Miscarriage

Ultrasound

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An ultrasound scan is a useful tool in confirming a pregnancy and should only be performed by a trained sonographer. This scan usually takes place between 11-13 weeks of pregnancy and is arranged by your GP once your pregnancy test is confirmed. This is called a dating scan.  However, if you have any concerns it is advisable to discuss these with your GP. 

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There are some instances where it may be necessary to perform an ultrasound scan at an earlier stage, for example, if there is a previous history of ectopic pregnancy, recurrent miscarriage or a medical indication.  It is important to remember that even in these cases, it may not be possible to make a definitive diagnosis of an on-going normal pregnancy, or a pregnancy of concern, due to the early gestation of the pregnancy. A developing embryo grows so slowly that a further time period, about 7-10 days, is needed to see any changes taking place in the pregnancy sac. Ultrasound scans are repeated in this way to safeguard an ongoing early pregnancy from being incorrectly labelled as a miscarriage.