The EarlyReassure™ scan is an
early pregnancy viability scan specifically designed for expectant parents who are seeking reassurance prior to attending their first NHS scan, especially in cases of vaginal bleeding to confirm that the pregnancy is viable. The EarlyReassure™ scan is also beneficial to those who are keen to establish the gestation age of their baby and to assist with the scheduling of their NHS Dual Screening Scan (Dating & NT), elements of which must be conducted prior to 14 weeks. It is also beneficial for IVF pregnancies, providing development assessment and reassurance.
During the scan, your fully-qualified obstetric sonographer will check your uterus and ovaries to exclude ectopic pregnancy and to measure baby's crown-to-rump length (CRL - head to bottom) to verify gestation age, providing an initial estimated delivery date (EDD). We will also check the yolk sac which is baby’s source of food prior to the formation of the placenta, and seek to provide visual confirmation of heartbeat and movement together with confirmation of the number of babies you are carrying. All of this information will be documented in the form of a digital Foetal Assessment Report.
Please note
The use of abdominal ultrasound prior to 7 weeks' gestation can often fail to detect a foetal heartbeat, resulting in an inconclusive assessment of your pregnancy.
Your reassurance scan will be conducted using an abdominal ultrasound probe (external on the abdomen), and it is important to recognise that imagery obtained is derived from the reflection of sound waves passing through your abdomen creating the visual image. From 6 weeks gestation your baby is likely to measure approximately 5mm in length; as such, the level of diagnostic evaluation and visibility achievable should you attend this type of scan as early as 6 weeks can differ greatly between clients. This is especially true in cases of a high BMI, which can result in poor image resolution and possibly lead to an inconclusive evaluation.
In recognition of this, it is preferred to perform this scan from a minimum of 7 weeks gestation. It is important to understand that between 6 and 7 weeks, not all elements of this assessment may be achievable, therefore we have indicated in the *Gestation Age Evaluation Criteria the level of diagnostic evaluation that should be achievable within the defined periods. If your pregnancy is less than 6 weeks, we cannot guarantee achievement of any of the defined criteria.
