Routine ultrasound examination is an established part of antenatal care if resources are available and access possible. In general, the main goal of a fetal ultrasound scan is to provide accurate information which will facilitate the delivery of optimized antenatal care with the best possible outcomes for mother and fetus. The presence of a new life healthily growing inside you is monitored via an early pregnancy scan also called the viability or dating scan.

Purpose of early pregnancy ultrasound scan?

Early pregnancy scans are done to confirm a pregnancy and is performed between 6-11 weeks of gestation. Individuals who perform obstetric scans routinely should have specialized training that is appropriate to the practice of diagnostic ultrasound for pregnant women. Before starting the examination, a healthcare provider should counsel the woman/couple regarding the potential benefits and limitations of the first‐trimester ultrasound scan.

Details of the Dating Scan:

to check the baby is growing in the right place, by ruling out an ectopic pregnancy.
to confirm the presence of your baby’s heartbeat.
an accurate way of predicting your due date and confirming the gestation.
to check whether you are expecting more than one baby.
in case of multiple pregnancies, to assess chorionicity and amnionicity.
to check your baby’s growth and development.
to check the pelvic organs.
to check the presence of any internal bleeding