EARLY PREGNANCY SCAN
WHAT TO EXPECT, BENEFITS & FAQs
- What Is an Early Pregnancy Scan?
An early pregnancy scan is an important ultrasound examination conducted between 6-12 weeks of pregnancy. It serves the following purposes:
- Confirm pregnancy
- Determine gestational age (dating the pregnancy)
- Check the heartbeat to ensure viability
2. Why is it Important? Is It Compulsory?
An early pregnancy scan is highly recommended between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy for several reasons:
- Confirms uterine pregnancy: Rules out ectopic pregnancy, which occurs outside the uterus and can be life-threatening.
- Checks fetal heartbeat: Confirms viability of the pregnancy.
- Accurately dates the pregnancy: Establishes an estimated due date (EDD) for delivery.
- Detects multiple pregnancies: Identifies twins, triplets, or more.
- When Is the Best Time for an Early Pregnancy Scan?
The optimal time for an early pregnancy scan is between 6-8 weeks.
- Is It Safe?
Yes, an early pregnancy scan is completely safe. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, making it harmless for both the mother and the fetus.
- How Is the Early Pregnancy Scan Done?
- Transabdominal Scan: The transducer is placed on the abdomen.
- Transvaginal Scan: If the pregnancy is too early or the abdominal scan doesn’t provide clear views, a transvaginal (internal) scan may be performed.
- How Should I Prepare for this scan?
- For a transabdominal scan: Ensure your bladder is full for better visualization.
- For a transvaginal scan: Your bladder should be empty.
- You can have a meal before the scan
- What Documents Are Required for an Early Pregnancy Scan?
- Doctor’s prescription slip
- Previous scan reports (if available)
- A copy of Government ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.) as per PNDT guidelines
- How Long Does this Scan Take?
The scan usually takes around 10 minutes, and the printed report is issued shortly afterward.
- Why Is an Early Pregnancy Scan Called a Dating Scan?
The due date determined during an early pregnancy scan (between 6-9 weeks) is the most accurate. Ultrasound measurements during this period precisely determine the fetal age, making it ideal for dating the pregnancy.
- When Is the Heartbeat Usually Detected?
The fetal heartbeat is typically detected around 6 weeks, when the fetus measures approximately 4mm in length.
12. Does this Scan Need to Be Repeated?
A repeat scan may be necessary if:
- The heartbeat isn’t detected.
- There is pain, bleeding, or other problems.
- There was a miscarriage or complication in a previous pregnancy.
- What are the two main benefits of this scan?
- Dating- finding out the accurate age of the fetus
- Viability- confirming the presence of the heart beat
13. Is the scan painful?
- This scan is generally not painful.
- If a transvaginal scan is gone there may be some discomfort but it is generally not painful.
14. What is an ectopic pregnancy ?
- An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy where the gestational sac or fetus develops outside the uterus.
- It is important to detect it early as it can be dangerous for the mother and hence needs immediate treatment.
14. Are uterus and ovaries also checked in the scan ?
- Yes, maternal uterus & ovaries are also checked in this scan
- This is done to exclude the presence of fibroids or ovarian cysts which may cause pain or other problems during the course of pregnancy
Early Pregnancy- Gestational Sac
