Early Assurance Scan
Peace of mind for expectant mothers from as early as 6 weeks
It’s Never Too Early To Start The Bonding Experience With Your Baby
We know that the earliest stages of your pregnancy can be tense, but it can also be a wonderful and exciting time. You may be experiencing morning sickness and cravings, but your greatest concern will be that your little one is doing well. And that’s what our early ultrasound scans provide: the reassurance and peace of mind that comes with knowing your baby is safe and sound.
From as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy, you can start seeing the signs of a viable pregnancy, where your bonding experience begins.
What Do You Get With Your Early Pregnancy Scan With Imaginatal?
20-minute appointment
A qualified and HCPC registered sonographer
A free rescan should you be too early to see what we need to see
See and listen to the baby’s heartbeat
We will date the pregnancy to let you know how far along you are
We will establish if the baby is in the right place
We will establish the number of babies you are having
1 print in 2D black/white
A scan report
All digital images emailed after the scan for free
How Should You Prepare?
You’ll be asked to drink a litre of clear fluid about an hour before your scan
It’s important not to urinate prior to your appointment. A full bladder helps us get the best view possible of your baby
It’s a good idea to wear an outfit that allows easy access to your abdomen -such as a loose-fitting blouse or shirt
In the event we cannot get a clear image via your abdomen, an internal (transvaginal) scan may be offered. But don’t worry; we’ll explain this in full to you at the time, if it is needed
Your Early Viability Scan Appointment: What To Expect
You will be greeted by one of our friendly receptionists.
You will be asked to fill in our consent form and will be given a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
We will also ask for some extra details about your pregnancy to ensure our sonographer and team are completely informed about the reason for your visit.
You and your family can then just relax before going into the scan room.
Your scan will be conducted by one of our expert sonographers.
After your scan you can choose any images you would like us to print for you.
FAQs
-
An Early Scan, also known as an Early Reassurance Scan or Viability Scan, is an ultrasound scan performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, typically between 6 and 11 weeks. Its primary purposes are to confirm the presence of a pregnancy, determine its location (to ensure it's in the uterus and not ectopic), check for the baby's heartbeat, and estimate the gestational age to date the pregnancy accurately. At 6 weeks, you might see the pregnancy sac, yolk sac, and heartbeat, with gestational age estimation based on sac size, which is less accurate before 8 weeks.
-
Your doctor or midwives may recommend an Early Scan if there are concerns about your pregnancy, such as a history of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or if you've experienced bleeding or pain during early pregnancy. Additionally, if your last menstrual period is unknown or irregular, an Early Scan can help accurately date your pregnancy. It's also sometimes offered as a reassurance scan for women who are anxious about their pregnancy, providing peace of mind and early confirmation of progress.
-
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.
-
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.
-
You can bring guests for support, like your partner, children are not permitted.
-
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.
-
Yes, ultrasound scans are considered safe during pregnancy. They use sound waves, not radiation, and there are no known risks to the mother or the baby from this type of scan. This is supported by extensive use in medical practice, with no evidence of harm from diagnostic ultrasound, making it a standard and reassuring tool for early pregnancy monitoring.
Hear From Our Expectant Mothers
