The NHS offer all pregnant women at least two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. The first should be offered between 10 and 14 weeks but it is often around the 12-week mark (NICE, 2008; NHS, 2017). Ultrasound should only be used the first 10 weeks of pregnancy if needed medically.

Is the 12-week scan necessary?

This scan allows us to check how your baby is developing and in combination with a blood test allows us to check for any genetic concerns. This scan should be ideally performed between 12 weeks 5 days and 13 weeks 6 days of your pregnancy.

Do you have an ultrasound at 12 weeks?

The 12 weeks ultrasound examination can be done from 11 weeks 4 days to 13 weeks 6 days. The scan is usually performed transabdominally. Sometimes, it may be necessary to do the scan transvaginally.

Why is the 12-week scan so important?

The purpose of the dating scan is to check: how many weeks pregnant you are and work out your due date (the estimated date of delivery, or EDD) whether youre expecting more than 1 baby. that the baby is growing in the right place.

What happens if no heartbeat at 12-week scan?

Sometimes a miscarriage is diagnosed during a routine scan carried out as part of your antenatal care. A scan may reveal your baby has no heartbeat or that your baby is too small for the date of your pregnancy. This is called a missed or delayed miscarriage.

How long does it take for 12-week scan results?

When will I be given the results? Normal results will be confirmed in writing within 7 working days. If the result identifies the pregnancy as higher risk for any of the conditions you will be contacted by telephone within three days by the screening midwife.

Is it normal to not hear the heartbeat at 12 weeks?

Keep in mind that a babys heartbeat is much faster than an adults. If youre in your first trimester and you cant hear your babys heartbeat, dont worry. Dopplers cant reliably detect a babys heartbeat until 10-12 weeks. Your doctor may try again on your next visit.

Can you feel kicks at 12 weeks?

Its bigger and increasingly active by the end of the fourth month. But occasionally women feel movement as early as 12 weeks. If your friend is thin, extra perceptive, on a second or higher pregnancy, a bit off in their timing, or carrying a rambunctious baby, they may well be feeling those flutters.