Whether you want to know your due date or are looking to check for abnormalities early in your pregnancy, an early pregnancy viability and dating scan can be an effective way to learn more about your pregnancy. At MAIA, we will be with you every step of the way and ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
What is Early Pregnancy Viability and Dating?
The viability and dating scan is a pregnancy scan that is usually carried out at 7-10 weeks of pregnancy. This is the first scan performed during the pregnancy and is performed to check:
- The pregnancy is inside the uterus
- There is fetal heart activity
- The viability of the pregnancy
- The position of the pregnancy
- The number of embryos in the uterus
- There are no abnormalities or internal bleeding
- How far along the pregnancy is and to give an estimated due date
It’s important to have an accurate estimated due date because it helps you determine when to have the necessary tests at the right time. It also lets you know if your baby is born prematurely so that proper treatment can be done or, if the baby is late, to determine if labor needs to be induced.
Who Should Have Early Pregnancy Viability and Dating?
Most pregnant people are good candidates for early pregnancy viability and dating, but it can be especially beneficial for:
- Those with previous first-trimester miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- Those who are experiencing bleeding, spotting, or pain
- If you had IVF treatment and want to see if the embryo is developing normally
- Those unsure about how far along their pregnancy is
- Anyone who is pregnant and has a medical condition that could affect the pregnancy
#1 GROUP OF GYNECOLOGISTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA!
Renowned Expertise
Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell are renowned for their exceptional expertise and dedication to patient care. Their comprehensive knowledge and innovative approaches have consistently led to outstanding treatment outcomes. Patients and colleagues alike deeply appreciate their commitment to advancing medical practice and improving patient well-being.
Meet The Team
What to Expect With Early Pregnancy Viability and Dating
The viability and dating scan is performed two different ways: through the abdomen or transvaginally.
The abdominal scan is a relatively simple procedure. We’ll ask you to lie on the table and expose your stomach. Your provider will apply gel and the ultrasound scanning probe to your abdomen. When the scan is done through the abdomen, you’ll want to make sure your bladder is full, as it makes it easier to see inside the uterus and ovaries.
For a transvaginal scan, your provider will gently insert a small, lubricated ultrasound tube through the vagina. It may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. Because the scan is done inside the vagina, it provides much clearer pictures. The scan takes about 30 minutes in total.
After Early Pregnancy Viability and Dating
After your early pregnancy viability and dating scan, you’ll be able to go back to your normal routine. We may be able to give you any results before you leave, or you should have results within a couple of days.
If everything looks good, you won’t need to come in for more scans for at least a few weeks.
Some viability scans may show:
- The embryo is inside the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy)
- There is no fetal heartbeat
- There is no visible embryo
- You’re carrying more than one embryo
- Other abnormalities or if a pregnancy is high-risk
If this is the case, we’ll discuss next steps with you. We take your safety and comfort very seriously.
Schedule A Consultation
Information is power, especially when it comes to being pregnant. We want you to have all the information you need to make the best decisions for you and your baby. That’s part of what makes the early pregnancy viability and dating scan so important. Receive the best care possible with Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell, and schedule a consultation today! Call our office at 630-320-6703 or fill out our online contact form.
We happily serve residents of Chicago, Downers Grove, Aurora, and Naperville.
