Early Pregnancy Scan

Gestation Required: 6-11 Weeks

Welcome to your very first baby scan! This ultrasound is an important step in your pregnancy journey. You need to be over 6 weeks pregnant to book the early pregnancy scan.
€100
Available at Bray, Dublin, Gorey

Information on Early Pregnancy Scan

The early pregnancy ultrasound scan provides crucial insights for expecting parents, allowing them to monitor the growth and development of their unborn child right from the beginning.

Why should I get an Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan?

Early pregnancy is a special time for many couples, and we understand the eagerness to see your baby as soon as possible. Our Early Pregnancy Scan is designed to provide reassurance, especially if you are uncertain about your dates, experiencing bleeding or pelvic pain, have concerns, or have noticed a disappearance of early pregnancy symptoms. 

What can an Early Pregnancy Scan show?

Our goal is to address your needs and provide clarity by:

Locations available for this ultrasound scan

Gorey

The Palms Centre
Block B 2nd Floor
The Avenue
Gorey
County Wexford
Y25 Y5P3

Dublin

Grafton Medical Centric Health
34 Grafton Street
Dublin 2
County Dublin
D02 XY06

Bray

Bray Women’s Health Centre
Bri Chualann Court
Adelaide Road
Bray
County Wicklow
A98N4C4

FAQ's

8-10 weeks is the best time to get an early pregnancy scan.  The crown rump length (CRL) can be measured easily at this stage and the fetal heart beat can be clearly seen. 

If your menstrual cycle is longer than 28 days it is advisable to wait until you are at least till 8 weeks from your LMP to confirm the viability as you may not be as far as your dates suggest.

You are required to have an adequately full bladder for your early pregnancy scan. There is certainly no need to be uncomfortably full. We suggest that you hydrate well and not empty the bladder one an hour before the scan.

There is a chance that a transvaginal scan may need to be performed in order to get a clearer view. Some patients prefer this method of scanning as the resolution of the image is better, improving the accuracy of the measurements and the clarity of the pictures. Feel free to request this as there is no extra charge.

During your ultrasound, we will:

  • Assess the position, size, shape and location of the gestational sac 
  • Exclude an ectopic pregnancy
  • Look for the presence of the fetus or multiples 
  • Measure the heart rate in m-mode (safe mode) to determine viability. There is no sound with m-mode
  • Take the crown-rump length (CRL) measurement, the most accurate way to date a pregnancy and provide you with a due date
  • Examine the uterus and ovaries for any pathology, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids

Finding out how far along you are and establishing an accurate due date early in your pregnancy is really important. It helps your doctors know when to give you the right care, schedule tests, check how your baby is growing, and plan for any issues that might come up before or after birth. An early viability scan is a reliable way to find out exactly how far along you are. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, and the Society for Maternal–Fetal Medicine recommend using ultrasound measurement in the first trimester as the most accurate method to establish or confirm gestational age. The earlier this measurement is performed, the more accurate the estimated gestational age and due date, provided the baby is developed enough to actually measure (6 weeks plus).

Take home Package

The ultrasound suite offers a fantastic package for expectant parents to take home after their pregnancy scan.

This comprehensive package includes a detailed ultrasound report and two glossy photograph printouts, capturing precious moments in high-quality images.

Additionally, digital pictures and a video clip of the scan are conveniently sent to you via SMS or email, ensuring that these cherished memories are easily accessible and shareable with loved ones.

Meet

Our Sonographers

Debbie Sudding
Deborah Sudding

Director and Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Deborah has been a qualified sonographer for over 18 years. As the Director, she is deeply committed to outstanding patient-centred healthcare, continually striving to enhance the quality of care through innovation and compassionate leadership. Her dedication ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of diagnostic imaging and personalised attention.
Danyelle Howard
Danyelle Howard Hill

Lead Clinical Specialist Sonographer

With over 14 years of experience, Danyelle Howard Hill excels in performing a diverse range of ultrasound examinations. Her commitment to compassion and professionalism sets her apart as a leader in the field. She sits on the management team as Lead Clinical Specialist Sonographer.
Diana Ciornei
Diana Ciornei

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Diana Ciornei has over seven years of sonography experience, specialising in high-risk obstetrics and patient care. Her expertise extends to abdomen, gynaecological, small parts, and vascular studies. Diana’s strong communication skills enhance her ability to deliver quality diagnostic ultrasound examinations, ensuring optimal patient care.
Olesia
Olesia Cabric

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Olesia Cabric is a highly skilled sonographer with extensive knowledge of complex perinatal cases. She also has a versatile background in abdomen, gynaecology, and vascular ultrasound exams. With eight years of sonography experience, Olesia is fluent in English and Russian and has a passion for travel.
Rebecca
Rebecca Falnes

Clinical Specialist Sonographer

Rebecca Falnes, a Johns Hopkins graduate, brings over eleven years of comprehensive experience in obstetrics, general, vascular, echocardiography, paediatrics, transplants, and ABI/TBI/PVR ultrasound exams. An avid hiker, Rebecca’s distinguished background includes service in the United States Air Force as a Korean Linguist and Intelligence Analyst.

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