Early Reassurance Scan from 6 Weeks

An early pregnancy scan (also called an early reassurance scan or viability scan) is an ultrasound done in the first trimester, usually between 6 and 11 weeks.

In this scan we:

• Confirm you are pregnant

• Check the pregnancy is in the right place (in the uterus, not ectopic)

• Look for baby’s heartbeat

• Estimate how many weeks pregnant you are

At around 6 weeks, we may only see the pregnancy sac and a tiny heartbeat. As the weeks go on, we can see more detail and date the pregnancy more accurately.

Yes. We use ultrasound only (no radiation) and all scans are performed by qualified, HCPC-registered sonographers using approved equipment.

Early pregnancy scans are recommended to check that everything is okay, that baby is in the right place, the heartbeat is there and things are developing as they should in the first few weeks.

They’re especially helpful if you’ve had a previous loss, ectopic pregnancy, IVF or fertility treatment, bleeding, pain, or if you’re not sure how many weeks you are, as they give you extra reassurance and clearer information early on.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your partner or family members with you. We can accommodate up to 8 guests.

For early pregnancies, especially before 10 weeks, a transvaginal scan may be required. This is entirely optional and if you would not like a transvaginal scan you can choose to decline when the sonographer asks you.

The internal scan involves inserting a small, lubricated probe into the vagina. This might feel a bit uncomfortable but should not be painful, as it provides the clearest images in early stages. If a transabdominal scan is performed, you may feel some pressure as the sonographer moves the probe over your abdomen. Please inform the sonographer if you experience any discomfort, and they can adjust accordingly.

The Early Scan provides information about:

• Confirmation of pregnancy

• Location of the pregnancy (intrauterine or ectopic)

• Presence of a heartbeat (indicating viability)

• Size of the gestational sac and estimation of gestational age (more accurate between 8-13 weeks, using crown-rump length after 8 weeks)

• Presence of the yolk sac, which provides nutrients until the placenta takes over around week 10

• Number of babies (in case of multiples, though accuracy increases with gestational age)

Note that detailed anomaly detection is typically reserved for later scans, such as the 18-20 week anomaly scan.

If the scan shows something unexpected, such as no heartbeat, an ectopic pregnancy, or other concerns, we will detail this in a report to your GP or healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you and recommend appropriate follow-up actions. This might include additional tests, such as blood tests to check pregnancy hormone levels, monitoring, or medical intervention depending on the specific issue identified. We may refer you to early pregnancy unit or A&E for further assessment if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected.

The accuracy of the Early Scan varies depending on the specific information being sought and the stage of pregnancy:

• Confirmation of pregnancy and location are highly accurate, especially with transvaginal scans.

• Detection of heartbeat is accurate once the embryo is large enough, typically around 6 weeks, with a visible heartbeat indicating viability.

• Gestational age estimation is most accurate when performed between 8 and 13 weeks using the crown-rump length, with a margin of error of about ±5 days. Before that, estimation is based on the gestational sac size, which has a wider margin of error and is less precise.

• The scan may not detect all possible abnormalities, especially in early stages, as some conditions may only be visible in later scans.

Yes, several factors can affect the accuracy of the scan, including:

• Very early stage of pregnancy (before 8 weeks for gestational age estimation, as the embryo is too small for precise crown-rump length)

• The baby's position, which can obscure views

• Maternal weight or excessive abdominal fat, which can make it harder to get clear images

• The amount of amniotic fluid, which at early stages is minimal and can affect visibility

• Technical issues with the ultrasound equipment

Your sonographer, who is typically UK trained, HCPC registered, and with NHS experience, is trained to handle these situations and will do their best to obtain accurate measurements.

If you have any questions or concerns about your scan results, please contact our clinic at info@imaginatal.co.uk or call 0800 640 4299. Our team is here to help and provide any additional information you may need, ensuring you feel supported throughout your pregnancy journey.