How early can a heartbeat be detected?

A fetal heartbeat is typically visible on transvaginal ultrasound from approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy. On transabdominal ultrasound, it may not be visible until 7–8 weeks.

Is a transvaginal scan safe in early pregnancy?

Yes. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered safe in pregnancy and is routinely used in early pregnancy assessment. The probe does not enter the uterus and poses no risk to the pregnancy.

What if no heartbeat is found?

If a heartbeat is not detected, this may be because the pregnancy is very early or because the pregnancy has not developed as expected. Your sonographer will explain the findings sensitively and recommend appropriate next steps.

Can I bring my partner or a support person?

Yes, you are welcome to bring one support person to your appointment.

Will I receive scan images to take home?

Yes. Your written report includes scan images provided before you leave.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Pregnancy Scans

Early Pregnancy Scan (6–11 Weeks)

Confirming your pregnancy is in the right place, measuring your baby's heartbeat, and establishing an accurate due date in the first trimester.

20–30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedPregnancy Specialist

£235

Book Your Scan Call Us

4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

The Reassurance Every Early Pregnancy Deserves

Those first weeks of pregnancy can feel overwhelming — full of hope, excitement, and anxiety in equal measure. An early pregnancy scan gives you the certainty you need: confirming your baby's heartbeat, ruling out ectopic pregnancy, and providing the reassurance that everything is developing as it should. Our specialist sonographers take the time to explain every finding clearly and answer all your questions. Located at 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone, our clinic provides same-day diagnostic ultrasound with written reports.

Clinical Overview

What is an Early Pregnancy Scan?

An early pregnancy scan, also known as a viability scan or reassurance scan, is a transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound performed between 6 and 11 weeks of pregnancy. It confirms the pregnancy is intrauterine (in the womb), detects a fetal heartbeat, measures the crown-rump length to establish gestational age, and checks for multiple pregnancies. In the UK, approximately 1 in 80 pregnancies is ectopic — making early confirmation of intrauterine location an essential safety check.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Women experiencing bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy who need reassurance

Those with a previous ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage seeking early confirmation

Women with IVF pregnancies requiring early viability confirmation

Patients with pelvic pain or discomfort in the first trimester

Anyone who simply wants the reassurance of seeing their baby's heartbeat early

Women who are unsure of their dates and need an accurate due date established

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Intrauterine Location

Confirms the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus, ruling out ectopic pregnancy which affects 1 in 80 pregnancies and can be life-threatening.

Fetal Heartbeat

Detection and measurement of the fetal cardiac activity, which is visible from approximately 6 weeks gestation.

Gestational Age

Crown-rump length measurement provides an accurate gestational age and estimated due date, often more reliable than last menstrual period dating.

Multiple Pregnancy

Identification of twins or higher-order multiples, including assessment of chorionicity (whether twins share a placenta).

Uterine and Ovarian Assessment

Evaluation of the uterus and ovaries for fibroids, ovarian cysts, or other findings that may be relevant to the pregnancy.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Arrival and preparation

Arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Our team will greet you and explain what to expect during the scan.

Transabdominal assessment

The sonographer will first attempt a transabdominal scan with gel applied to your lower abdomen.

Transvaginal scan if needed

Before 8 weeks, a transvaginal scan may provide clearer images. This is a gentle internal scan using a slim probe.

Heartbeat confirmation

The fetal heartbeat is identified and its rate measured. You will be able to see and hear your baby's heartbeat on screen.

Report and images

A written report with scan images is provided before you leave. All findings are explained clearly.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
Arrive with a moderately full bladder — drink 2–3 glasses of water one hour before
2
If a transvaginal scan is needed, you will be asked to empty your bladder first
3
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to your lower abdomen
4
Bring any previous scan reports or pregnancy notes if you have them
5
Allow 30–45 minutes for your appointment including discussion time

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Early Pregnancy Scan Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during the scan and provide a written report before you leave. A normal scan confirming an intrauterine pregnancy with a visible heartbeat is enormously reassuring. If there is any uncertainty, the report will recommend an appropriate follow-up interval.

Why Private?