Scanning in the Early Pregnancy Unit
Read our guide below about having a scan in the Early Pregnancy Unit.
You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.
Why have I been given an appointment to attend the Early Pregnancy Unit?
This is normally because you had bleeding or pain in early pregnancy or because you have had complications in the past. This could include a previous ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or multiple miscarriages.
What will happen at the appointment?
When you arrive, complete the form given to you at the reception desk. Check your personal details and add any relevant medical information. Ask if you need help filling in the form. Try to complete as much detail as possible
The clinic has timed appointments. At times emergency patients will take priority and you may have to wait a little longer for your scan. We will try to keep you informed about the approximate length of your waiting time.
We’ll take a urine sample to ensure you have a positive pregnancy test and look for signs of a urine infection. A sonographer or consultant gynaecologist will do a scan.
Do I need a full bladder?
No. In the majority of cases the scans will be performed by inserting an ultrasound probe into your vagina (an internal transvaginal scan). You’ll need to have an empty bladder.
Why do I need an internal scan?
The best way to look for the pregnancy in early pregnancy (under 10 weeks) is by doing a transvaginal scan. This also allows us to look at the ovaries and the cervix (the neck of the womb) which is particularly important if you are feeling a cramp-like lower abdominal/pelvic pain.
After 9 weeks pregnancy, we’ll usually do a transabdominal scan (probe placed on skin of the lower abdomen).
Both methods of scan are safe and will not make you miscarry. If a repeat scan is necessary (the Early Pregnancy team will decide this and explain it to you) it will usually happen around 10 to 14 days later.
On some occasions when a pregnancy hasn’t been seen in the womb or outside the womb (an ectopic pregnancy), you’ll have blood tests which will check the level of certain pregnancy hormones. Depending on what these levels are, we can book a repeat ultrasound scan for you sooner.
Do I have to have an internal scan?
In the first few weeks of your pregnancy, even with a normally developing pregnancy, the pregnancy is very small. To see it more clearly it’s best seen by an internal scan.
If you decline the internal scan, we can offer you an external scan (on your tummy). This method has limitations and won’t provide as much information as the internal scan. You can discuss this with the sonographer.
Following your ultrasound scan we’ll tell you the results. Further management depends on the result of the scan and the Early Pregnancy nurse will discuss this with you.
Blood tests
You may need to have blood tests to check for hormone levels and possibly your blood group.
At all times we’ll keep you informed about the findings of the scans and any blood tests we may do.
Patient experience survey
We have asked for your e-mail address as we’d like your feedback about your visit to the clinic. Please fill it in if you’re happy for us to send you an e-mail requesting feedback.
The responses will be completely anonymous and will help us improve our service. If you don’t want us to contact you, that’s fine too, it won’t affect your care in any way.
Contact us
If you want to ask anything else related to your treatment and management, after your appointment, call us.
Early Pregnancy Unit, Stoke Mandeville Hospital (Monday to Friday)
01296 316469 (8am to 5pm)
Ward 15
01296 316500/316365 (at all other times)