First Trimester Scan

 Occurs < 12 weeks

Reasons

• bleeding and / or abdominal pain and / or cramping

- visualise and localize gestation sac (intrauterine or ectopic)

- assess embryo for cardiac activity

- identify pregnancies at increased risk or miscarriage

• determine number of embryos

- Approximately 2% of natural conceptions and 10% of assisted conceptions result in multiple pregnancy. Early ultrasound scanning allows us to determine whether the embryos share the same placenta. A single placenta increases the risk of complications to the pregnancy and may require closer monitoring.

• confirm dates

 

Preparation

• normal food
• try to have a full bladder. Empty bladder 1 hour before the appointment, then immediately drink 3 large glasses of water (750mls). Do not empty bladder again until after the examination.
 

What to expect

The scan is usually performed both transabdominally and transvaginally.