Ultrasound for Fetal Heartbeat - The First Encounter with the Baby

The first ultrasound examination during pregnancy is usually performed between weeks 6 to 11 of gestation.

The first ultrasound is an exciting and important milestone in pregnancy. It provides an early glimpse into fetal development and helps confirm key details, such as the pregnancy's location, viability, and estimated due date.

During the early weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound findings evolve rapidly:

Week 5

Observe the gestational sac containing fluid. At this stage, the sac is only a few millimeters in size and will grow as the pregnancy progresses.

Week 6

  • Identify the yolk sac inside the gestational sac, which is present in the early stages of pregnancy.
  • Determine the location of the pregnancy (whether it is ectopic or intrauterine).
  • Count the number of embryos.
  • Often, you can detect the fetal heartbeat.

Week 7

  • Accurately confirm the gestational age based on the embryo's size (rather than relying solely on the last menstrual period).
  • Document the fetal heartbeat.
  • Measure the length of the embryo.
  • Verify the embryo's location within the uterus.
  • Assess the amount of amniotic fluid.
  • Identify the placental location.
  • Examine the structure of the gestational sac.

Determining the gestational age

Determining the gestational age is crucial as it establishes dates for future tests and calculations. Many clinics do not authorize the first-trimester ultrasound before the eighth week of pregnancy.

Click here for more information about eligibility for the first-trimester ultrasound.

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