Early Pregnancy Scan - Quick Overview
- 6 - 9 weeks of pregnancy (Can be performed earlier if clinically indicated)
- Confirm the viability of an early pregnancy
- Determine the presence of a pregnancy
- See your baby's heart beat
- Exclude miscarriage
- Confirm that pregnancy is intrauterine and not an ectopic
- Early Reassurance for peace of mind
- Second opinion
- No GP referral is required.
- Same-day appointments are usually available
- Results straight away
- Fully qualified, experienced NHS sonographers
- Price: Only £109
- Book Online or over the phone
- Notting Hill Gate Station, London
Book A Scan
Early Pregnancy Scans at IUS London for Peace of Mind During Your Early Pregnancy
The early stages of pregnancy can be filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Our early pregnancy scans provide reassurance and vital information about your pregnancy's progress.
Our state-of-the-art scans offer a clear window into your developing baby's world, confirming viability and providing peace of mind.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with exceptional care and support throughout your journey.
Genuine 5 Star Google Reviews from 300+ patients
About the Early Pregnancy Scan
What Is an Early Pregnancy Scan?
What Is an Early Pregnancy Scan?
An early pregnancy scan, also known as a viability or dating scan, is an ultrasound examination performed during the first trimester of pregnancy, typically between 6 and 12 weeks gestation. This scan provides valuable information about your pregnancy's progress and offers early reassurance.
The purpose of the early pregnancy scan is to:
- Confirm the Pregnancy: Verify the presence of a gestational sac within the uterus.
- Establish Gestational Age: Determine how far along the pregnancy is and estimate the due date.
- Detect a Heartbeat: Observe the baby's heartbeat, a key indicator of a viable pregnancy.
- Check for Multiple Pregnancies: Identify if you are carrying twins or multiples.
- Assess Early Development: Evaluate the initial growth and development of the embryo.
- Rule Out Ectopic Pregnancy: Ensure the embryo is correctly implanted in the uterus.
Our scans are conducted by experienced sonographers using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, ensuring both safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
What We Check For
During your early pregnancy scan, our specialist team will carefully examine several important aspects of your pregnancy:
Confirmation of Pregnancy
We begin by confirming the pregnancy through the identification of the gestational sac within the uterus. This initial step provides early reassurance and lays the foundation for further assessments.
Heartbeat Detection
One of the most exciting moments of the early scan is detecting the baby's heartbeat. Typically visible from around 6 weeks gestation, the heartbeat is a positive sign that the pregnancy is progressing well.
Gestational Age and Due Date
Using precise measurements of the embryo, particularly the crown-rump length (CRL), we estimate the gestational age. This helps establish an accurate due date, which is crucial for planning your prenatal care and anticipating key developmental milestones.
Multiple Pregnancies
We check for the presence of more than one embryo to determine if you are expecting twins or multiples. Early identification is important for managing the unique aspects of multiple pregnancies.
Ectopic Pregnancy Screening
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. This can pose significant health risks. Our scan includes a thorough examination to ensure the pregnancy is located within the uterus.
Assessment of Early Fetal Development
We evaluate the embryo's early development, checking for the formation of essential structures and overall growth patterns. This assessment helps identify any early concerns that may require additional monitoring or intervention.
What to Expect During Your Visit
At IUS London we aim to make your early pregnancy scan a comfortable and reassuring experience. Here's what you can expect before, during, and after your appointment:
Before the Scan
- Scheduling Your Appointment: After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, directions to the clinic, and any preparation instructions.
- Preparation Tips:
- Hydration: For optimal imaging, we recommend drinking about one pint (500ml) of water an hour before your scan. A moderately full bladder can enhance the clarity of the ultrasound images.
- Attire: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access to your abdominal area.
During the Scan
- Meeting Your Sonographer: You'll be introduced to your certified sonographer, who will explain the procedure and answer any questions to ensure you're fully informed.
- The Scanning Procedure:
- Abdominal Ultrasound:
- Process: You'll lie comfortably on an examination bed while the sonographer applies a warm, water-based gel to your abdomen.
- Imaging: The sonographer will gently move a transducer across your belly to capture images of your developing baby.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound (if necessary):
- When It's Used: In early pregnancy (usually before 7 weeks), a transvaginal scan may provide clearer images.
- Process: A slender, covered probe is carefully inserted into the vagina. This procedure is safe and typically painless, but please let us know if you have any concerns.
- Abdominal Ultrasound:
- Viewing the Scan:
- Explaining the Images: Your sonographer will point out key features and explain what you're seeing.
- Duration:
- Timeframe: The entire scanning process usually takes between 10 to 20 minutes, allowing ample time for both imaging and discussion.
After the Scan
- Immediate Feedback:
- Discussion: Your sonographer will share initial findings, providing reassurance and answering any immediate questions.
- Receiving Your Results:
- Detailed Report: You'll receive a comprehensive written report summarizing the scan findings.
- Keepsake Images: Take home printed ultrasound images of your baby.
- Next Steps:
- Further Guidance: If any concerns arise, we'll guide you on the appropriate next steps and coordinate with your healthcare provider as needed.
- Additional Appointments: You may choose to schedule future scans or explore our other prenatal services.
Our Expertise: Dedicated to Providing Exceptional Care
Don't just take our word for it - hear what our patients have to say:
- Tatiana Lukashonok9/21/2024I've visited this clinic a few times and always had a very positive experience. It is easy to find a time slot and book the visit on the website. My appreciation to Yianni and Dr Mo for their professional and thorough examinations, as well as thoughtful feedback, attention to questions and ability to explain complex phenomena in simple words. Thanks to the staff to their careful approach! Would definitely recommend this center!More Genuine Reviewsread less
- Laura McCue8/08/2024Great experience from start to end. I was being tested for reasons behind prolonged bleeding and Yianni was thorough, helped me feel relaxed through the scan, sent me the report very quickly and even responded to further questions the following day promptly and efficiently. He’s a lovely guy. Comfortable and clean clinic. Would definitely recommend!More Genuine Reviewsread lessKeisha Francis7/14/2024I recently had an ultrasound scan at IUS, and I was very impressed with the entire experience. The check-in process was smooth and efficient; I didn’t have to wait long before being called in for my appointment. The scan was conducted thoroughly and professionally, and I felt reassured by the technician’s expertise. After the scan, the results were explained to me, and I appreciated receiving the detailed written report via email on the same day. Overall, my experience at IUS was exceptional. The combination of friendly staff, a comfortable environment, and professional service made for a very positive visit. I would highly recommend IUS to anyone in need of an ultrasound scan.More Genuine Reviewsread less
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most frequent questions and answers
When is the best time to have an early pregnancy scan?
The optimal time for an early pregnancy scan is between 6 and 10 weeks of gestation. At this stage, the scan can reliably detect a heartbeat, determine the gestational age, and assess the overall health of the pregnancy.
How should I prepare for the scan?
For the best images during an early pregnancy scan, we recommend arriving with a moderately full bladder. Drinking 1-2 glasses of water about an hour before your appointment can help achieve this. A full bladder helps lift the uterus for clearer imaging.
Is the early pregnancy scan safe?
Yes, ultrasound scans are considered safe for both the mother and the developing baby. They use sound waves to create images and do not involve radiation or any harmful effects.
Will the scan be internal or external?
Most early pregnancy scans are performed transabdominally (external). However, if clearer images are needed, especially in very early pregnancies or in certain medical situations, a transvaginal (internal) scan may be recommended. This will be discussed with you beforehand, and your comfort is our priority.
Do I need a referral from my GP to book a scan?
No, a referral is not necessary. You can book an early pregnancy scan directly with us without a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) or any other healthcare provider.
Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
Absolutely. We encourage you to bring your partner, a family member, or a friend to share this special moment. Due to space limitations, we kindly ask that you limit guests to one or two individuals.
What if the scan shows a problem?
If the scan detects any concerns, our experienced medical team will discuss the findings with you sensitively and provide guidance on the next steps. .
How accurate is the dating from the early pregnancy scan?
An early pregnancy scan provides a reliable estimation of your gestational age, usually accurate within a few days. This helps in predicting the due date and planning your prenatal care.
What is the cost of the early pregnancy scan?
The cost of the scan is £109. This includes the ultrasound examination, a consultation with the sonographer, and copies of your images. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Do you accept insurance or NHS referrals?
We are a private clinic, and while we do not bill insurance companies directly, we can provide a receipt or medical report for you to submit to your insurance provider if your policy covers such services. NHS referrals are not required, but you can still choose to have a private scan with us
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Yes, we understand that circumstances can change. You can reschedule or cancel your appointment by contacting us at least 24 hours in advance. Please refer to our cancellation policy for more details.
Is parking available at your clinic?
You can park at the mews after 6.30pm. Please do not obstruct any residents. During the day, there are parking spaces on the site roads. We are also easily accessible via public transport.
Can I eat and drink before the scan?
Yes, you can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. However, as mentioned, having a moderately full bladder can improve the quality of the ultrasound images.
Do you offer gender determination during the early pregnancy scan?
Gender determination is typically not possible during an early pregnancy scan. Gender can usually be determined from around 16 weeks onwards. We offer separate gender reveal scans at the appropriate stage of pregnancy.
Private Early Pregnancy Scan Near Me
If you are looking for an early pregnancy scan nearby, our ultrasound clinic offers a wide range of baby scans for all trimesters during pregnancy to monitor the growth and development of the fetus as well as the pregnant woman.
We are conveniently located in the heart of London, just a few minutes walk from Notting Hill Gate tube station, in a cobbled cul-de-sac off Kensington Mall in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Notting Hill underground station is served by Central, Circle and District lines.
References:
NHS- Ultrasound Scans in Pregnancy
NHS - 12-week scan
ROOG - Guidance for antenatal screening and ultrasound in pregnancy in the evolving coronavirus pandemic
NICE - Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies
BMUS - Guidelines for the safe use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment
Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology - ISUOG Practice Guidelines: performance of first‐trimester fetal ultrasound scan
Healthline - Pregnancy Ultrasound
WHO - WHO recommendation on early ultrasound in pregnancy
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