Early pregnancy (dating) scan at 6–10 weeks: what to expect

Medically written by Dr. Sushma Dhakal, MBBS · MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Fetal Medicine · Updated 30 October 2026 · 3 min read

An early pregnancy scan, often called a viability or dating scan, is usually the first time you see your baby. It is done between about 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy and answers a few important questions: is the pregnancy inside the womb, is there a heartbeat, how many babies are there, and how far along is the pregnancy?

Why have an early scan?

Location: to confirm the pregnancy is inside the uterus and not ectopic (for example in the fallopian tube), which needs urgent care.
Heartbeat: a heartbeat (cardiac activity) is usually visible from around 6 to 7 weeks.
Dating: measuring the baby from head to bottom, the crown–rump length (CRL), gives the most accurate due date, usually to within about 5–7 days. This is especially helpful if your periods are irregular or you are unsure of the date of your last period.
Number of babies: twins are identified early, and the type of twin pregnancy (chorionicity) is easiest to see in the first trimester.

An early scan is also recommended if you have pain or bleeding, have had a previous ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, or conceived with fertility treatment.

How is it done?

Before about 8 weeks the pregnancy is very small, so a transvaginal scan (a slim probe placed gently in the vagina) often gives the clearest picture. It is safe for you and the baby and does not cause miscarriage. After 8–9 weeks an abdominal scan is often enough. The scan takes 10–20 minutes. You may be asked to come with a comfortably full bladder for an abdominal scan.

What if the scan is not clear?

Sometimes it is simply too early to see everything. If the sac is seen but no heartbeat yet, or the pregnancy cannot be located, this is called a pregnancy of uncertain viability or pregnancy of unknown location. It does not automatically mean something is wrong. A repeat scan after 7–14 days, sometimes with blood hCG tests, usually gives a clear answer. Please seek care promptly if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness or shoulder-tip pain.

What the early scan cannot show

At this stage the baby's organs are still forming, so a dating scan does not check for structural problems or chromosomal conditions. That is the role of the NT scan at 11–14 weeks and the anomaly scan at 18–22 weeks. If your early scan sets your due date, your later scans and screening tests are planned from it.

Next steps

After a normal early scan, start or continue folic acid, book your antenatal care, and plan your NT scan. If you have had previous losses or medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or high blood pressure, discuss a care plan early in pregnancy.

Have questions about your pregnancy?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sushma Dhakal, Fellowship-trained fetal medicine specialist (FMF UK certified).

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Frequently asked questions

When can a heartbeat be seen on scan?

Usually from around 6 to 7 weeks, most clearly on a transvaginal scan.

Is a transvaginal scan safe in early pregnancy?

Yes. It is gentle, uses sound waves, and does not cause miscarriage.

Will the early scan change my due date?

It may. The CRL measurement between 7 and 13 weeks is the most accurate way to date a pregnancy.

Can the early scan detect abnormalities?

Not reliably. Structural and chromosomal checks are done at the NT scan (11–14 weeks) and anomaly scan (18–22 weeks).

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. Please consult your doctor about your own situation. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.