Waiting for dating scan appointment

How do I book a dating scan appointment?

Your midwife or doctor will book you a dating scan appointment. It will usually take place at your local hospital ultrasound department. Most scans are carried out by sonographers. You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer.

When will I have my first scan?

The common first step will be a dating scan between 7-10 weeks as we like to check your baby before 10 weeks. Why scan at 7 weeks? An ultrasound is performed at this stage of pregnancy to confirm your due date, confirm if you are having singles, twins or more and to visualise your baby’s heart beating.

How long does a dating scan take?

The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes. If youre well, its really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. If youre pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure its safe for you to go to appointments.

Do you need a full bladder for a dating scan?

You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer. You can ask your midwife or doctor before the scan if this is the case. The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes. If youre well, its really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby.

What is a dating scan and when is it done?

If youre pregnant in England youll be offered an ultrasound scan at around 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is called the dating scan. Its used to see how far along in your pregnancy you are and check your babys development.

Do you need a referral for a dating scan?

You will need to get a referral from your doctor or midwife for a dating scan. Most women can instead have their first scan at 11 to 13 weeks — this is usually called the 12-week scan.

When should I book my first ultrasound scan?

Ideally, the booking appointment should take place by week 10 of your pregnancy, so there’s plenty of time to fit in your first ultrasound scan and any other recommended screening tests before the end of the first trimester. The appointment probably won’t be much earlier than eight weeks, as the risk of miscarriage is higher before this point.

When should I have a dating scan if I am pregnant?

If you have had bleeding during your pregnancy or you have had previous miscarriages, your doctor or midwife may recommend an early dating scan from 6 to 10 weeks gestation. If you choose to have a dating scan, it will most probably be your first scan. You will need to get a referral from your doctor or midwife for 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 you’re having more than one baby and also screen for conditions like Down syndrome. How is a dating scan performed?

Do I need a dating scan if I have had bleeding?

Do you need a full bladder for a scan?

Most scans are carried out by sonographers. You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer. You can ask your midwife or doctor before the scan if this is the case. The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes.

What happens if you have a full bladder during an ultrasound?

Ultrasound waves travel much easier through water and fluids than they do through gas and other objects. A full bladder allows ultrasound waves to travel through deep into your pelvic region which makes it easier to scan the uterus or other pelvic organs. Try to avoid using the bathroom once you try to fill up your bladder.

How do I book a dating scan appointment?

Your midwife or doctor will book you a dating scan appointment. It will usually take place at your local hospital ultrasound department. Most scans are carried out by sonographers. You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer.

How long does a dating scan take?

The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes. If youre well, its really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. If youre pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure its safe for you to go to appointments.