Your first scan: what’s involved
A first pregnancy scan (dating or early pregnancy scan) involves an ultrasound examination to check the baby's development, confirm viability, and determine the due date.
The sonographer performs the scan to gather key information about the pregnancy and the health of the uterus and ovaries.
The Procedure
Preparation: You will be asked to lie on a couch and expose your lower abdomen. A special, cold, water-based gel is applied to your skin to ensure good contact for the ultrasound probe. For scans before 14 weeks, you may be advised to have a full bladder as it helps create clearer images.
The Scan: A hand-held device called a transducer (probe) is moved gently over your tummy. This device sends high-frequency sound waves into your body, which bounce off internal structures and are converted into black and white images on a screen.
Transvaginal Option: In very early pregnancy (before 8-10 weeks), a transabdominal (over the tummy) scan might not provide clear enough images because the baby is very small. In these cases, with your consent, a transvaginal scan (where a smaller, lubricated probe is gently inserted into the vagina) may be offered to get a closer, clearer view.
Duration: The scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, but it can take longer if the baby is in an awkward position.
What the Sonographer Looks For
The sonographer will focus on several key aspects to ensure the pregnancy is progressing as expected:
Confirming the pregnancy location: Ensuring the embryo is in the uterus to rule out a dangerous ectopic pregnancy.
Checking for the heartbeat: The sonographer will look for the baby's heart flickering on the screen, a key sign of viability.
Dating the pregnancy: Measurements of the baby (e.g., crown-rump length) are taken to accurately estimate the gestational age and the due date.
Determining the number of babies: Checking for single or multiple pregnancies.
Assessing maternal organs: The sonographer will check the health of your ovaries and the pelvic area to look for any abnormalities, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids.
Additional Screening
During the routine NHS dating scan (typically 11 to 14 weeks), you will also be offered screening tests for conditions such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome, and Patau's syndrome. If you choose to have this, a blood sample will be taken, and a measurement of the fluid at the back of the baby's neck (nuchal translucency) will be taken during the scan.
After the Scan
After the scan, the sonographer will wipe off the gel and usually provide you with a report and, often for a small fee, printed pictures of your baby. The results will be discussed with you, and the findings will be shared with your healthcare provider for your ongoing antenatal care.
The sonographer performs the scan to gather key information about the pregnancy and the health of the uterus and ovaries.
The Procedure
Preparation: You will be asked to lie on a couch and expose your lower abdomen. A special, cold, water-based gel is applied to your skin to ensure good contact for the ultrasound probe. For scans before 14 weeks, you may be advised to have a full bladder as it helps create clearer images.
The Scan: A hand-held device called a transducer (probe) is moved gently over your tummy. This device sends high-frequency sound waves into your body, which bounce off internal structures and are converted into black and white images on a screen.
Transvaginal Option: In very early pregnancy (before 8-10 weeks), a transabdominal (over the tummy) scan might not provide clear enough images because the baby is very small. In these cases, with your consent, a transvaginal scan (where a smaller, lubricated probe is gently inserted into the vagina) may be offered to get a closer, clearer view.
Duration: The scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, but it can take longer if the baby is in an awkward position.
What the Sonographer Looks For
The sonographer will focus on several key aspects to ensure the pregnancy is progressing as expected:
Confirming the pregnancy location: Ensuring the embryo is in the uterus to rule out a dangerous ectopic pregnancy.
Checking for the heartbeat: The sonographer will look for the baby's heart flickering on the screen, a key sign of viability.
Dating the pregnancy: Measurements of the baby (e.g., crown-rump length) are taken to accurately estimate the gestational age and the due date.
Determining the number of babies: Checking for single or multiple pregnancies.
Assessing maternal organs: The sonographer will check the health of your ovaries and the pelvic area to look for any abnormalities, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids.
Additional Screening
During the routine NHS dating scan (typically 11 to 14 weeks), you will also be offered screening tests for conditions such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome, and Patau's syndrome. If you choose to have this, a blood sample will be taken, and a measurement of the fluid at the back of the baby's neck (nuchal translucency) will be taken during the scan.
After the Scan
After the scan, the sonographer will wipe off the gel and usually provide you with a report and, often for a small fee, printed pictures of your baby. The results will be discussed with you, and the findings will be shared with your healthcare provider for your ongoing antenatal care.
26-30, F
