Early Pregnancy Scans in Bradford – Reassurance From 6 Weeks

Your Early Pregnancy Scan, Explained

An early pregnancy scan, sometimes called a viability or reassurance scan, is carried out between 6 and 14 weeks. Its purpose is to assess where the pregnancy is developing, how many pregnancies there are, to take early measurements and to look for cardiac activity where appropriate for gestation, at a stage when most people have had no scan at all. It costs £60 and is available to patients aged 18 and over.

What we assess at your early pregnancy scan

• The location of the pregnancy, and whether it appears to be inside the uterus
• The number of pregnancies
• Cardiac activity, where appropriate and visible for your gestation (often from around 6 to 7 weeks, but not always)
• A crown to rump measurement to estimate how many weeks pregnant you are and your estimated due date
• Early structures such as the gestational sac and yolk sac, where visible

Why around 7 weeks is often clearer than 6

Very early in pregnancy a few days make a real difference to what can be seen. At exactly 6 weeks it can still be too early to see everything clearly, even in a healthy pregnancy. We offer scans from 6 weeks, and we are honest that a scan at around 7 weeks or later will often give a more informative answer. If you would like to be seen at 6 weeks, we will not discourage you; we will simply explain what can and cannot be expected.

What “inconclusive” means, and what happens next

Sometimes an early scan cannot yet establish the location of the pregnancy, or cardiac activity cannot yet be seen because the pregnancy is earlier than expected. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Your sonographer will explain exactly what has and has not been seen and advise the appropriate follow-up, which may be a repeat scan in 7 to 14 days or assessment through your NHS early pregnancy service, depending on the findings. Our free rescan promise applies to position-dependent views on later scans; inconclusive early scans follow this clinical pathway instead.

Transabdominal or transvaginal?

Between 6 and 10 weeks a transvaginal (internal) scan often gives a much clearer view than a scan over the tummy, because the probe sits closer to the uterus. It involves a slim, covered probe and takes only a few minutes; it should not be painful, although you may feel mild pressure. It is safe in early pregnancy, it is never compulsory, and it is only carried out with your consent after a full explanation. You can choose an abdominal scan instead, a chaperone is available on request, and you can stop at any point. If a transvaginal scan is recommended, we will ask you to empty your bladder first.

What to expect on the day

You will park free of charge on site and be welcomed at reception a few minutes before your appointment. Your sonographer will talk through your history and any concerns before the scan begins. A warm gel is applied to your lower tummy and the scan is performed while you watch the screen, with your sonographer explaining what you are seeing as they go. Most appointments take 20 to 30 minutes, and you leave with your digital images and a clear explanation of the findings.

How to prepare

For a scan over the tummy, a moderately full bladder improves the view, so try to finish around a pint of water an hour before your appointment. Comfortable, two-piece clothing makes the scan easier. There is no need to fast.

If we see something that needs follow-up

If we see something unexpected, your sonographer will explain the finding sensitively and clearly, document it appropriately and advise you on the most appropriate next step or NHS pathway, with a letter you can take to your GP, midwife or local early pregnancy service. As a clinic registered with the CQC for Diagnostic and Screening Procedures, we have formal escalation pathways in place, so you are never left wondering what happens next.

Who books an early pregnancy scan?

Many of our patients come to us for early reassurance, because their dates are uncertain, after IVF or fertility treatment, or after a previous pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy when they are otherwise well and would like additional reassurance. Whatever your reason, you will find an unhurried, judgement-free appointment. If you are 10 weeks or more, you may also wish to read about NIPT screening, or look ahead to our gender scans from 16 weeks.