What is an Early Pregnancy Scan?

Pregnancy may be seen on a scan from the 6th week (halfway through the first trimester), but doctors recommend these early scans to be done between the 7th and 12th weeks to ensure that all is normal. It is recommended to women who are possibly pregnant and particularly to those who have been experiencing pain or bleeding during pregnancy.

Early pregnancy scans are done to confirm a pregnancy, the date of conception, and to check if the baby is growing well.  

What are the reasons for having Early Pregnancy Scans?

Early pregnancy scans are done to confirm:

• Single or multiple pregnancies (number of embryos present)
• The viability of a pregnancy
• The presence of a heartbeat
• The gestation of pregnancy (number of weeks) by identifying the size of the pregnancy sac or the embryo
• To rule out ectopic pregnancy and to check if the pregnancy sac is located within the uterus or not
• The presence of any internal bleeding

How are Early Pregnancy Scans done?

An early pregnancy scan may be done either trans-abdominally or trans-vaginally. Trans-abdominal scans are performed at 7-11 weeks of pregnancy. Commonly these are known as ultrasound scans and are carried out by one of the highly qualified professionals (sonographer) in the hospital.

During the process, the sonographer asks the mother to drink a glass of water for a good view of the baby (as the bladder helps the ultrasound echoes to reach the womb). Then applies gel over the abdomen and moves a hand-held device (transducer) over the skin to pick up images of the baby. If the images are not clear, then the sonographer may advice a transvaginal scan.

During the transvaginal scan, the sonographer places a vaginal transducer inside the vagina (after lubricating with plenty of gel). Once the transducer is inside, sound waves bounce off the internal organs and transmit pictures of (the interior of) the pelvis onto a monitor.

Why Motherhood?

We offer highly accomplished clinicians, the best of care supported by the latest technologies and treatment protocols. Complete with state-of-the-art NICUs, Labour Suites, Adult ICUs, Operation Rooms, Laboratory Services, and 24/7 Pharmacies.

Our Obstetric services include Antenatal care (before birth), Intrapartum care (during labour and delivery), and Postnatal care (after birth). 

Our team of doctors do their best to ensure the good health of mother and child. They provide assistance with all tests/procedures.

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