The early dating scan is usually the first ultrasound of pregnancy. It confirms that your pregnancy is developing as it should, gives an accurate due date, detects the baby’s heartbeat, and reveals whether you are carrying one baby or more. For many women, it is also the first chance to see their baby on the screen.
When the dating scan happens
The early dating scan is performed at 6-10 weeks of pregnancy. The exact timing is usually decided based on your last menstrual period and any symptoms you have, with most appointments scheduled between 7 and 9 weeks for the clearest images.
If you have previously miscarried or experienced bleeding in this pregnancy, an earlier dating scan can be particularly reassuring. Reassurance scans can also be arranged earlier if symptoms or concerns mean that you need to be assessed.
What the dating scan is for
The purpose of an early dating scan is to:
- Confirm that your baby is developing normally in the first trimester of pregnancy
- Date your pregnancy in order to estimate when your baby is due
- Reveal if you are carrying one baby, twins, or more
- Detect your baby’s heartbeat
- Rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy
- Confirm that the baby is developing in the correct place within the uterus
What happens during your appointment
The scan is painless. Ultrasound uses sound waves only, with no radiation, and is safe for both you and your baby.
In early pregnancy, the gold standard scan is usually transvaginal because it gives the clearest view at this stage. Depending on the position of your uterus and how many weeks pregnant you are, an abdominal scan may also be used. Dr Duncan will explain which approach is most appropriate for you before the scan begins.
The appointment usually takes 15-30 minutes. You will see the live images on the screen as the scan progresses, and Dr Duncan talks through what he is looking at as he goes.
What happens if something is unexpected
If anything unexpected is identified during the scan, Dr Duncan will discuss it with you fully at the same appointment. Because he is sub-specialist accredited in maternal and fetal medicine (2001), most early-pregnancy findings can be assessed and explained on the spot, and any further investigations are arranged from there.
Booking your dating scan
To book an early dating scan, please contact the practice. The early dating scan is available at all Dr Duncan locations. The standalone scan fee is £300.
For a fuller picture of all the scans available through pregnancy, see Ultrasound Baby Scans.
Dating scans are often booked by patients who want reassurance in early pregnancy. If you are worried about miscarriage risk, you may also find Dr Duncan’s article What is my risk of miscarriage? helpful.
