If you’re wondering whether it is worth paying for an early pregnancy scan, we have all the info you need.
An ultrasound will help establish whether or not you are having a baby, check the heartbeat and measure how many babies you’re carrying. It will also give you a more accurate due date and ensure your pregnancy progresses appropriately.
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Why you need an early scan
You may be offered a dating scan during your first trimester on the NHS for a few reasons. These include if you have pain, vaginal bleeding, or a history of baby scan belfast in your previous pregnancies. They can also be a chance to check for any severe abnormalities in the pregnancy.
If you have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus) or any other serious abnormalities, these can be confirmed during an early scan as well. They can often be diagnosed as early as 12 weeks and are therefore very useful for ensuring you and your baby are well.
What to expect at your scan
During an ultrasound you will be asked to lie on your back and reveal your tummy so the doctor can see what’s going on with your baby. The doctor will apply gel over your abdomen and move a hand-held device over your tummy to pick up images on the ultrasound screen. The images are then transferred to a monitor for the doctor to look at and diagnose any problems.