Early Pregnancy Scan

Early Pregnancy Scan -When is it necessary?

Pregnancy ultrasound scans are universal these days. An early scan is very important for all newly pregnant women. There are many medical reasons for an early pregnancy scan, although, quite a number will be performed privately – just because the woman is anxious about something..

1. To determine the age of the pregnancy. This is very important particularly as the rest of the pregnancy events and interventions depend on accurate calculation of pregnancy or baby’s age..

2. Early pregnancy scan confirms that the pregnancy is live and ongoing. When there has been a problem such as bleeding in early pregnancy, a scan is necessary. In such circumstances, one has to consider the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.The dangers of a pregnancy outside the womb cannot be over emphasized; and must be investigated at once.

An early Pregnancy Scan resolves difficult situations.

When the pregnancy is beyond 7 or 8 weeks but the heart beat is absent, miscarriage is likely, but by no means certain. It is standard practice now that if uncertain of the situation following an early pregnancy scan by a trans-vaginal route, a repeat scan should be arranged.

3. To know whether this is twin or not, an early pregnancy scan is a must. This need arises
particularly when the woman concerned has a family or personal history of twins. Severe instances of early morning sickness requiring hospital treatment or similar presentation will require assessment by ultrasound scan.

4. The main method for confirming a pregnancy is by a urine pregnancy test, unless of course more detailed analysis is required.. In cases where an abnormal pregnancy called the molar, an ultrasound scan is necessary at the earliest possible moment..

Given our current obesity rates amongst pregnant women, it is beneficial and in some cases mandatory that a vaginal scan is used to resolve a clinical situation. Obesity makes it mandatory that vaginal scanning will be used, if mistakes are to be avoided.

Vaginal ultrasound is vital for early pregnancy assessment. This technique provides
the most useful information because the scan probe is closest to the womb.
Advantages of vaginal scanning include the fact that drinking lots of water is unnecessary particularly in women who are likely to be suffering from some form of morning sickness.

Early Pregnancy Scan – is mandatory in some cases.