When you first get a positive pregnancy test, it’s normal to have questions. An ultrasound can be the next step to provide the clarity you need. You may be wondering:
- “How far along am I?”
- “When did I conceive?”
- “Is the baby developing normally at this point?”
The photos you see online of ultrasounds are typically later in pregnancy, showing a more developed fetus. In the photo below, you can see examples of early ultrasound photos vs. later ultrasound photos.
Early ultrasounds look very different but can still confirm important medical details in the very first weeks. Read on to learn more about what to expect when you get an early ultrasound.
How Are Early Ultrasounds Different?
Many women come to Jewel Women’s Center for an ultrasound when they first discover they are pregnant. For this reason, women are often seen as early as 5 to 6 weeks.
At 5 to 6 weeks, some structures are not yet visible. Around 8 to 10 weeks, you can begin to see developing arms, legs, and a head. When you schedule an ultrasound with Jewel Women’s Center early in your pregnancy, our sonographer will explain what you are seeing on the screen and what it means.
When Can I Expect a Heartbeat?
One of the goals of an early ultrasound is to confirm a heartbeat. When the ultrasound is performed before 6 weeks, a heartbeat might not be detected. Many women choose to return for a second ultrasound a week later in these cases. It’s true that about 20% of known pregnancies miscarry on their own. Regardless of her intentions for the pregnancy, many women find it helpful to know whether the pregnancy is progressing – in other words – that there is a heartbeat.
On an early ultrasound, the heartbeat looks like a tiny flicker or flutter of light. This indicates cardiac activity even though the heart won’t fully develop until later. The sonographer will show you this flickering heartbeat on the screen and can even let you hear it for a few seconds by turning on the sound.
What Will I See on an Early Ultrasound?
You will be able to see a few key things on your early ultrasound. When these structures are present, medical professionals can confirm your pregnancy is developing in the right place in your body.
Early ultrasounds show the following.
- Gestational Sac: This is the visible sac inside your uterus that is filled with fluid. It holds the embryo and yolk sac. It is often the first visible sign of pregnancy on an ultrasound. Seeing the gestational sac confirms that the pregnancy is located in the right place.
- Fetal Pole: The fetal pole is the first visible stage of your developing embryo. Measuring the fetal pole helps a medical professional to accurately establish how far along you. The sonographer will give you a due date and can also tell you a conception date.
- Yolk Sac: This sac helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. The fetal pole rests right beside it. This sac disappears by your second trimester (around 12 to 14 weeks) and is replaced by the placenta. A healthy yolk sac is a sign of early viability.
Are There Different Kinds of Ultrasounds?
Yes, there are two different types of ultrasound that are commonly performed.
You are probably used to seeing a transabdominal ultrasound, which is often portrayed in movies and media. To perform this ultrasound, a gel is placed on the abdomen with the probe gliding over the skin to show a picture on a screen. A transabdominal ultrasound is most effective at 8 to 10 weeks or later. In early pregnancy, it can be difficult to get a good picture using a transabdominal probe.
To get an accurate picture during early pregnancy, it is more common to perform a transvaginal ultrasound. During this kind of ultrasound, the sonographer inserts a transducer (or probe) into the vagina. While this method of ultrasound is less comfortable for some women, it is safe for patients and cannot harm the pregnancy.
At Jewel Women’s Center, we will explain both of your ultrasound options and allow you to make your own decision about which option is best for you. Our job is to provide clarity to your experience while giving you freedom to decide.
Get an Early Ultrasound at Jewel
An early ultrasound can give you important information about your health and next steps if you just found out you are pregnant. Jewel Women’s Center offers confidential, high-quality early ultrasounds as well as compassionate support. Contact us today to schedule an ultrasound appointment.