Viability Scan
7 to 9 weeks
£85 with Sonographer / £150 with Consultant Gynaecologist
The viability scan is the first scan of pregnancy.
Although this scan can be done from 6 weeks, we believe it is best to wait until until at least 7 weeks if you have no concerns because it will allow you to see the early anatomy which will make the scan even more reassuring. `The viability scan is an ultrasound examination performed early in pregnancy.
The scan checks that the pregnancy is growing as expected in the womb. The scan will also tell you if you have one or more babies. The early baby at this stage is called an embryo. We will check for the heart beat and measure the length of the baby, this is the crown rump length. This measurement determines the gestational age. It establishes how old the pregnancy is and can give you your due date.
We may see the yolk sac, which is a circular bright structure that is the baby’s initial nutrition supply. The scan can be done through the tummy (transabdominal). The scan lasts around 20 minutes. You will get a printed report included.
15 minute appointment
Printed report
4 black and white prints
1 glossy photo
Gift bag
GP referral not required
Transvaginal/internal scans if views are not clear on transabdominal scan
The viability scan is helpful if:
You would like reassurance about the pregnancy
You have had recurrent miscarriage and require early reassurance
You have had fertility treatment / IVF
You have had early pregnancy pain or bleeding
You have had a previous ectopic pregnancy
Questions about having a viability scan explained
The NHS does not routinely offer viability scans. So if you are pregnant, a private viability scan can be a way to rest your mind about your pregnancy. It may be your first pregnancy and you may not know what to expect. If you have had fertility treatment, having a viability scan can reassure you.
Yes, a viability scan can show that you are going to have twins.
An early viability scan can be performed from 6 weeks but we believe it is better to wait until 7 weeks if you have no concerns.
No, early viability scans are not known to be harmful and do not hurt the baby and do not cause miscarriage.
We will provide you with a report on the day of the findings of the scan. Sometimes, scans may show an unexpected finding that a miscarriage has occurred or the scan is not able to confirm an ongoing pregnancy. Where this happens, we will refer you to your GP or a private gynaecologist for further diagnosis and management.