Dating Scan | First Trimester Ultrasound for Due Date & Viability

Confirm your due date and check baby’s heartbeat with an early pregnancy Dating Scan. This first ultrasound offers reassurance and accurate pregnancy dating. Book your appointment.

What is the Meaning of a Dating Scan?

A dating scan is an early ultrasound used to confirm a pregnancy, determine the estimated due date, and check the baby’s viability by measuring the fetus. Typically performed between 8 and 14 weeks, it is particularly helpful if the date of the last menstrual period is unknown. It can also identify multiple pregnancies and check for early signs of complications.

A dating scan, also known as a viability or early pregnancy scan, is an ultrasound examination typically performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its primary purpose is twofold:

To Determine Your Baby’s Gestational Age: The scan accurately measures your baby to estimate your due date. This is often more reliable than calculating from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), especially if your cycles are irregular, you are unsure of your dates, or you conceived while using contraception.
To Confirm Pregnancy Viability: It checks that the pregnancy is developing as expected inside the uterus, confirms the presence of a heartbeat, and establishes that it is a single or multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.).

What Week is Best for a Dating Scan?

The optimal window for a dating scan is between 8 weeks and 13 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy.

Before 7 weeks: It can be difficult to see the baby clearly or detect a heartbeat, which may cause unnecessary anxiety.
8 to 10 weeks: This is often considered the ideal time. The baby is large enough to get accurate measurements, and the heartbeat is usually clearly visible.
11 to 14 weeks: This still provides an accurate due date and is often when the Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is combined with the dating scan.

Pregnancy scans
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From early pregnancy to 5D scans, experience maternity care enhanced by the Flabee Care App.

I had an amazing experience with Miss Wong! She explained every single detail very clearly and thoroughly, which made me feel very confident and comfortable throughout the process. I’m truly satisfied with the service — not only was it affordable and reasonably priced, but Miss Wong was also super friendly and welcoming. I didn’t have to wait long at all. If you’re looking for a professional and reliable sonographer, I highly recommend Miss Wong. You won’t be disappointed!

Such a great experience. Sonographer really helpful. Pandai pujuk baby untuk baby tunjuk gender and muka. Ambient and cozy places. Admin also super helpful. Gonna repeat in future and promote to other. They also give print of the scan with frame. I did scan at other places previously but I only get small print without frame. Plus point for Sonobee 💕

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dating Scans

1. Is the ultrasound gel safe?

Yes, the gel is specially formulated, water-based, and perfectly safe for both you and your baby. It is hypoallergenic and washes off easily with water.

2. Can I bring my partner or family members?

Absolutely! Most clinics encourage you to bring one or two support people. It’s a special moment to share. However, check the clinic’s policy, especially post-pandemic.

3. What if the scan shows something wrong?

The sonographer is trained to identify any potential issues. If they have any concerns, they will explain what they are seeing in a sensitive manner. You will be referred to your doctor or a specialist for further investigation and counseling.

4. Why was my due date changed by the scan?

This is very common. If your cycles are irregular or you ovulated later than day 14 of your cycle, the scan’s measurement (CRL) will provide a more accurate due date than one calculated from your LMP.

5. Can the scan determine the sex of the baby?

Not at this early stage. The baby’s genitalia are not fully formed until around 16-20 weeks. Determining the sex is typically done at the mid-pregnancy anomaly scan around 20 weeks.

6. What if no heartbeat is detected?

If you are less than 7 weeks, it might simply be too early. The sonographer will likely recommend a follow-up scan in 1-2 weeks. If there is no heartbeat when measurements suggest there should be, it may indicate a miscarriage.

7. Do I need a full bladder for a transvaginal scan?

No, in fact, you will be asked to empty your bladder for a transvaginal scan for comfort and to improve the view.

8. Is it really necessary? I know my dates.

Even with regular cycles, the scan can provide a more precise due date and offers the crucial benefit of confirming viability and the baby’s location, which simply cannot be determined from dates alone.

9. Can I have a 3D/4D scan instead?

In the first trimester, 3D/4D scans do not provide clear images because the baby is so small and underdeveloped. These are more useful in the second and third trimesters. The 2D ultrasound used for dating scans is the gold standard for early pregnancy assessment.

10. What does the heartbeat sound like?

During an early dating scan, you are more likely to *see* the heartbeat as a flicker on the screen rather than hear it. Some modern machines can produce an audible sound, but the visual confirmation is the key diagnostic feature.