Early Pregnancy Scan / Viability Scan / Dating Ultrasound Scan from 6-11 weeks of pregnancy

 

An Early Pregnancy Scan, also called a Viability or Dating ultrasound scan, will confirm a pregnancy, confirm the gestation age and establish an Estimated Due Date (EDD).

A private Early Pregnancy Scan can be performed from 6 weeks of pregnancy. This pregnancy scan is available to all women, and particularly recommended where there has been pain or bleeding. The early pregnancy scan can be performed from as early as 5 weeks of pregnancy, however this is only recommended if clinically indicated.

We recommend this scan for all pregnant women, however particularly for those over 35, where there is an increased incidence of miscarriage. We also recommend this ultrasound scan for those with a history of pregnancy miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

How is the Early Pregnancy Scan performed?

• Early Pregnancy Scans are easily performed from 6 to 11 gestational weeks of pregnancy and are usually performed transabdominally which means over the tummy.
• From 5 to 7 weeks of pregnancy a transvaginal ultrasound scan can be performed if you are concerned about a possible ectopic pregnancy. At this stage it may be too early to see a heart beating, but we will be able to confirm that the pregnancy sac is within the uterus. This can exclude an ectopic pregnancy.

What can the Early Pregnancy Scan confirm at 6-11 weeks of pregnancy?

• During the Early Pregnancy Scan our Specialist Sonographers can confirm how many embryos/babies are in the womb
• We can confirm the presence of baby’s heartbeat
• The Early Pregnancy Scan can indicate the size of the pregnancy gestation sac or the embryo/baby, which confirms the number of weeks of pregnancy.
• Our Specialist Sonographers can assess the presence of internal bleeding which may be significant and require further monitoring.

What are the indications or reasons for having an Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan?

• If you are unsure of your pregnancy dates, we can help determine the gestational age and Estimated Due Date (EDD), helping you keep track of the number of weeks you are into your pregnancy
• If you are having symptoms such as bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy
• If you are experiencing unusual pain during early pregnancy
• If you have a history of early pregnancy miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
• If you have had assisted fertility such as IVF treatment, you may seek early reassurance
• If your pregnancy symptoms are causing concern

Consultant Obstetrician or Specialist Sonographer?

• In the majority of pregnancies an Early Pregnancy Scan can be performed by one of our experienced sonographers. All of our sonographers are fully qualified and accredited, so you are in safe, expert hands.
• If however, you are experiencing complications with your pregnancy or need a second opinion, an early pregnancy ultrasound scan with our Consultant Obstetrician is recommended.

Is it easy to make an appointment?

At The Birth Company in Harley Street, London We offer morning, afternoon and evening availability for your private Early Pregnancy Scan during the week, as well as weekend appointments. A surcharge will be applied for evening and weekend appointments. We have a wide range of availability therefore same day appointments can be easily arranged. Our Specialist Sonographers are here to reassure even at short notice.

What you will receive:

• Detailed ultrasound report to file with your maternity notes.
• Comprehensive ultrasound scan results including gestation age and estimated due date (EDD).
• YourBabyScan Images and Videos direct to mobile and email
• Baby Ultrasound Keep Sake Images to take home
• Longer appointment times as routine
• A calm and relaxing environment
• High quality professional care from our Specialist Sonographers who are committed to advances in pregnancy care

How to Prepare for your Early Pregnancy Scan?

• A moderately full bladder will improve the visibility of the pregnancy by transabdominal scan.
• If a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound scan is needed you will be asked to empty your bladder by the sonographer.

How is the ultrasound scan electronically sent to you?

The Birth Company is the first clinic in UK to offer this service allowing you to share your pregnancy ultrasound with friends and family wherever they are in the world. This optional recording can be shared via Email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We will offer this to you routinely at the end of the scan. The transmission is instantaneous. Please note on this system there is no sound, only video. It is a national policy not to permit patient or partner's phone recording in a room. Simply tell your sonographer that you would like an electronic transmission of your scan. It will appear on your phone immediately.


 

What is the next ultrasound scan following an early pregnancy scan?

The next pregnancy scan is the 12 week Nuchal Translucency Scan which assesses the likelihood of Down's syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. You can have the Nuchal Translucency Scan from 11 weeks 3 days to 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy. As well as receiving a probability for Down’s, Edward’s and Patau’s syndrome we can also diagnose certain major fetal conditions. The Nuchal Translucency ultrasound scan demonstrates an 85% sensitivity for the detection of Down’s syndrome.

If you are looking for a test with a higher detection rate than the Nuchal Translucency Scan, the new Non Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) such as Harmony NIPT, Panorama NIPT or SAFE NIPT can be taken from 10 weeks of pregnancy. This screening test is non-invasive, involving an ultrasound scan then a simple and safe blood test from the mother's arm.

What if I were to receive unexpected news?

It is not uncommon for the ultrasound scan findings to show that the pregnancy is not progressing at the expected rate. This can be due to uncertainty with pregnancy dates, or may be related to the health of the pregnancy. There may be the need to perform a further ultrasound scan in 7-14 days to assess the viability of the pregnancy. Please note, if our Sonographer recommends a repeat ultrasound scan there will be fee of £125 for repeat appointments.

In some cases the sonographer may diagnose a missed miscarriage. If this happens to you the Sonographer will offer counselling during the appointment.

There are various options depending on the duration of the pregnancy and the overall situation. Comprehensive useful information is available through the Miscarriage Association website 

Patient Information

Some early pregnancy ultrasound scans are performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. In later stages of pregnancy, it may be advised to perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan to have a closer look at a baby’s anatomy, or to assess the maternal cervix.

There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
The transducer will be introduced with a non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy.
If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.   

Transvaginal Ultrasound Consent

Below is a link to our Transvaginal Ultrasound Consent Form. This must be completed ahead of your appointment to confirm whether you consent or do not consent to having your scan performed transvaginally.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Consent Form 

Contraindications 

If you are a virgin (Virgo intacta; hymen intact), guidance determines that transvaginal ultrasound scans are clinically contraindicated. If you have discussed this concern with your referrer and wish to proceed with a transvaginal ultrasound scan, this type of examination can be performed.

Should I get the COVID-19 Vaccine in pregnancy?

COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended in pregnancy. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both women and babies. Women may wish to discuss the benefits and risks of having the vaccine with their healthcare professional and reach a joint decision based on individual circumstances.

Frequent questions regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine

Find below a link to a Q&A from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists regarding Covid-19 Vaccines, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

COVID-19 Vaccines, pregnancy and breastfeeding  

COVID-19 Information Sheet and Decision Aid

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Cancellation Policy 

For cancellations, a full refund of your appointment fee will be given with 24 hours' notice. If less than 24 hours' notice of cancellation is given, a £50 cancellation fee will be applied. Our full terms and conditions can be found here: Terms and Conditions