Early Pregnancy Scan

(Early Pregnancy Scan: 6.5 –11 weeks €105.00)
(Advanced Early Pregnancy Scan: 11.1–19.6 weeks €125.00)
(Twins add €60 for over 12 weeks gestation)

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early pregnancy scans
Price: 6.5–11 Weeks: €105.00
11.1–19.6 Weeks: €125.00

Since 2007, Ultrasound Ireland has been trusted by over 100,000 expectant parents and doctors. Our Enterprise Ireland award-winning team offers you convenient pregnancy scan appointments to include evenings and weekends. We offer you immediate results on early pregnancy scans in Dublin and always give you peace of mind.


Early Pregnancy Scan (6.5–11 Weeks Pregnant):
This baby scan is performed to establish the presence of a single or multiple intrauterine pregnancy. We look at the heartbeat and measure the embryo to determine the age. This early measurement is very accurate for dating. Anatomical details are limited at this stage.


Advanced Early Pregnancy Scan (11.1–19.6 Weeks Pregnant):
This baby scan is performed to estimate the age of the pregnancy (if not already established) and assess your baby. We look for the presence or absence of any physical abnormalities, measure the age of the fetus and determine whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy. Depending on how far along the pregnancy has progressed dictates how much of the anatomy can be assessed and what measurements are taken.

We use the first day of your last menstrual period to determine the gestational age. We compare that with specific measurements of the embryo by measuring the distance from the top of the head (crown) to the bottom of the body (rump). We may also include measurements of the gestational sac and of the heartbeat. These measurements are very accurate and can determine the expected age even if you are unsure of your last menstrual period.

Procedure Includes:

  • Ultrasound exam
  • Nuchal translucency measurement (optional)
  • Medical obstetric ultrasound report
  • Glossy picture print
    Please note: For twins please add €60

Ultrasound Dimensions inception in 2007 was in response to a need for a medical ultrasound centre of excellence. Our highly trained sonographers have maintained strict comprehensive protocols and procedures with state of the art equipment and ongoing education. Since the beginning, this has been our promise to you our valued patient.

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What to Expect At Your 12 Week Baby Scan?

What you might see at your 12 Week Baby Scan:

Early Pregnancy Scan FAQs

Do I need to book an appointment?

Yes, ultrasound exams do require an appointment. If you cannot attend your appointment we appreciate it if you can give us 24 hours notice.

More Details About the Early Pregnancy Scan:

Finding out you're pregnant can be a very exciting or a terrifying feeling. You've probably had a home pregnancy test to confirm a positive result, so now you are off to your first ultrasound.

In the earliest weeks of your pregnancy, the ultrasound will confirm that the pregnancy is not ectopic and is developing within the uterus.

The ultrasound will confirm an embryonic heartbeat and whether the pregnancy is a single or multiple gestation. Inside the gestational sac, ultrasound will reveal a tiny circle called the yolk sac, which supports the pregnancy in the early weeks. After measuring the crown-rump length (CRL) to determine the age of the embryo, the ovaries, uterus, and cervix are also examined for a comprehensive examination. Sometimes these early scans are performed internally for a more accurate assessment.

When is the best time to have an early pregnancy scan?

We perform the early pregnancy scan from 6 weeks up to 11 weeks of pregnancy. At 8 weeks you will normally get to see the pregnancy sac, the heartbeat, and fetus. If the scan is performed too early (i.e. before 6 weeks), you may not see the heartbeat. This is nothing to worry about as the heartbeat is not always detectable before this time. If you prefer to wait until 12 weeks, you can see the baby’s head, limbs, hands, and feet.

How should I prepare for an early pregnancy ultrasound?

When you attend for an early pregnancy ultrasound you will need to attend with a mildly filled urinary bladder to help view the pregnancy. It is important to know your last menstrual period dates if you know and if you have had a positive pregnancy test. It is important to wear loose comfortable clothing. Sometimes it is necessary to perform the ultrasound internally but that will be decided at the time of the appointment. Pregnancy scans at our centre are elective so you don't have to have a referral. Just call or email to make an appointment.

Why is an early pregnancy scan performed?

The early pregnancy scan is completed to confirm your baby’s heartbeat; look for multiples (twins, triplets etc); determine the gestational age, affirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus & determine the estimated due date.

Will I be able to watch the scan while it's happening?

During your pregnancy scan you’ll be able to easily see everything that is happening during your ultrasound scan on a large HD screen. The Sonographer doing your scan will be able to help point out what is on the screen as it can be hard to tell what you are seeing at the various stages of your pregnancy. 

What to expect at Ultrasound Ireland?

When you arrive at Ultrasound Ireland you will be met by our receptionist. You will then be asked to complete a waiver, even if you have been here before. You can then relax in our waiting area until the sonographer comes to meet you and take you to the scanning room. Your personal details from your completed waiver will be confirmed by the sonographer before beginning the scan.

How many ultrasounds should I have during my pregnancy?

Diagnostic medical obstetric ultrasounds are a regular part of prenatal care for most pregnant women. Although seeing your baby in real-time ultrasound imaging is a great experience, most pregnant women need very few ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy.

There have been no known reports that confirm harmful biological effects from multiple ultrasounds.

An early scan can date the age of the pregnancy and confirm that there is a single or multiple pregnancy in the correct location. A scan at approximately 12 weeks can assess the developing foetus and diagnose any early developmental problems such as early spina bifida, abnormal nuchal translucency, and some other physical problems.

The most important scan is performed at approximately 20 weeks to confirm normal anatomy; you'll receive this scan at your hospital. As long as these ultrasounds appear normal and as long as Mom's abdomen measurements continue to measure within normal limits, there is no need for further imaging.

Some women who have diabetes or hypertension may be in need of more scans due to their medical conditions.What will I see on my ultrasound images?

Ultrasounds are performed by using high-frequency sound waves that let the Sonographer see what's happening inside your body. You will see bright white that represents the bones of the spine, head, ribcage, and extremities, and you will see black, which represents clear fluid like amniotic fluid or fluid in the bladder and stomach. The rest is varying shades of grey that demonstrate the internal organs of your baby and the shape and location of the placenta.

You will see the Sonographer move small white elliptical or long lines that are callipers that are used to measure the head, stomach, and fetal thigh bone. These measurements are entered into an algorithm that can tell whether your baby is growing within normal limits. Amazingly the authors that created these calculation packages are accurate and trustworthy in the hands of an experienced Sonographer.

You will also see your baby moving legs and arms and swallowing amniotic fluid. You will see the beating of your baby's heart, and sometimes you will be able to hear the heartbeat when the Sonographer uses power Doppler to measure the number of beats per minute. Seeing your baby alive and well within your womb is a wonderful, reassuring experience. Occasionally if the ultrasound machine has 3D capabilities, you will see the features of your baby's face in a rendered 3D ultrasound image.

Do I need a GP’s referral for an early pregnancy ultrasound?

Pregnancy scans at our centre are elective, if you do not have a referral, that is okay. Just call or email to make an appointment.

Can family members attend my ultrasound appointment?

A pregnancy scan is a family affair at our clinic, so you can share your baby scan experience by bringing whomever you want and as many people as you like.

When is the best time to have an advanced early pregnancy scan?

We perform the Advanced Early Pregnancy scan from 12 weeks up to 19 weeks of pregnancy. This baby scan is performed to assess your baby & estimate the age of the pregnancy (if not already established). We look for the absence or presence of any physical abnormalities, determine whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy & measure the age of the fetus. Depending on how far along the pregnancy has advanced dictates what measurements are taken & how much of the anatomy can be assessed during this time.

How should I prepare for an advanced early pregnancy ultrasound?

When you attend for an advanced early pregnancy ultrasound you do not need a filled urinary bladder to help view the pregnancy. It is important to know your last menstrual period dates if you know and if you have had a positive pregnancy test if the estimated due date has not already been established. It is important to wear loose comfortable clothing.

Why is an advanced early pregnancy scan performed?

The advanced early pregnancy scan is performed to verify the baby’s heartbeat; calculate the gestational age and determine estimated date of delivery; look for multiples ( twins, triplets etc); determine that the baby is located normally within the womb and that the pregnancy is progressing normally at this stage; examine placental site; assess anatomy of the fetus.

What happens during the advanced early pregnancy ultrasound scan?

An advanced early pregnancy scan is performed as an abdominal scan. An abdominal scan is performed by placing gel on the patient’s abdomen and using a transducer to obtain images. The abdominal scan is not painful & non-invasive. A full bladder is not required for an advanced early pregnancy scan.