Not long to our first scan
Your first pregnancy scan, often called the dating scan, usually happens between 11 and 14 weeks, confirming pregnancy viability, determining your due date, checking development, and screening for conditions like Down's syndrome.
It's an ultrasound performed by a sonographer, often requiring a full bladder, and is a crucial step in routine antenatal care for dating the pregnancy and checking the baby's growth.
What happens during the scan:
Purpose: To accurately date the pregnancy, check for multiple babies, ensure healthy development, and screen for chromosomal conditions.
Timing: Generally 11-14 weeks, but can be earlier for concerns like bleeding or assisted conception.
Procedure: An ultrasound using a transducer, usually with a full bladder for clearer images, taking about 20 minutes.
What they check: The baby's physical development, nuchal translucency (fluid at the neck), and overall viability.
Why it's important:
Accurate Due Date: Especially helpful if you're unsure of your last period or have irregular cycles.
Early Detection: Can identify potential issues like ectopic pregnancies or early pregnancy failure.
Screening: Part of the combined screening test for conditions like Down's syndrome.
How to prepare:
Drink plenty of water an hour beforehand to have a full bladder, which helps create a clearer picture.
Feel free to bring someone with you.
This scan is a key milestone, offering the first visual confirmation of the baby and important health information for the rest of your pregnancy journey.
It's an ultrasound performed by a sonographer, often requiring a full bladder, and is a crucial step in routine antenatal care for dating the pregnancy and checking the baby's growth.
What happens during the scan:
Purpose: To accurately date the pregnancy, check for multiple babies, ensure healthy development, and screen for chromosomal conditions.
Timing: Generally 11-14 weeks, but can be earlier for concerns like bleeding or assisted conception.
Procedure: An ultrasound using a transducer, usually with a full bladder for clearer images, taking about 20 minutes.
What they check: The baby's physical development, nuchal translucency (fluid at the neck), and overall viability.
Why it's important:
Accurate Due Date: Especially helpful if you're unsure of your last period or have irregular cycles.
Early Detection: Can identify potential issues like ectopic pregnancies or early pregnancy failure.
Screening: Part of the combined screening test for conditions like Down's syndrome.
How to prepare:
Drink plenty of water an hour beforehand to have a full bladder, which helps create a clearer picture.
Feel free to bring someone with you.
This scan is a key milestone, offering the first visual confirmation of the baby and important health information for the rest of your pregnancy journey.
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