Dating Pregnancy Q&A

A dating Ultrasound Scan is a pregnancy Ultrasound Scan done between 8 and 22 weeks, with the most accurate dating of around 12 weeks gestation. We recommend booking this Ultrasound Scan if you are excited to know your due date, are wondering when you had your last period, or if you have irregular periods. Apart from knowing your due date, this ultrasound will reassure you that your pregnancy is developing as usual and your baby is doing all right.

Wear a comfortable 2- piece outfit (top and bottom) to easily expose your tummy for an ultrasound. You can eat as usual. You will be asked to drink at least one litre of water one hour before your appointment to ensure that you have a full bladder for the transabdominal ultrasound.

A full bladder allows the ultrasound to visualise the uterus and ovaries. It pushes the gas-filled loops of the bowel out of the way and opens a viewing window to the pelvis.

A dating Ultrasound Scan is a beautiful way to offer you peace of mind about your baby’s health. Since the 12 weeks screening and dating Ultrasound Scan is the most accurate time to find out the set due date of pregnancy, it is advised for all pregnant women in the UK.

Yes. The clear ultrasound gel is not toxic and is safe to use during your ultrasound scan. It does not stain or otherwise ruin your clothes. It has no spermicide and can be used for fertility cases with no effect on sperm and conception.

In London Private Ultrasound clinic, the Ultrasound Scan is performed in 10-15 minutes. The whole appointment takes 20 minutes.

You will be asked to lie on your back with your tummy exposed. The sonographer will cover the examined area with ultrasound gel which guarantees smooth movement of the probe over the skin. An image of your baby will appear on the screen. You will get a 2D picture to take home with you.

Sometimes, when the ultrasound is done before week 10, you might be advised to have a transvaginal ultrasound. During this examination, you will be asked to lie on your back with your knees slightly bent, pointing towards your chest. You have to remove all clothing from the lower part of your body as it is an internal female genitalia examination.

Your examiner gently and slowly inserts an ultrasound probe covered with a sterile and latex-free sheath and gel 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) into your vagina. Sound waves from the ultrasound send images to a screen.

No. None of the pregnancy Ultrasound Scans are harmful to you or the baby. Ultrasound has been used for many years to monitor pregnancies. There is no radiation used in any ultrasound. It does not cause any health problems for the patient or the baby.

• How many weeks pregnant are you, and what is the due date?
• Your baby’s development
• Whether you are expecting more babies

The results are discussed verbally after your ultrasound and then sent to your email as a report on the same day.

The earlier ultrasounds are always more accurate than the ones done later in pregnancy. Due dates are calculated at around 12 weeks. The due date is an estimated date. Pregnancies delivered within + and - 1-2 weeks of the due date are provided at the usual time.

Yes. Your doctor will use results from your early ultrasound as a reference because, as mentioned before, a 12-week Ultrasound Scan is the most accurate due date than the ones done before 12 weeks and after 15 weeks.

No. However, you might feel slight discomfort due to your bladder being full for a transabdominal ultrasound.