Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan from 6 weeks

An ultrasound scan (sonogram) uses sound waves that bounce off solid objects to create images on a screen.

All our scans cans are carried out by fully trained healthcare professionals called sonographers with NHS Case accredited qualifications.

The scan procedure will be fully explained and only completed with your signed consent. You may withdraw consent at any time.

What your ultrasound scan can show

Your scan can show:

• your baby’s size, which is important for finding out when they’re due to arrive
• your baby’s heartbeat
• whether you’re having one or more babies
• accurate dating of the pregnancy
• Check the pregnancy sac is located within the uterus
• Any obvious cysts in the ovaries if visible
• Any concerning areas of bleeding around the pregnancy
• If there is any fluid arounf the womb or the ovaries

• Please note Ultrasound cannot rule out an ectopic pregnancy

About this Scan 

An Early Pregnancy Scan provides information in the very early stage of your pregnancy.   A pregnancy can be seen from as early as 6 weeks from the first day of your last period (LMP) and not the date of conception.  If you have had any bleeding or pain you must contact your local early pregnancy unit or A&E in the first instance.

Please note this scan is not replacing your NHS 12-week scan and does not include Nuchal Translucency testing.

Before an ultrasound scan

You’ll be asked to drink some water (about a pint/500 ml) an hour before the early pregnancy scan. Having water in your bladder will help the sonographer to see your baby more clearly.

During an ultrasound scan

There are a few things that happen just before and during an ultrasound:

• the sonographer will ask you to lie on a couch, raise your top to your chest and lower your skirt or trousers to your hips
• the sonographer will squeeze some gel onto your abdomen (tummy) then gently pass a hand-held device across it
• the device sends and picks up ultrasound waves that allow a computer to build an image of your baby

The scan doesn’t hurt, but the gel might be a little cold at first. Sometimes the sonographer needs to press your tummy if some parts of your baby are difficult to see. The scan will take up to 30 minutes.

You should be able to recognise parts of your baby’s body on the screen – the sonographer will point them out to you.

If anything concerns the sonographer they will discuss this with you and if necessary refer you to you maternity care with your consent.

It is important to note that sometimes the scan may reveal bad news.