What is the viability scan?
The viability scan is a pregnancy scan that is usually carried out at 7-10 weeks of pregnancy. This is the first scan performed during the pregnancy and is sometimes also called the dating scan.
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What is the aim of the viability scan?
The aims of this scan are to:
- Ensure that the pregnancy is inside the uterus (not ectopic)
- Demonstrate that the baby is alive
- Determine the number of embryos present
- Date the pregnancy and provide the Estimated Due Date (EDD)
- Examine the baby for any early pregnancy abnormalities
- Assess the presence of internal bleeding
How is the viability scan performed?
The viability scan is usually performed through your abdomen but sometimes a transvaginal scan is required.
Who should have a viability scan?
Those with previous first trimester miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
If you are experiencing bleeding or spotting or pain during early pregnancy
If you had IVF treatment and you would like to have a reassurance scan that the embryo is developing normally
What is the next step I should have after the viability scan?
We offer non-invasive prenatal testing in the form of the simple and safe NIPT which can be done from 10 weeks of pregnancy. The NIPT checks for the three common conditions during pregnancy (Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome, Patau syndrome) as well as the gender of the baby.
The next ultrasound scan that is recommended for all pregnancies is the nuchal translucency scan which is performed at 12 weeks. At the end of the nuchal scan we will provide you with the probability for Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome or Patau syndrome and the accuracy of the nuchal scan is about 95%.
What if I were to receive unexpected news?
Unfortunately, in some cases the viability scan may show that:
- The embryo is inside the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy)
- The embryo is seen but there is no heartbeat
- The sac is seen but there is no visible embryo. In this case we will recommend that you have a further ultrasound scan in 7-14 days to determine if the pregnancy is viable.
In any of these cases, you will be offered counselling during the appointment.
What is the price for the viability scan?
Please see list of all our prices on Treatment fees section
Important information about your appointment:
The appointment duration is usually 30 minutes in singleton pregnancies.
Scan report will be available immediately with a print-out after your appointment and emailed to your referring doctor email if this has been provided.
2D (black and white) images will be given to you with no extra charge.
If you are contacting us for a second opinion, please make sure you provide us with your reports before the appointment.
