Timing

• Seventh - ninth week of pregnancy

Purpose

• Verify pregnancy
• Determine the baby's gestational age and corresponding due date
• Determine single or multiple pregnancy
• Confirm location in the uterus if there are symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Description

This ultrasound examination is usually done vaginally around the eighth week of pregnancy. It may be done in your regular doctor's office or you may be referred to prenatal ultrasound for a more detailed scan.

Determining your due date

Dating the pregnancy accurately is particularly relevant for women who cannot recall the date of their last period, have an irregular menstrual cycle, or who have conceived whilst breastfeeding or soon after stopping the pill. We measure the size of the fetus and from this we calculate the expected date of delivery.

Multiple pregnancies

Approximately 2% of natural conceptions and 10% of assisted conceptions result in multiple pregnancy. Ultrasound scanning can determine if babies are developing normally and if the babies share the same placenta. If you are having a multiple pregnancy, your care provider may want to alter your nutrition and care plan as well as monitor your pregnancy more closely.

Viability

An early ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus. This assurance may be very important for women who are experiencing pain or bleeding in the pregnancy and those who have had previous miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies.