A sneak peak of the stages of pregnancy
- Sep 9, 2016
- 3 min read
Early Pregnancy - Embryo next to the yolk sac at 8 Weeks Gestation
This week we've decided to put a post together showing you the stages of your pregnancy from 8 weeks to 28 weeks gestation. We are often asked what you would expect to see and how soon you can book in for our scans.
The first scan we offer is the Early Pregnancy which we can undertake from 6 weeks gestation. The first image shows an embryo next to the yolk sac at 8 weeks.
An Early Pregnancy Scan (sometimes called a Viability Scan or Dating Scan) is often done to provide reassurance in the very early stages of your pregnancy. You can have an Early Pregnancy Scan any time from 6 weeks onwards as we should see a heartbeat although, at this stage it is very small (approximately 5mm).
These dates are calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), not the day of conception. Before 5 weeks it is not possible to see any signs of a pregnancy with current ultrasound technology. Waiting a few weeks will allow you to see more, and if all looks good at 8 weeks you will be reassured to know the chance of miscarriage is very low.
Gender Scan - Female Gender scan at 17 weeks
A sexing scan (also known as a gender scan) can determine the sex (or gender) of your baby from 16 weeks of pregnancy. The image above shows what you would expect to see during a female sexing/gender scan.
When good views are obtained the accuracy of our prediction at Premier Scans is 97%. If however we are unable to obtain good views of the sex of the baby then we may send you for a walk to try and change the baby’s position. If we are still unable to obtain clear views then we will arrange for you to return (free of charge) for one further visit.
Sexing scans or gender scans at this early gestation are not routinely offered on the NHS but you may have one privately without affecting your NHS entitlement.
Anomaly Scan - Image showing the anomaly scan at 20 weeks
At 20 weeks you should expect to see imagery close to the above. The anomaly scan is a detailed scan where the sonographer will examine the anatomy of your baby to exclude structural abnormalities. The anomaly scan can be performed between 18 – 24 weeks although it is normally performed at 20 weeks. The reason an anomaly scan isn't performed earlier in the pregnancy is because your baby's internal organs are not fully formed and after 24 weeks a full anatomical examination may not be possible because the baby will often be in a difficult position.
4D Scan - Image showing the 4D scan at 26 weeks
From 24 weeks gestation (although preferred from 26 weeks) we can perform a 4D scan to capture moving imagery of your baby.
4D scans have the added dimension of real time imaging enabling you to capture the miracle of your baby’s development including smiling, yawning, arm stretches, kicking and sleeping. people often ask what the differences are between 3D and 4D 3D scans tend to refer to the static images of your baby in 3 dimensions, 4D scans refer to the moving images of your baby.
If you would like to know more or took a scan, please do not hesitate to contact us via our website or by calling 01455 363060
Comments