Early Pregnancy Scans

The first three months of pregnancy can be very concerning for many women, as symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain in early pregnancy are quite common. This leads to concerns whether or not the pregnancy is healthy and viable. Since it can often be difficult to access hospital services in a timely manner to obtain ultrasound scans to confirm a viable pregnancy, an Early Pregnancy scan provides expectant mums with the bonding experience and reassurance that the resources and time pressure of hospital scanning cannot always cater for. It is an opportunity to gain peace of mind and reassurance as to how your pregnancy is progressing.

When to have an Early Pregnancy Scan

We perform the Early Pregnancy scan from 8 weeks of pregnancy. It is generally advisable not to have an ultrasound examination prior to 7 or 8 weeks as frequently the pregnancy sac may be too small to be visible on ultrasound at such an early gestational age. Similarly, the heartbeat is not always detectable until 8 weeks, so we ask that mums wait until this stage to have the scan, as we do not want anybody going home worried if they do not get to see/hear the heartbeat. Otherwise, it is up to you at what stage between 8 and 14 weeks that you come in.

Some mums prefer to come in at 8 or 9 weeks, just to see the heartbeat for reassurance, but others like to come in a little bit later, when arms and legs will have formed and the 12 weeks have passed so that they can show friends and family a scan picture when they tell them about their pregnancy.

What will happen in the scan

During the scan, the sonographer will check the baby’s heartbeat, assess the presence of single or multiple pregnancies, and confirm your expected due date. The 2D scan is an external transabdominal scan. We calculate your expected due date by comparing the first day of your last menstrual period with specific measurements of the foetus by measuring the distance from the top of the head (crown) to the bottom of the body (rump). We also include measurements of the gestational sac and of the heartbeat. These measurements are very accurate and can determine the gestational age even if you are unsure of your last menstrual period.

You will receive several 2D prints of the scan to take home and share with family and friends, as well as a report for your doctor.

How to prepare for Early Pregnancy Scan

It is important to ensure that your bladder is full prior to the appointment, as a full bladder will enhance the image quality. While there is no need to have your bladder uncomfortably full, we recommend that you drink between 1 and 2 pints of water or liquid approximately one hour before your ultrasound scan. The liquid in your bladder provides a contrast and improves the quality of the image on the screen.

You will receive a €20 discount on a 3D/4D scan if you have had an Early Pregnancy scan with us!