The early pregnancy dating scan

You will be offered an early pregnancy dating scan and screening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome at 11 to 14 weeks. 

Will I need another early pregnancy dating scan? 

Sometimes your baby cannot be seen clearly using an abdominal transducer, so the sonographer may suggest you have an internal scan. This is called a transvaginal scan, and it can give a more detailed picture. You will be asked to empty your bladder before this scan. 

A small transducer is inserted into your vagina, similar to having a tampon inserted. A transvaginal ultrasound scan is not usually painful. The sonographer will explain about the scan and ask for your agreement to do it. If you do not want to have an internal scan, please tell the sonographer. 

You may need an appointment for another abdominal scan.