What is an Early pregnancy scan ?
Also known as dating scan.
This is usually the first scan in pregnancy. Typically done between 6-10 weeks. This scan is especially important if your periods are not regular or you are not sure about your dates. This scan is used to calculate the gestation of the baby so your antenatal care can be planned.
What happens before my examination?
1.Kindly take appointment at least one day prior to exam.
2.Please come 15min prior to your appointment.
3.Please come with a reasonably but not uncomfortably full bladder.
4.Kindly turn off your phone/keep it in silent mode before entering the ultrasound room and throughout the examination.
What will happen during the examination?
The scan will be performed in dimly lit room and you would be asked to lie on a flat couch.
Clear(perhaps cold) ultrasound gel will then be applied and the ultrasound specialist will commence the exam. To get optimum views of your baby, slight pressure may have to be applied.
Sometimes due to a number of factors an abdominal scan may not be sufficient and you will be offered a transvaginal scan. This would involve a long thin probe with a cover being inserted into the vagina for a clearer view. This does not hurt and will not harm the baby.
Benefits:
This scan is done to:
- Confirm that baby is in the womb.
- Check the baby’s heartbeat.
- Determine if you have single or multiple pregnancies.
- Measure the baby to estimate how many weeks pregnant you are. The Ultrasound specialist will measure the crown rump length (CRL). This measures the length of your baby from head to bottom and is used to date the pregnancy. This can be used to calculate Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD).
- Check for some conditions visible at this stage.
What happens after?
You would usually receive the printed report on the same day.
You can take appointment for any subsequent scans which would then be arranged at the correct time.