A dating ultrasound or dating scan is a scan done early in pregnancy (before 12 weeks). It is usually done to check how many weeks pregnant you are and therefore to calculate the estimated due date, but it can be done for other reasons. Only a few women need a dating scan.

How early can I have a dating scan?

Most women can instead have their first scan at 11 to 13 weeks — this is usually called the 12-week scan. This scan can work out the due date and gestational age of the baby, if youre having more than one baby and also screen for conditions like Down syndrome.

How early can an ultrasound find a baby?

During this visit, an ultrasound is frequently done to confirm early pregnancy. But an ultrasound doesnt immediately show what women might expect. Its typically not until a woman is six weeks pregnant that any part of the fetus is visible, which allows the doctor to determine whether a pregnancy will be viable.

Can you do a dating scan at 7 weeks?

The first scan in your pregnancy is commonly known as the dating scan, and is usually done in the first trimester at around 7 weeks. A Sonographer will perform the ultrasound.