Early pregnancy scans: what to expect before 12 weeks

Most people don’t have an NHS scan until about 12 weeks. But some are offered one earlier, often because of bleeding, pain or a past loss. Here’s who, why, and what to expect.

Do I get a scan before 12 weeks?

Not as standard. The NHS says hospitals in England offer at least two scans during pregnancy, at around 10 to 14 weeks and at 18 to 21 weeks, and you may be offered more depending on your health and your pregnancy. See your 12-week scan and the 20-week scan.

Why you might be offered an early scan

Early scans are usually offered for a reason:

Bleeding or pain. An early pregnancy unit can scan you to check where the pregnancy is and whether it is developing.
A past ectopic or molar pregnancy. Tommy’s says if you’ve had either, you should be offered an early scan at 6 to 8 weeks.
Repeated losses. One hospital’s early pregnancy unit sees people with bleeding or pain, and also people who have had two miscarriages in a row.

What is an early pregnancy unit?

Early pregnancy units, sometimes called early pregnancy assessment units (EPAUs), look after people with problems or worries in early pregnancy. One hospital describes caring for people at roughly 6 to 12 weeks, with nurses, sonographers and doctors working together. Some units take self-referrals by phone, while others need a referral from a GP, midwife or A&E, so ask your local unit or your midwife. Details are on your NHS trust’s website.

What happens at an early scan?

One early pregnancy unit explains that scans before 12 weeks are usually done internally (a transvaginal scan), because this gives the best images of an early pregnancy. A slim probe is gently placed in the vagina. The same unit says it is completely safe and does not cause miscarriage. You’ll be asked for consent first. The unit says latex-free probe covers are available if you ask.

The scan can check where the pregnancy is (to rule out an ectopic pregnancy) and whether it is developing as expected. The sonographer or nurse explains what they can see at the time.

When to get help

If you’re pregnant and you have any bleeding or spotting, even if it’s light, get urgent advice. Call your maternity unit if you have the number. If you’re under 20 weeks you can also contact an early pregnancy unit, or call NHS 111 if you can’t reach either.

Call 999 if you have bleeding along with severe tummy pain, pain in your shoulder, or feeling sick, faint or dizzy, or if the bleeding is heavy (soaking a pad soon after putting it on). Also call 999 or go to A&E if you have sudden, sharp, intense tummy pain together with feeling very dizzy or faint, feeling sick, or looking very pale. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage that need treating straight away.

If the news isn’t what you hoped

An early scan can sometimes bring difficult news. Take someone with you if you can. Miscarriage UK (the working name of the Miscarriage Association) is on 0303 003 6464, and Tommy’s midwives are on 0800 0147 800, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Questions people ask

Can I just book a private scan instead?

If you have bleeding, cramping or pain, the NHS says to get urgent advice from your maternity unit or an early pregnancy unit, or call NHS 111 if you can’t reach them, rather than waiting for a private scan appointment. See private pregnancy scans.

Does an internal scan hurt?

It can feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. Tell the person scanning if you need them to stop.

Will I get a picture?

Ask the unit. Policies vary between hospitals, and there may be a charge.

How do I prepare?

Your appointment letter or the unit will tell you how to prepare, including whether you need a full bladder.