Early Pregnancy Scan | Private Viability Ultrasound | UKSONO Healthcare
Private early pregnancy ultrasound · Kent & London

Early Pregnancy Scan Clinical reassurance in early pregnancy

A clinically focused ultrasound, commonly performed from around 6–10 weeks, to assess early pregnancy location where visible, developmental features, cardiac activity when expected for gestation, and dating measurements where feasible.

From £100Self-referral · same-day Medifile report
Best timingCommonly around 6–10 weeks
Same-day reportDigital Medifile report & images
Consent-ledTransvaginal scan only when helpful and agreed
3 locationsTunbridge Wells · Orpington · Canary Wharf
Early pregnancy ultrasound scan at UKSONO Healthcare
Reassurance with appropriate clinical caution. Very early pregnancy can change quickly. If it is too soon to confirm expected features, we explain the limitations and appropriate next steps rather than making premature conclusions.
PriceFrom £100
Typical timingAround 6–10 weeks
Scan routeAbdominal ± transvaginal
ResultsSame-day digital report
ReferralSelf-referral welcome
Book your appointment

Choose the correct clinic route.

Kent booking covers Tunbridge Wells and Orpington. Canary Wharf uses its dedicated London booking link.

London clinic

Canary Wharf

£120

Use this route for your £120 Early Pregnancy Scan at our Canary Wharf clinic.

  • Dedicated Canary Wharf booking calendar
  • Same-day Medifile report
  • Digital images
  • Short clips where obtainable and recorded
Book Canary Wharf
Clinical assessment

What an early pregnancy scan can assess.

The purpose is to answer the key clinical questions that can reasonably be assessed at your gestational stage, while recognising that very early scans can be inconclusive simply because the pregnancy is earlier than expected.

01

Pregnancy location

Where visible, we assess whether the pregnancy appears to be located within the uterine cavity and document the findings.

02

Gestational sac & yolk sac

Early pregnancy structures are assessed according to what would reasonably be expected for your gestation.

03

Embryo / fetal pole

Where visible, the embryo is assessed and measured to support early pregnancy dating.

04

Cardiac activity

Cardiac activity is assessed when it is expected to be visible for the gestational stage and imaging conditions.

05

Early dating

Ultrasound measurements can help estimate gestational age where an appropriate structure can be measured reliably.

06

Pelvic overview

Where clinically relevant and visible, surrounding pelvic appearances may be reviewed as part of the early pregnancy assessment.

Early pregnancy development

What may be visible week by week.

These are broad expectations rather than guarantees. Menstrual dates can be inaccurate, ovulation may have occurred later, and transabdominal and transvaginal scans do not provide identical detail at the same gestation.

Around 5 weeksA small gestational sac may be visible, but findings can still be limited and dating uncertainty is common.
5–6 weeksA yolk sac and early embryo may become visible depending on exact gestation and scan route.
Around 6 weeksCardiac activity may be detectable, especially with transvaginal imaging, but timing varies.
7–8 weeksThe embryo is usually easier to identify and crown-rump length can often support pregnancy dating.
9–10 weeksEarly fetal development is more readily visualised, although this is not a detailed anomaly assessment.
Important: being unable to see an expected feature on one very early scan does not automatically mean there is a problem. Interpretation depends on dates, symptoms and measurements, and recognised follow-up criteria may require a repeat scan.
Preparing for your scan

Simple preparation, consent-led imaging.

We generally begin with an abdominal ultrasound. If more detail is required in a very early pregnancy, a transvaginal scan may be discussed.

Abdominal scanA moderately full bladder can help improve the acoustic window for early transabdominal imaging.
Transvaginal scanIf clinically helpful, the procedure is explained first and is performed only with your consent. You will usually empty your bladder beforehand.
IVF pregnancyPlease bring or include embryo-transfer and treatment dates so the scan can be interpreted in the correct clinical context.
Previous informationBring relevant reports or pregnancy information if you have already been assessed elsewhere.
01
Clinical historyYour Sonographer confirms your dates, symptoms, relevant pregnancy history and reason for booking.
02
Transabdominal scan firstThe examination usually begins through the abdomen using ultrasound gel.
03
Transvaginal scan if helpfulIf views are limited or the pregnancy is very early, this may be offered after explanation and consent.
04
Findings explainedWe explain what has been seen, what cannot yet be confirmed and whether follow-up is appropriate.
05
Digital report & imagesYour same-day Medifile report and images are sent digitally after the appointment.
Early pregnancy ultrasound reporting at UKSONO Healthcare
Findings explainedAt appointment
Digital reportSame day
ImagesIncluded
ClipsWhere obtainable
Results & follow-up

Clear information, without over-promising what a very early scan can show.

Early pregnancy findings are interpreted in relation to gestation, measurements, scan route and symptoms. If the pregnancy is earlier than expected, a repeat scan may be the safest way to obtain a definitive answer.

Reassuring findingsWhere the pregnancy appears appropriately located and developmental features are consistent with dates, this is explained clearly in your report.
Too early / uncertain findingsWe document exactly what is visible and advise appropriate follow-up rather than making a premature diagnosis.
Findings needing NHS reviewIf the scan raises a concern that requires urgent or specialist assessment, you will be advised about the appropriate NHS pathway.
!
Do not wait for a routine private scan if you have emergency symptoms.

Heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pelvic/abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, significant dizziness, collapse, fever or feeling very unwell require urgent NHS assessment. Early pregnancy pain or bleeding can occasionally be associated with ectopic pregnancy or significant pregnancy complications.

What to expect at UKSONO

A calm, professional early pregnancy appointment.

The scan is clinical first, but we also understand that early pregnancy can be an emotional time. We explain the process clearly, obtain consent and communicate findings sensitively.

Early pregnancy scan FAQs

Questions patients commonly search before booking.

Detailed answers covering timing, heartbeat, transvaginal scanning, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, IVF, preparation, results and urgent symptoms.

What is an early pregnancy scan?
An early pregnancy ultrasound is a scan performed in the first trimester, commonly from around 6 weeks, to assess the pregnancy location where visible, early developmental features, cardiac activity when expected for the gestation, and dating measurements where feasible.
When is the best time to book an early pregnancy scan?
UKSONO commonly performs this scan from around 6 to 10 weeks. Scanning too early can mean that expected features are not yet visible, especially if ovulation or implantation occurred later than expected.
How much is an early pregnancy scan?
The Early Pregnancy Scan is £100 at Tunbridge Wells and Orpington, and £120 at Canary Wharf. Please select the correct clinic booking route when booking.
Can you see a heartbeat at 6 weeks?
Cardiac activity may be visible from around 6 weeks, particularly with transvaginal ultrasound, but exact timing varies with pregnancy dates, development and image quality. If it is genuinely too early, a repeat scan may be advised rather than drawing a premature conclusion.
What can be seen on an early pregnancy ultrasound?
Depending on gestation, ultrasound may demonstrate the gestational sac, yolk sac, embryo or fetal pole, cardiac activity, and measurements used to estimate gestational age. What can be confirmed depends on how early the pregnancy is.
Can the scan confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus?
Where the pregnancy is visible, ultrasound can assess whether it appears to be located within the uterus. If no intrauterine pregnancy is seen and your dates are early or uncertain, further assessment may be required because ultrasound alone may not establish the final diagnosis at that visit.
Will I need a transvaginal or internal scan?
Not always. We usually begin with an abdominal scan. If the pregnancy is very early or abdominal views are limited, a transvaginal scan may be offered because it can provide greater detail. It is only performed with your consent.
Do I need a full bladder?
A moderately full bladder can improve abdominal views in early pregnancy. Your booking information should be followed for any specific preparation instructions. If a transvaginal scan is needed, you will usually be asked to empty your bladder first.
Can I book an early pregnancy scan after IVF?
Yes. Please include your embryo transfer date, treatment dates and any relevant fertility information when booking. IVF pregnancies may be interpreted using treatment dates rather than menstrual dates alone.
What if the scan is too early to confirm viability?
If expected features cannot yet be confirmed because the pregnancy may simply be too early, the findings will be explained clearly. A repeat ultrasound after an appropriate interval and/or NHS or Early Pregnancy Unit assessment may be recommended depending on the scan findings and your symptoms.
Can an early pregnancy scan rule out ectopic pregnancy?
Ultrasound is central to assessing pregnancy location, but a single scan cannot always exclude ectopic pregnancy if the pregnancy is too early to be visualised. If you have pain, bleeding, dizziness, shoulder-tip pain or feel unwell, urgent clinical assessment may be required.
Can an early pregnancy scan diagnose miscarriage?
Ultrasound can identify findings that may indicate pregnancy loss, but recognised diagnostic criteria and, in some situations, a repeat scan are required before confirming miscarriage. This avoids making a diagnosis when dates or development may simply be earlier than expected.
Is an early pregnancy ultrasound safe?
Diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionising radiation. The examination is performed by trained professionals using clinically appropriate ultrasound techniques and prudent exposure.
Will I receive a report and images?
Yes. You receive a same-day digital Medifile report and digital images. Short baby clips are provided where obtainable and recorded, subject to views and clinical priority.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. UKSONO accepts self-referrals for private early pregnancy ultrasound scans.
When should I seek urgent NHS care instead of waiting for a private scan?
Seek urgent NHS assessment if you have heavy bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, collapse, fever or feel very unwell. A private scan should not delay emergency assessment.
Continue your pregnancy journey

Related UKSONO pregnancy services.

What Our Patients Say

Private Early Pregnancy Scan

Book your Early Pregnancy Scan.

£100 at Tunbridge Wells or Orpington · £120 at Canary Wharf · Self-referral welcome · Same-day digital report included.

Early Pregnancy Scan · £100 Kent · £120 Canary Wharf 6–10 weeks · same-day report · Kent & Canary Wharf