637 4060 ADDRESS: 60 Mount Street Lower, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2 info@merrionultrasound.ie
 

Early Pregnancy Scan Dublin

A Centre Of Medical Excellence: Midwife/Sonographer Facilitated

Early Pregnancy Scan Dublin 6-12 weeks

Early Pregnancy Scan Costs

The early pregnancy scan includes photographs and a computerised report. Your sonographer will answer any questions you may have.

6-10 weeks – €115

11-17 weeks – €160

 

What Is Involved?

Early pregnancy scans will:

  • confirm the presence of the baby’s heartbeat
  • calculate the gestational age
  • look for multiples (twins, triplets etc)
  • site the pregnancy
  • to confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus

 

42″ Ultrasound Scan Screen

The ultrasound is available for you to view on a 42” screen which is located on the wall at the end of the ultrasound couch. This allows you to view the images produced by the transducer. At this stage in pregnancy it may not be easy for you to make out what you are seeing on screen but the sonographer will explain what you are looking at.

 

 

Why

Book An Early Pregnancy Scan Dublin

The first trimester scan is usually undertaken between six and twelve weeks of gestational age. It’s better to leave this scan until after seven weeks if at all possible as we’ll get the most accurate information from it.

The reasons that we undertake this scan is to determine if the baby’s heartbeat is present, how many babies are present in the uterus and to give you an accurate estimated date of delivery.

It’s also a very important time to do the scan if there’s any fear that the pregnancy might be located in one of the fallopian tubes, also called an ectopic pregnancy. So a scan at this gestational age will determine where the pregnancy is sited.

Early Pregnancy Scan Dublin FAQs

What Can I Expect At My Early Pregnancy Scan at Merrion Ultrasound?

A full bladder is required for this scan. On occasions, it will be necessary for an internal ultrasound examination to be performed. On occasions, it is possible that you will receive an inconclusive scan result. This is normally due to the fact that it is simply too early to see the pregnancy or the pregnancy is not growing as it should.

If, at your appointment it is not possible to confirm whether your pregnancy is ongoing or not we will recommend that you be rescanned in 7 – 10 days’ time. There will be a charge of €60.00 for subsequent Early Pregnancy/Reassurance scans. A scan in early pregnancy is usually performed in the first trimester between 6 – 12 weeks gestation. You may be having a scan for a number of reasons including confirmation of the EDD (estimated date of delivery), to confirm the pregnancy or just for peace of mind. You may have a scan earlier than this if you are experiencing complications in the pregnancy such as bleeding.

When arriving at Merrion Ultrasound you will be met by a member of our Administration Team. If it is your first time with us you will be asked to complete a registration form. You will then be directed to our waiting room where you will await your sonographer. Your sonographer will meet with you in the waiting area and take you to the ultrasound room. Your registration details will be confirmed with by the sonographer before the ultrasound procedure begins.

There are two types of early pregnancy scans; an abdominal scan and a transvaginal scan. An abdominal scan is performed by placing the transducer onto the abdomen of the patient. A lubricating gel is used to facilitate the scan. The process of abdominal scan is non invasive and painless. You will be required to have a full bladder for an early pregnancy scan. Drinking about one pint of water one hour beforehand is normally sufficient to fill the bladder but stop drinking if you start to feel uncomfortable. A transvaginal ultrasound can detect earlier pregnancies. It is often necessary for the sonographer to perform a transvaginal scan (TVS) in very early pregnancy. A TVS involves the insertion of a probe into the vagina. Transvaginal ultrasound gives a much clearer and enhanced view. If the sonographer feels it necessary to proceed to a TVS the procedure will be discussed with you and your permission sought. Like an abdominal ultrasound, a TVS is not painful but maybe a little uncomfortable and possibly a little embarrassing.

What Will The Sonographer Check?

When the early pregnancy scan is being performed your sonographer will:

  • calculate the gestational age
  • check for a fetal heart
  • determine the estimated date of delivery
  • look for multiples
  • will check to exclude an ectopic pregnancy

The ultrasound is available for you to view on a 42” screen which is located on the wall at the end of the ultrasound couch. This allows you to view the images produced by the transducer. At this stage in pregnancy it may not be easy for you to make out what you are seeing on screen but the sonographer will explain what you are looking at.

It is our aim to make your visit with us as relaxing, enjoyable and as stress free as possible. If you have any questions before, during the early pregnancy scan or after your visit please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff and we would be delighted to assist with your query.

Can you see a 2 week pregnancy on ultrasound?

It can be possible to site a gestational sac as early as three weeks from conception, which is five gestational weeks of pregnancy. If a sac is not present, it could be that the mother-to-be has ovulated later than normal. If tests show that the HcG is 1100, an ultrasound may be repeated a few days later. In most cases ultrasound is not carried out at such an early stage.

Can you see the baby at 4 weeks?

At four weeks of gestational pregnancy, the ball-like formation of cells is forming into embryo (the stage before fetus) and placenta. Therefore if an ultrasound were to take place, the gestational sac may show, looking a bit similar to a tiny dot. In most cases ultrasound is not carried out at such an early stage

What can be seen on ultrasound at 5 weeks?

At five gestational weeks of pregnancy, three weeks from conception, it is possible to see the tiny dot, which is the gestational sac. In most cases ultrasound is not carried out at such an early stage.

Can you feel an unborn baby’s heartbeat?

During pregnancy, you may think you feel your unborn baby’s heartbeat, when your blood vessels in your tummy pulsate. This is a common mistake to make. However you don’t actually feel baby’s heartbeat at all during pregnancy.

Can I have a scan at 6 weeks?

Generally this is the earliest a scan will be performed. The six weeks are dated from the date (first day) of your LMP (last menstrual period). Your medical team will recommend a scan if you have experienced pain, bleeding or any other symptoms, that mean that it will be better to confirm viability (if your pregnancy is viable, meaning that your unborn baby has a heartbeat).

Can you see the heartbeat at 6 weeks?

The heartbeat of an embryo normally starts off at six weeks of gestational pregnancy (dated from the first day of your LMP). This is detected by carrying out a transvaginal ultrasound. Sometimes it isn’t possible to detect your embryo’s heartbeat until around seven or eight weeks of gestational pregnancy. So you may need to attend the clinic for another scan.

Can you see a baby on an ultrasound at 7 weeks?

In general by seven weeks it should be possible to confirm your embryo’s heartbeat, although in some cases it may only be possible to detect the following week.

What week do you find out the gender of the baby?

If you choose to find out your baby’s gender, then this can normally be detected between week sixteen and week twenty. However this will depend on how the ultrasound goes, in terms of the sonographer being able to see the baby’s genitalia. This depends on how baby is positioned.

nuchal-translucency

Nuchal Translucency

12-14 weeks

anatomy-survey

Anatomy Survey

21-22 weeks

later-dating

Later Dating

10-17 weeks

gender-scan

Gender Scan

19 weeks onwards

growth-well-being

Growth & Well Being

22 weeks onwards

post-dates-liquor

Post Dates & Liquor

40 weeks onwards

Early Ultrasound Scans In Pregnancy Benefits

There are several benefits to going for an early pregnancy scan, also known as an early ultrasound or viability scan. Here are some of the key advantages:

Confirmation of pregnancy: An early pregnancy scan can provide confirmation that you are indeed pregnant. This is particularly helpful if you have been trying to conceive or if you have irregular menstrual cycles.

Determining gestational age: The scan can help determine the gestational age of the pregnancy. By measuring the size of the embryo or fetus, healthcare providers can estimate how far along you are. This information is crucial for subsequent prenatal care, including scheduling future scans and determining the due date.

Detecting multiple pregnancies: Early ultrasound scans can identify multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets. This early knowledge allows healthcare providers to monitor the pregnancy more closely and make appropriate care plans.

Assessing fetal viability: An early pregnancy scan can assess the viability of the pregnancy by checking for the presence of a fetal heartbeat. Seeing a strong and regular heartbeat at this stage provides reassurance and indicates a lower risk of pregnancy loss.

Detecting potential complications: Certain pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancies (when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus) or miscarriages, can be detected early through an ultrasound. Detecting these issues promptly enables healthcare providers to initiate appropriate management or treatment options.

Providing emotional reassurance: Early pregnancy can be a time of anxiety and uncertainty for many expectant parents. A scan can offer emotional reassurance by confirming the presence of a developing embryo or fetus and providing visual confirmation of a progressing pregnancy.

Planning for prenatal care: Early pregnancy scans help healthcare providers establish a baseline for prenatal care. They can advise you on lifestyle changes, prenatal vitamins, and other important aspects of pregnancy care based on the initial scan findings.

It’s worth noting that early pregnancy scans are typically done transvaginally in the first trimester, usually between 6 to 10 weeks of gestation. The exact timing may vary depending on the healthcare provider’s protocols and your specific circumstances.

Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding prenatal care and any concerns you may have during your pregnancy journey.

See Video With Prof. Shane Higgins

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

Gráinne Macken

This is my second visit to Merrion Fetal, I was very pleased on both occasions. Lovely quiet waiting room, appointment was on time. The 20-week scan is very detailed we enjoyed watching our baby on the large TV screen. We got some beautiful photos. The nurse was very pleasant and talked us through all the measurements and anatomy. I would highly recommend this scanning clinic.”

Áine Gibney

I had the best experience at the Merrion Fetal Health clinic for my 20-week big scan. The staff were so friendly and so nice and the lovely lady who did my ultrasound scan was amazing. She was so thoroughgoing to absolutely everything and gave me such reassurance on how my baby was growing and developing. I would recommend any Mother to be to attend here if you are looking for a comfortable, reassuring and super pleasant experience.”

Linda O'Sullivan

Highly recommend! We had an early scan due to a little scare at the start of pregnancy and then another at 12 weeks to make sure all was good again. Helen who was scanning on both days was fantastic. We felt totally relaxed and un-rushed while she took her time finding the best angle of baby to get us the clearest pictures as keepsakes all while making sure everything was perfect with baby. She reassured us throughout and I can honestly say it was the best money we ever spent getting both scans done.

Please let Helen know we are 18 weeks now and flying along Highly recommend!

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DISCLAIMER

All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.

ANNOUNCEMENT

This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.