, scanning via a probe inserted into the vagina may be appropriate (transvaginal ultrasound).

This scan is of value to any woman who may have concerns about her pregnancy, who is unsure of how far along she is or simply wishes to see the pregnancy at an early stage.