Dating & Early Pregnancy Assessment
Your doctor may request early pregnancy assessment in order to accurately date the pregnancy or to monitor the progress of the pregnancy.
This scan may be indicated if you have had bleeding, pain, or are unsure of your last menstrual period. It may also be performed to monitor patients with a history of previous miscarriage or other reproductive health issues.
Other Treatments
Gynaecological Conditions
GYNAECOLOGICAL Scan
Pregnancy Scans
Pre-Pregnancy Scans
Procedures
Scanning at this early stage of pregnancy enables the timely diagnosis of conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and multiple pregnancy. Dating of pregnancy is also necessary in the planning of prenatal screening tests, including Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening and nuchal translucency based first trimester Down Syndrome screening.
It will be important that you can provide any details about your menstrual cycle, last menstrual period, blood tests and any previous examinations that you may have had to the person performing the scan. These details will assist in the interpretation and reporting of the findings.
The first part of this examination is usually performed by using the transabdominal probe on your abdomen. For this type of scan a full bladder assists in visualisation of the uterus and pregnancy. Please ensure that your bladder is full by going to the toilet and completely emptying your bladder one hour before your appointment and then immediately drinking 600 ml (about two glasses) of water. Do not empty your bladder again.
Sometimes a transvaginal examination is also recommended. The person performing the examination will discuss this with you and the reasons why it is recommended. You have the option to decline this type of examination if that is your preference. It is not necessary to have a full bladder for this type of examination and you will be given the opportunity to empty your bladder beforehand so that you can be comfortable during the procedure. Transvaginal examination is commonly used to assess early pregnancy and bleeding – it is a safe procedure and does not cause bleeding or miscarriage.