Early Pregnancy Scans: What to Expect and When to Get One

Early pregnancy scans are a vital part of prenatal care. They provide essential information about the health and development of the baby at an early stage. The term “early pregnancy scan” refers to these initial examinations.

These scans are crucial as they help in identifying any potential issues early on, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby. They offer reassurance and peace of mind during what can be an anxious time for expectant parents.

What Is an Early Pregnancy Scan?

An early pregnancy scan, often known as an ultrasound, is a type of imaging test. It uses sound waves to create pictures of a baby in the womb. This scan is typically done in the first trimester, hence the term “early” is used in its name. Detecting the baby’s heartbeat, knowing the due date, and checking for multiple pregnancies are crucial. Early detection and monitoring are vital. They help ensure the pregnancy is progressing healthily and identify any potential issues promptly.

Which Scan is Good for Early Pregnancy Ultrasound?

In early pregnancy, two types of scans are commonly recommended:

1.     Transvaginal Scan:

This is an early pregnancy ultrasound that is usually done in the first trimester, around 7-10 weeks. It provides a detailed view of the uterus, which can help detect any abnormalities or complications. Transvaginal ultrasounds tend to be more accurate than abdominal ultrasounds, as the transducer is able to get a clearer view of the inside of the uterus. Additionally, this type of ultrasound can be used to detect the baby’s heartbeat, which is another indicator of a healthy pregnancy.

2.     Abdominal Scan:

This is another type of early pregnancy ultrasound done around 10-14 weeks. It gives a broader view of the uterus and growing baby. Regular scans are also important for detecting any abnormalities and for monitoring the baby’s growth and development. They can also help detect any risks that may arise during pregnancy.

The choice between these scans depends on the stage of pregnancy and specific circumstances. It’s your healthcare provider who can advise on the most fitting choice. Both scans aim to ensure the well-being of the mother and baby, making early detection and monitoring a crucial part of prenatal care.

Early and regular scans can help detect any risks that can arise during pregnancy, such as chromosomal abnormalities or infections.

Why Is an Early Pregnancy Scan Done?

There are several medical reasons for performing an early pregnancy scan, and it offers numerous benefits. It’s a crucial part of prenatal care, ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.

Here are some reasons why an early pregnancy scan is done:

1. Confirming Pregnancy: It helps confirm the pregnancy and determine the gestational age, which is essential for planning further prenatal care.
2. Detecting Multiple Pregnancies: The scan can reveal if there are multiple embryos, as in the case of twins or triplets.
3. Checking Baby’s Development: It allows healthcare providers to check the baby’s development, including the heartbeat, and identify any potential issues early on.
4. Identifying Abnormalities: The scan can help detect certain abnormalities or complications, enabling timely intervention.
5. Reassuring Parents: Seeing the baby on the screen can provide reassurance to expectant parents, reducing anxiety and enhancing the bonding experience.

In essence, an early pregnancy scan plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy journey. As such, it’s an essential step towards ensuring a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.

What is the Process of an Early Pregnancy Scan?

The process of an early pregnancy scan procedure involves several steps:

Before the Scan:

1. Appointment: Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider or a specialized scan clinic.
2. Preparation: Depending on the type of scan, you may need to drink water before the scan to fill your bladder, which helps improve the quality of the ultrasound image.

During the Scan: 

1. Positioning: You’ll be asked to lie down on a bed, and a special gel will be applied to your abdomen.
2. Scanning: A small device called a transducer is moved over your abdomen to create images of the baby.
3. Observation: The sonographer will carefully examine the image on the screen, taking measurements and checking for any abnormalities.

After the Scan:

1. Cleaning: The gel will be wiped off from your abdomen.
2. Discussion: The sonographer will discuss the results with you and provide a report that you can discuss further with your healthcare provider.

Report:

After the scan, the sonographer will provide you with an early pregnancy scan report which you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

You might feel slight pressure from the transducer during the procedure, but it’s generally not painful. Usually, the entire process takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Tips for Preparation:

• For the scan, it’s recommended to dress in loose and comfortable clothing.
• Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider or the clinic regarding eating, drinking, or taking medications before the scan.
• It can be helpful to have a family member or friend accompany you for support and shared joy.

How Does Early Pregnancy Scan Procedure Look on an Ultrasound Scan?

In an early pregnancy ultrasound, the images may not resemble what you’d expect to see. Here’s what you can typically observe:

• Around 3-5 Weeks: At this stage, the pregnancy appears as a small gestational sac. It might be too early to see anything more.
• Around 6 Weeks: You may start to see a small yolk sac within the gestational sac, and sometimes a tiny part called the fetal pole.
• Around 7-8 Weeks:  The baby, now called an embryo, and its heartbeat can often be detected. It might look like a tiny flicker on the screen.
• Around 9-10 Weeks: The embryo starts to look more like a baby. You might see a head, body, arms and legs.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique and these are just general observations. The sonographer will guide you through the scan and explain what’s visible on the screen. The scan is preferred to be done during the 6th or 7th week. Doing an early pregnancy scan at 2 weeks – 3 weeks may be too soon. As the developing embryo may be too small to see.

Why Choose Ankuran for Your Early Pregnancy Scan?

Choosing Ankuran for your early pregnancy scan is a decision you won’t regret. Ankuran is a trusted provider known for its high-quality services and compassionate care. Our team of experienced professionals uses the latest technology for early pregnancy ultrasound to ensure accurate results and a comfortable experience for expectant mothers.

Scheduling an appointment is straightforward. You can book an appointment by either visiting our website or making a phone call. If you live in SaltLake Kolkata, you can easily search our clinic by searching early pregnancy scan near me to find our clinic online. You can count on our friendly staff to guide you and answer all your questions. Choose Ankuran for your early pregnancy scan and experience the difference.

Bottom line

An early pregnancy scan is a vital part of prenatal care. It provides crucial information about the baby’s development and helps ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. Confirming, detecting, and identifying potential issues are all important roles of an early pregnancy scan. We encourage expectant mothers to consider Ankuran for their early pregnancy ultrasounds. With our experienced team and state-of-the-art technology, we strive to provide you with the best care possible.