Us obstetric dating scan

The yolk sac is the other structure that is usually identified at this early stage.

The yolk sac lies within the gestation sac and looks like a little round circle inside the pregnancy sac.

A full bladder moves bowel out from the pelvis into the abdomen, helping visualisation of the pregnancy, uterus and ovaries.

Your bladder should not be so full that it causes pain.

We realise this is often an anxious time for parents, while they wait for the next ultrasound to check on their baby.The probe is covered with a disposable protective sheath.A small amount of ultrasound gel is placed on the end of this probe.However, in the early pregnancy, the developing embryo is very small (at 6 weeks gestation, the baby is only 5-9mm long) and a transvaginal ultrasound may be required to get a better image of the baby.Transvaginal ultrasound is safe and commonly performed during all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Transabdominal ultrasound involves scanning through your lower abdomen.

We will do our best to answer your questions and minimise your anxiety.