Dating and Viability scan
The dating and viability scan is an ultrasound examination amd is usually carried out between 6-10 weeks of pregnancy.
The aims of the dating and viability scan are to determine:
- The viability of the pregnancy
- The gestational age of the pregnancy
- The number of embryos present
- The position of the pregnancy and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus.
This scan is useful for women who are experiencing pain or bleeding in the pregnancy and those who have had previous miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies.
The ultrasound appearance will depend on the gestational age of the pregnancy. At 5 weeks gestation only a gestation sack will be seen. After this a yolk sac will be visible, then a small fetus.
The size of the fetus has to be over 4mm to see a heart beat. A viable fetus can be seen before the heart has begun to beat.
It is useful to have a moderately full bladder, which can allow a better picture of the baby as your bladder pushes the uterus up above the pelvic bone. An hour before your appointment, please empty your bladder and drink 2 standard glasses of water. Please do not go to the toilet again until after your scan. We do not need you to have an uncomfortably full bladder. Please talk to our reception staff if you are uncomfortable while waiting for your scan.
You are welcome to have members of your family join you for the scan. It is important to remember that this is a diagnostic procedure and the sonographer will need to concentrate on the images of your baby.
Early pregnancy images
