An early pregnancy scan can tell you:

CORRECT POSITION:

If your baby is in the correct place - this being inside of the uterus - (a pregnancy outside of the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy and can be dangerous)

QUANTITY:

How many are there? Twins or more can be detected early in pregnancy and we can also tell if they are in one sac or seperate sacs.

Age:

We can estimate the age of the baby (fetal pole) from 6 wks and it can be accurate within a couple of days early on.

Note: We do not give you an estimated delivery date as the hospital will be scanning you for the dating scan which will be your official scan in the NHS. We can tell you if your dates are correct.

ANATOMY: We can see the yolk sac as early as 5 weeks, this is even before the baby is seen. This can also confirm the correct position of the baby but we will not see the baby at 5 weeks, thats why we recommended to come after 6 wks. Although, we will never say no if you want to check position. We also check the ovaries and the surrounding area to make sure there is no pathology.

HEARTBEAT:

We can see the heartbeat. (see video above)

Please note: We do not use doppler to hear the heartbeat before 11 wks, this is because it is recommended not to use the doppler before 10 weeks + 6 days as it can harm the baby. 'The embryonic period of gestation extends from conception until 9 weeks post-conception. For the purposes of this guidance, it is assumed that the embryonic period is completed at 10 + 6 weeks (based on last menstrual period dating or crown–rump length). This period is characterized by rapid cell division and development of the embryonic organs. At this stage, the fetal–placental circulation is not yet established. Spectral Doppler, color flow imaging, power imaging and other Doppler ultrasound modalities should not be used routinely in the embryonic period. If use of Doppler is clinically indicated, then the exposure time should be kept to a minimum'. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/uog.2361