Early Pregnancy or Viability Scan This scan is carried out between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

The scan aims to determine the number of fetuses present and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus/womb.

This scan is also extremely useful for women who:

  • Are experiencing pain or bleeding in the pregnancy
  • Have had previous miscarriages
  • Have had previous ectopic pregnancies
  • Are unsure of date of last menstrual period
  • Need reassurance
As a rule we can usually see the following:

At 6 weeks we can see the gestation sac and yolk in the womb. The risk for miscarriage at this stage is approximately 10%

At 7 weeks we can see a heartbeat. The risk for miscarriage at this stage is approximately 5%

At 8 weeks, if the heartbeat is present, your risk for miscarriage is now only 2%

At 10 weeks, if the heartbeat is present and the baby measures appropriately for your dates, the risk for miscarriage is now 1%