EARLY PREGNANCY CARE

Gynaecare early pregnancy service offers early pregnancy ultrasound scans from 4 weeks and 5 days (5 days after positive pregnancy test) until 12 weeks of pregnancy. All scans are performed by an expert gynaecologist with advanced early pregnancy ultrasound skills, utilising the latest 2D and 3D technology. Where complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy are encountered, these can be managed by the same consultant, ensuring continuity of care, if desired. Early pregnancy care is also provided.

Early pregnancy scans are not always available on the NHS. They are indicated to:

• Confirm the presence of a pregnancy
• Assess location of the uterus (implantation of the pregnancy in the cavity of the womb or ectopic pregnancy)
• Assess viability of the pregnancy (with a foetal heartbeat after 6-7 weeks’ gestation)
• Determine and number of pregnancy (single or a multiple pregnancy).
• Calculate gestation and estimated date of delivery (EDD)

Early pregnancy scan milestones include:

• 4 weeks and 5 days – 5 weeks: an early pregnancy gestation sac should be visible in the cavity of the womb. The presence of this intrauterine cavity sac confirms that this is not an ectopic pregnancy.
• 5-6 weeks: The early pregnancy gestation sac should have enlarged and within it can be seen a yolk sac and possibly a foetal pole. Early heart pulsations within foetal pole may be seen nearer to 6 weeks gestation.
• 7-8 weeks gestation: Foetal pole measures approximately 11– 16 mm with obvious heart pulsations. An amniotic sac is seen around the foetal pole closer to 8 weeks gestation
• 10-12 weeks gestation: Foetal limbs and movements visible.

Most women will have their first scan after 7 weeks gestation when a foetal heartbeat can be visualised to confirm a viable pregnancy. However, for those with previous complications such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or experiencing bleeding or pain in this pregnancy, an earlier ultrasound scan may be necessary to confirm correct implantation of the pregnancy. They will likely require further scans later in the pregnancy to confirm viability.

For more information about how we can help you, take a look at our Early Pregnancy Ultrasound and Care Package.