Private Early Pregnancy Ultrasound

An early pregnancy scan is usually performed shortly after finding out you are pregnant.

This is usually 6 to 10 weeks after conception and the purpose of the scan is to confirm the pregnancy, assess early viability and to provide an accurate date of the pregnancy (the scan is often referred to as viability or dating scan).

If you experience any pain or bleeding in your early pregnancy, we advise having an ultrasound to check all is well. If you have experienced a miscarriage previously, we also advise having an early pregnancy ultrasound to assess the pregnancy.

We aim to provide you with the confidence and reassurance you deserve in the hands of our experienced team.

At Harley Street Ultrasound we aim to perform your scan in the most comfortable way we can for you.

The scan is performed with the ultrasound placed gently over the abdomen with gel to allow the sound waves to travel through the skin.

Occasional, however, if the pregnancy is at its earliest stages, it may be necessary to perform an internal transvaginal scan to assess the viability accurately.

Both methods are usually painless, however, some women may have minor discomfort on internal examinations.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Your specialist will guide you to the ultrasound room. You can ask any question you might have about the scan before it begins.
• Your specialist will give you privacy to undress from the waist down.
• You will lie on your back on the examination table. You may put your feet in stirrups to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible.
• The specialist will cover a small, tampon-like device called a transducer in a gel. They will insert it gently into your vagina – it should not hurt. If it does, let your specialist know. We are here to make your experience a positive one.
• When the specialist has captured enough images, they will remove the transducer and give you privacy to redress.

We strive to ensure your comfort at all times and are happy to discuss any concerns or issues you may have.

Foetal viability scans are suitable for those in the early stages of their pregnancy – between six and ten weeks. Keep in mind this timeframe is calculated from the beginning of your last menstrual period (LMP) – not your last ovulation.

However, if you underwent IVF, your dates are calculated according to your egg transfer date.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for a foetal viability ultrasound, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is always available to ease your concerns.

The first trimester of pregnancy is the most crucial and, in some ways, carries the highest risk of miscarriages. A viability scan can give you vital information about your pregnancy and foetus and flag any potential issues or complications early on. Most excitingly, a viability ultrasound scan allows you to see the heartbeat. 

The viability scan can tell you the following:

• Whether or not the foetus is viable – our compassionate and experienced consultants determine this by scanning for the presence of a heartbeat
• The location of your pregnancy, excluding ectopic pregnancies
• The number of foetuses – in other words, whether you are carrying a single baby, twins, triplets, and so on
• Whether an early miscarriage has occurred
• Whether subchorionic haematoma (a clot of old blood in the uterus) is present

A pregnancy scan can also result in incidental findings, such as ovarian cysts.

It’s only natural to be excited and perhaps a little nervous during the viability scan. You want as much information about your new family member as possible.

During the viability ultrasound, however, foetal anatomy will not be examined, as you are too early in your pregnancy.

When you schedule your pregnancy scan, rest easy knowing ultrasound is safe for both you and your baby when performed by a qualified and experienced consultant. Unlike X-rays and other imaging technologies, ultrasounds use soundwaves that has no radiation to capture images of your baby and the inside of your body.

Ultrasound has been used widely for over three decades, and researchers and healthcare professionals have not found any associated risks.

• Our team will ensure that the pregnancy is in the correct location inside the uterus rather than ectopic (outside the uterus), which can result in complications.
• We will measure the size of a gestational sac or an embryo to confirm the age of the foetus and provide an estimated due date.
• We will visualise and listen to the foetal heartbeat to assess its viability.
• Access to onsite obstetrics and gynaecology consultants if further consultation is required.

Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, and you are free to make the choices that work best for you and your family.

Viability scans are not compulsory but are recommended, particularly in the following situations:

•     You are not sure of your pregnancy dates or how far along you are
•     You are experiencing light bleeding or spotting
•     You are experiencing significant or unusual pain
•     You have a history of ectopic pregnancy or early miscarriage
•     You underwent an assisted fertility treatment, such as IVF
•     You are experiencing symptoms that are causing anxiety or concern

We advise drinking a few glasses of water an hour before your ultrasound as a full bladder will improve the visibility of your pregnancy on our external ultrasound scan.

There is no particular type of care required after a Early Pregnancy Ultrasound. You may resume your regular diet and daily activities unless your doctor advises you differently.

There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in diagnostic ultrasound.

But depending on your particular results, the doctor may give you additional or alternative instructions after the procedure.

Many of our patients are concerned that if they come to us for an ultrasound, they won’t be able to go back to public health. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached.

When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day.

We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health.

If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.