Early Pregnancy Q&A

An early pregnancy Ultrasound Scan is carried out between 6 to 11 weeks. It can check the site and position of the sac of pregnancy, the baby’s viability and heartbeat, and the number, i.e., multiple pregnancies. You might opt for this Ultrasound Scan if you have a history of miscarriages or ectopic pregnancy or if you need general reassurance that your baby is all right.

You will be asked to drink at least 1 litre of water an hour before your ultrasound. Your bladder must be full for a transabdominal ultrasound scan. You will be asked to empty your bladder for the transvaginal part of the Ultrasound Scan.

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.

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.

In some cases, to assess your early pregnancy better, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed. During this examination, you will be asked to lie on your back with your knees slightly bent, pointing towards your chest. You must 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.

Yes. The clear ultrasound gel is not toxic and is safe to use during your pregnancy ultrasound scan. It does not stain or otherwise ruin your clothes. It has no spermicide and can be used for fertility cases without effect on sperm and conception.

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

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

No. None of the pregnancy Ultrasound Scans is 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.

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

The subsequent pregnancy Ultrasound Scan is the dating Ultrasound Scan.