You may hear your babys heartbeat for the first time at your dating scan. Your dating scan usually happens between eight weeks and 14 weeks. Some scanning equipment doesnt provide sound, though, so your sonographer may only show you your babys heartbeat on the screen.

When can you hear heartbeat on scan?

A babys heartbeat can be detected by transvaginal ultrasound as early as 3 to 4 weeks after conception, or 5 to 6 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. This early embryonic heartbeat is fast, often about 160-180 beats per minutes, twice as fast as us adults!

What can I expect at my first scan?

Youll be asked to lie on your back and reveal your tummy. The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy, which makes sure there is good contact between the machine and your skin. The sonographer passes a probe over your tummy and a picture of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen.

Do you need an ultrasound to hear the heartbeat?

Thats when a fetal pole, the first visible sign of a developing embryo, can sometimes be seen. But between 6 1/2 to 7 weeks after gestation, a heartbeat can be better assessed. Thats when your doctor may schedule your first abdominal or vaginal ultrasound to check for signs of a healthy, developing pregnancy.

What happens if there is no heartbeat at 7 weeks?

If you are past seven weeks pregnant, seeing no heartbeat may be a sign of miscarriage. But there are many exceptions to the heartbeat by seven weeks rule. Youve likely heard of people who were certain they had miscarried or were not pregnant, and then went on to have a normal pregnancy.

Can a dating scan tell me when I conceived?

The point of the scan is to work out how many weeks pregnant you are. You may have calculated the length of your pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). However, conception doesnt actually occur until around 14 days after your LMP, or later if your cycle is longer than 28 days.

When should I expect my first scan?

The first routine scan is offered at around weeks 11 to 14 of your pregnancy. The timing of scans can be a bit different depending on where you live and when you first see your doctor or midwife. Seeing your baby for the first time can feel like an exciting event. You may feel anxious too.

What is the best time for a dating scan?

Between 8 – 12 weeks of pregnancy is a good time for a dating scan. A 2-D image of a baby at about 8-9 weeks. Small arms are becoming visible, sticking out slightly in the middle of the baby.