This is an
ultrasound examination that is usually carried out vaginally at 6-10 weeks of pregnancy
. The aims of this scan are to determine the number of embryos present and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus.
Is it normal to have a viability ultrasound?
An early ultrasound can
confirm your pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus
. This assurance may be very important for women who are experiencing pain or bleeding in the pregnancy and those who have had previous miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies.
How is a viability ultrasound performed?
This is a simple procedure, in which a thin ultrasound probe with a sterile cover is gently inserted into the vagina to provide detailed pictures of the inside of the uterus. Occasionally a Fetal Viability Scan may be inconclusive, especially if the gestational age is
less than 6 weeks
.
What happens at the viability scan?
Dating your pregnancy at this early stage will help you better organise your scans and your ongoing pregnancy care. The Viability Scan performed includes
ultrasound scan, report and a collection of 2D black and white prints.
How long does a viability scan take?
How long will a scan take? A scan usually takes
around 20 to 30 minutes
. However, the sonographer may not be able to get good views if your baby is lying in an awkward position or moving around a lot.
How do I know my pregnancy is viable?
Your pregnancy is viable
if the baby is alive, developing properly
, and the pregnancy is able to continue all the way until your baby is ready to be born. A miscarriage is any unintentional loss of your child before he or she is able to survive outside of the womb.
What if there is no heartbeat at 6 weeks?
If no heartbeat is detected, your doctor will check your
fetal measurements
. Your health care provider may be concerned if there’s no fetal heartbeat in an embryo with a crown-rump length greater than 5 millimeters. After week 6, your doctor will also be concerned if there is no gestational sac.
Does everyone have a viability scan?
The scan is optional and not everyone will have it
. You can discuss whether you want or need a dating scan with your doctor or midwife.
How many weeks pregnant is viable?
The Facts. The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act bans late-term abortions after the midpoint of a woman’s pregnancy, and before the fetus typically is considered viable to live outside of the womb. The age of viability has been pegged at
24 to 28 weeks
.
Will an ultrasound at 5 weeks show anything?
At this stage, the only things you’ll likely see are
the yolk sac and the gestational sac
. It’s possible that the sonographer might be able to point out the embryo, which at this stage is likely a tiny white curled object.
Is a viability scan safe?
Ultrasound scans are safe and do not cause discomfort
. Ultrasound gel is used on the abdomen and the ultrasound probe presses on your tummy to obtain images, if you have a very full bladder it may be a little uncomfortable. An ultrasound scan typically takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
When is the best time to have a viability scan?
You may be referred for an early scan because of vaginal bleeding or spotting, or possibly because you have had problems in a previous pregnancy. The best time to have a scan is from
about 7 weeks’ gestation
when it should be possible to see the baby’s heartbeat in a normal pregnancy.
How do I get a viability scan?
The scan can usually be done by
placing the scanning probe on your abdomen
(transabdominally). But if you are very early or if your womb tilts backwards, it may be necessary to scan internally, using the transvaginal probe.
Do you need a full bladder for a viability scan?
An empty bladder is needed
. If you want to avoid an internal scan then come after 8 weeks when we should be able to see the baby using the abdominal probe, providing your bladder is very full.
What happens if no heartbeat at 7 weeks?
No Fetal Heartbeat After Seven Weeks Gestation
If you are past seven weeks pregnant, seeing no heartbeat may be
a sign of miscarriage
.
Can you see a baby on ultrasound at 7 weeks?
At seven weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a
blueberry
! Now you can figure out your due date, and use an ultrasound to detect the baby’s heartbeat and brain development.
