Viability scan

What Is the Aim of a Viability Scan?

• Ensure that the pregnancy is inside the uterus (not ectopic) 
• Demonstrate that the baby is alive 
• Determine the number of embryos present 
• Date the pregnancy and provide the Estimated Due Date (EDD) 
• Examine the baby for any early pregnancy abnormalities 
• Assess the presence of internal bleeding

How Is a Viability Scan Performed?

Usually, a viability scan is performed through your abdomen but sometimes a transvaginal scan is required.

Who Should Have a Viability Scan?

• Those with previous first-trimester miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy 
• If you are experiencing bleeding, spotting, or pain during early pregnancy 
• If you had IVF treatment and you would like to have a reassurance scan that the embryo is developing normally

What Is the Next Step I Should Have After the Viability Scan?

We offer non-invasive prenatal testing in the form of the simple and safe NIPT which can be done from 10 weeks of pregnancy. The NIPT checks for the three common conditions during pregnancy (Down syndrome, Edward’s Syndrome, Patau Syndrome) and the baby’s gender. The next ultrasound scan recommended for all pregnancies is the Nuchal Translucency Scan, performed at 12 weeks. At the end of the nuchal scan, we will provide you with the probability for Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, or Patau syndrome and the accuracy of the nuchal scan is about 95%.

What if I Were to Receive Unexpected News?

Unfortunately, in some cases, the viability scan may show that: 

• The embryo is inside the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy)
• The embryo is seen but there is no heartbeat
• The sac is seen but there is no visible embryo. In this case, we recommend that you have a further ultrasound scan in 7-14 days to determine if the pregnancy is viable.

In any of these cases, you will be offered counselling during the appointment.