What is involved in an early pregnancy scan?

An early pregnancy scan can either be conducted trans-vaginally or trans-abdominally. National guidelines recommend that all scans before 10 weeks gestation are conducted trans-vaginally as this provides better image quality in the early stages of pregnancy.

• Trans-vaginally:
  • A small transducer (ultrasound probe) is inserted into the vagina allowing better visualisation of a very early pregnancy (<10 weeks gestation).
  • The client will need a totally empty bladder to ensure scan clarity.
  • This is an elective procedure meaning the client must provide consent before the scan can be completed.
• Trans-abdominally:
  • A curved transducer (ultrasound probe) is placed on the abdomen (lower tummy) and is normal practice from 10 weeks gestation.
  • The client will need a full bladder to lift the uterus upwards and closer to the transducer for scan clarity.
  • If the client declines a trans-vaginal scan (which she is entitled to do) a trans-abdominal scan will be completed instead. The sonographer will explain the limitations of scanning this way in early pregnancy.

The scan only takes around 5 minutes to complete and will produce one image and an Obstetric Ultrasound Report detailing the scan findings. This report is completed by the sonographer on the ultrasound machine.