Early pregnancy scan
An early pregnancy scan is a transvaginal ultrasound, usually done between 5 and 10 weeks, that confirms the pregnancy is inside the uterus, checks for a heartbeat, and estimates the due date. At EVE Women and Fertility Clinic in Gunjur, Bangalore, Dr. Swati Shree offers early scans for women after a positive test, after fertility treatment, after a previous miscarriage, or when there is bleeding or pain.
At a glance
- When
usually from about 6 weeks, counted from the first day of your last period; earlier if there is pain, bleeding or a past ectopic pregnancy
- Method
transvaginal ultrasound, because it shows more detail early on
- What it checks
the pregnancy is in the uterus, the number of embryos, a heartbeat, size and dates
- Time
about 10 to 15 minutes
- Not done
we never tell or test the sex of the baby, as Indian law forbids it
Why have an early scan
- To confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus, and not in a fallopian tube (ectopic)
- To see a heartbeat and reassure you
- To date the pregnancy accurately, especially if cycles are irregular
- To check for twins or more, which is more common after fertility treatment
- To look at the uterus and ovaries for fibroids or cysts
- To assess bleeding or pain in early pregnancy
- After fertility treatment such as IUI or IVF, to confirm a pregnancy that began with it
What happens at EVE
A short history
Dr. Swati asks about your last period, symptoms, past pregnancies and any fertility treatment.
The scan
You lie on a couch. A slim, covered probe is gently placed in the vagina. You can ask to pause at any time.
What you see
Dr. Swati shows you the screen and explains what is visible: the gestational sac, the yolk sac, and the tiny embryo, and the heartbeat if present.
Next steps
She tells you what to do next, including when to repeat the scan if it is too early to be sure.
What an early scan may show
| Finding | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Sac in the uterus, yolk sac, heartbeat | An ongoing early pregnancy |
| Sac without a heartbeat yet | Often too early. A repeat scan in about a week answers it. |
| Nothing in the uterus with a positive test | Very early pregnancy, or an ectopic pregnancy. Blood hCG tests and a repeat scan are needed. |
| Empty or irregular sac with bleeding | A possible miscarriage. Dr. Swati explains and supports you. |
Pregnancy of unknown location and ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. It can be serious. Risks are higher after tubal disease, previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection, and some fertility treatments. If a positive test is followed by pain or bleeding and no pregnancy is seen in the uterus, tests are repeated until the location is clear.
Limits
A scan too early may be inconclusive, which can be stressful but is not unusual. Dates may need to be adjusted after a scan. A single scan does not predict the whole pregnancy.
When to get help straight away
Severe one-sided lower abdominal pain, pain in the shoulder tip, fainting or dizziness, or heavy bleeding in early pregnancy needs emergency care. Call 108 or 112, or go to the nearest hospital emergency. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
FAQs
When should I have my first pregnancy scan?
About 6 weeks after the first day of your last period, which is roughly 2 weeks after a missed period. A heartbeat is usually visible by then. If you have pain, bleeding, a past ectopic pregnancy or fertility treatment, Dr. Swati may scan earlier.
Can an early scan miss a pregnancy?
A very early scan can show nothing even when you are pregnant, because the structures are tiny. If the scan is inconclusive, a repeat scan in about a week, and sometimes a blood hCG test, answers the question.
Is a transvaginal scan safe in early pregnancy?
Yes. It uses sound waves, not radiation, and does not harm the pregnancy. The probe is covered, cleaned between patients, and placed gently. You can ask for the scan to stop at any time.
When can a heartbeat be seen?
Usually at about 6 weeks, sometimes at 5.5 to 7 weeks, depending on your dates. If the scan is too early, no heartbeat does not mean a problem. A repeat scan about a week later is usual.
Do you tell the baby's sex?
No. Telling the sex of the baby is prohibited under the PCPNDT Act, and EVE never does it. Scans at the clinic are for location, growth, number and heartbeat.
I had a miscarriage before. Can I come for an early scan?
Yes. An early scan can reassure you, and Dr. Swati can plan extra care. If you have had two or more losses, see Recurrent pregnancy loss for evaluation, ideally before the next pregnancy.
Sources
- RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 21: Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy
- NICE Guideline NG126: Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage
- Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994
