Early Pregnancy Scan

An early pregnancy scan, also known as a dating scan, is the first scan performed after a urine pregnancy test or a blood test that tests the amount of serum beta hCG has confirmed the pregnancy.

Why it is done?

A dating scan is crucial because it provides a wealth of knowledge about the pregnancy
Checking to see if the embryonic sac is inside your uterus.
To rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (a condition where the gestational sac grows outside the uterus, mostly in the fallopian tube )
The dating scan will reveal whether you’re having a singleton or twins.
To figure out what’s causing any spotting or bleeding you’re experiencing.
At this point, the scan is also used to estimate your due date. The aim of the scan is to determine the duration you are in your pregnancy. If your cycle has been irregular or if you’ve been on the pill, this is particularly true. Calculating the due date from the LMP will not work. The dating scan will then assist you in obtaining a corrected EDD, which will be used with all future references in determining the actual pregnancy stage.
The scan will determine if your baby’s heart is beating normally. This normally begins about 6 weeks into the pregnancy. Hearing your baby’s pulse for the first time can be a overhelming experience.

How is the procedure done?

The scan can be done in two ways.

Transvaginal scan (TVS)

You’ll probably get a transvaginal ultrasound if your doctor needs you to have one before eight weeks of pregnancy. An abdominal ultrasound scan can not detect your baby in these early weeks of pregnancy because your baby will be too small and low in your belly.
A vaginal scan is performed by inserting a probe into the vaginal canal. It may be able to capture a clearer picture of your child.
While the thought of a TVS will make you feel nervous and uneasy, the more relaxed you are, the easier it will be for the doctor to insert the probe.

Abdominal scan

After eight or nine weeks of pregnancy, almost all scans can be performed on your tummy.
To get views of your infant, the doctor will apply gel to your tummy and pass a tiny hand-held device (transducer) over your skin. It won’t hurt, but you could feel some pressure on your stomach. An abdominal scan would require you to show your stomach.

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Early Pregnancy Scan