Description
Early Pregnancy Scan Cardiff
An early pregnancy scan in Cardiff, sometimes called a viability scan or reassurance scan, is an ultrasound examination performed during the first trimester to confirm that the pregnancy is developing normally.
At Innermost Healthcare we provide private early pregnancy scans in Cardiff for patients from across Cardiff and South Wales, including Newport, Bridgend, Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan.
These scans confirm that the pregnancy is inside the uterus, check the baby’s heartbeat, estimate gestational age and identify twins or multiple pregnancies.
Many patients choose a private pregnancy scan in Cardiff for reassurance during the early weeks of pregnancy, particularly if they have experienced previous miscarriage, bleeding in early pregnancy, IVF treatment or uncertainty about pregnancy dates.
What Can an Early Pregnancy Scan Show?
An early pregnancy ultrasound can provide important information including:
- confirmation that the pregnancy is intrauterine (inside the uterus)
- confirmation of the baby’s heartbeat (viability)
- measurement of the baby to estimate gestational age and due date (EDD)
- identification of multiple pregnancies such as twins
- assessment of the gestational sac, yolk sac and fetal pole
- identification of some major early pregnancy abnormalities
When Can You Have an Early Pregnancy Scan?
Most early pregnancy scans are performed between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy, although scans can be performed up to around 13 weeks.
At around 6 weeks, ultrasound imaging may show:
- the gestational sac
- the yolk sac
- a small fetal pole
- early cardiac activity
By 7–8 weeks, the baby’s heartbeat is usually clearly visible and the pregnancy can be accurately dated using crown-rump length measurement.
Dating scans performed between 7 and 10 weeks are usually very accurate. Clinical recommendations on ultrasound scanning during pregnancy are described in national guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
6 Week Pregnancy Scan
Many patients search for a 6 week pregnancy scan in Cardiff to confirm the pregnancy location and check for a heartbeat.
At this stage the scan may show the gestational sac, yolk sac and fetal pole, and in many cases the baby’s heartbeat can already be detected.
Early Pregnancy Reassurance Scan
An early pregnancy reassurance scan can help reduce anxiety in early pregnancy by confirming that the pregnancy is developing normally.
Patients often request an early scan if they have experienced previous miscarriage, bleeding in early pregnancy, IVF treatment, uncertainty about pregnancy dates or wish to confirm whether they are expecting twins.
Why Choose a Private Pregnancy Scan?
Within the NHS, the routine dating scan is usually performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Many patients choose a private pregnancy scan in Cardiff because they would like reassurance earlier in pregnancy and confirmation of key information about the pregnancy.
- confirmation of pregnancy location
- detection of the baby’s heartbeat
- confirmation of twins or multiple pregnancy
- estimation of gestational age
- estimated due date
Early Pregnancy Scans in Cardiff and South Wales
Innermost Healthcare provides early pregnancy scans for patients across South Wales including Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan and Caerphilly.
A Regulated Ultrasound Clinic
All ultrasound scans at Innermost Healthcare are performed in a Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) registered clinic using high-quality medical ultrasound equipment.
Ultrasound has been used safely in pregnancy for many decades when performed appropriately by trained healthcare professionals, as explained in NHS guidance on ultrasound scans during pregnancy.
Professional guidance on the safe use of ultrasound in pregnancy is also provided by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
Common Questions About Early Pregnancy Scans
How early can I have a pregnancy scan?
An early pregnancy scan can usually be performed from around 6 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage the scan may confirm the pregnancy location and detect the baby’s heartbeat.
What can a 6 week pregnancy scan show?
At around 6 weeks, ultrasound imaging may show the gestational sac, yolk sac and fetal pole, and often the baby’s heartbeat.
What is a viability scan?
A viability scan is another name for an early pregnancy ultrasound scan performed to confirm that the pregnancy is developing normally and that the baby’s heartbeat is present.
Can an early pregnancy scan detect twins?
Yes. An early pregnancy ultrasound scan can often detect twins or multiple pregnancies once the gestational sacs are visible in the uterus.
Is a private pregnancy scan safe?
Yes. Ultrasound scans are widely considered safe when performed by trained healthcare professionals using appropriate medical equipment.
When can you see a heartbeat on a pregnancy scan?
The baby’s heartbeat is often visible on ultrasound from around 6–7 weeks of pregnancy.
Do I need a full bladder for an early pregnancy scan?
A comfortably full bladder helps improve ultrasound images during early pregnancy when scanning through the abdomen.
Why choose a HIW-registered clinic for a pregnancy scan?
Choosing a Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) registered clinic helps ensure recognised standards for safety, equipment quality and clinical care.
