Dating and Viability

Performed at 6-12 weeks
A dating scan will establish the gestational age of the pregnancy (being able to provide the due date)
The number of foetuses and gestation sacs
The presence of a heart beat and any unusual features of the uterus

Preparation

This is the most important of all pregnancy ultrasounds and looks for any evidence of abnormality.
The Sonographer needs to focus on the scan and as such we ask patients to keep family members to a minimum and to provide alternative care for young children (where possible).
It is recommended that patients wear loose comfortable clothing with easy access to the abdomen area (without zippers, buttons, jewellery or metallic accessories)
Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the appointment to complete paperwork.
The patient is required to drink fluids and refrain from going to the toilet, ensuring the patient is not uncomfortably full.
The patient is provided images of the foetus.
We request that no photographer or video is performed during the examination.

A sonographer will call the patient name and escort the patient through to the examination room
The sonographer will provide information about the procedure prior to commencing the scan, providing ample time to answer any questions the patient may have.
The patient will be asked to lay down on the examination table
The abdomen is exposed and water-based gel is applied to the skin
A transducer is glided gently over the abdomen by the Sonographer. Patients generally are able to view the image of the foetus on the imaging screen.
The patient may be asked to perform different movements/positions during the procedure.

There are no known risks or side effects of a dating and viability scan.