Ultrasound - the dating scan

Most women will be offered a ‘dating’ scan at around 12 weeks.

It can give a pretty accurate estimate of how far your pregnancy has progressed, when your baby’s due, and show how your baby’s developing.

This scan also detects the number of babies you’re carrying, so if it’s twins, this could be when you find out!

Take your partner with you if you can, for this first chance to say hello to your baby.

You will need to have a full bladder for this scan, and you’ll have gel put on your stomach. The radiographer will press the scanner quite hard against your abdomen, which can be a bit uncomfortable. Remember to ask for a photo!

More about ultrasound

To find out more, and hear the expert view,  see our frequently asked questions about ultrasound.

Must-see video

Watch and learn how real mums felt when they 'met' their baby for the first time.
 

 

 

Comments

Submitted by babybronson on Mon, 02/01/2012 - 13:33.
am only 6 weeks and have been really ill always sick, any advice? x
Submitted by AliceCooperFan on Mon, 12/12/2011 - 13:54.
I'm 12 weeks 1 day pregnant now and will be 12 weeks 5 days pregnant when i got for my scan, this friday. Part of me is excited but a huge part of me is scared because i just keep reading about missed miscarriages and blighted ovrums and it scares the life out of me. In my life soo many bad things have happened, I'm so unlucky honestly I just think to myself 'why should this be any different' but that's not doing me any good. I think I'm more expecting something to be wrong than ok! I read that some women just 'know' if they have had a mmc, and I feel like in my head I know I have, but I aren't sure! Think I'm just looking for someone to say no, i havent had one, but gotta wait til friday, thats all I can do. Hope everybody elses scan goes ok and you're in a better frame of my mind than me lol. xx
Submitted by ceriannxxx on Tue, 06/12/2011 - 16:47.
im 11 weeks now :) and so exited but taking it 1 day at a time as i have had 2 misscariges quite recently and also on clexin injections everyday throughout my pregnancy so hopefully i will get to keep my lil 1 anyway good luck to every1 xxx
Submitted by grace37 on Tue, 08/11/2011 - 18:17.
im having my scan next week and instead of looking forward to it am dreading it as am on epliem and all i keep hearing is horror stories x
Submitted by Mummy2WarrenandBump on Wed, 19/10/2011 - 08:13.
hi every1 congrats to all!....im havin a 10 week scan tomorrow im so excired!...this is my 2nd pregnancy i had a scan at 6 weeks as i was bleeding but im taken my lil boy this time so he can see his brother/sister he know he is havin a baby but i just want him to see it...im more excited about how he will react!......anyways best of luck to all of you..x..<3
Submitted by Colli40 on Mon, 03/10/2011 - 13:45.
Afternoon all, new to the start...but as excited as everyone and worried too:(...I had a misscarriage back in March, and i'm now 12 wks today with my scan on Wednesday. I did have two previous scans as I have 5 x fibriods and i need to be monitored, but i'm here and I can't wait to hear the heartbeat.... I'll have to wait until 28th November for my 20wks....but looking forward to that!:)
Submitted by AshleaBradley on Mon, 19/09/2011 - 16:12.
i had my first scan last wednesday, it was the most wonderful experience ever. it completely put my mind at rest as i could see the little baby was ok, i wish i could have one everyday because im still worried about it being ok! i cant wait untill the 14th novemeber when i get my 20 week scan! :-)
Submitted by princess16577 on Sat, 17/09/2011 - 19:19.
i am having my first scan but early as i will be 7 wks on monday 19/9/11 as this is my 2nd pregnancy and my daughter is 12 yrs old and this pregnancy is closely monitered by the early pregnancy unit in my local hospital so i will definately bring a scan pic home so watch this space and will keep u posted on my pregnancy progress
Submitted by LittleMissPaige on Wed, 07/09/2011 - 13:16.
im 15 years old and 13 weeks pregnant worred about how i am going to pay for things as i am in care aswell im too young for child benefits and dont know what i can do can you help me?
Submitted by sleek83 on Tue, 06/09/2011 - 22:32.
i am having my scan on friday,am excited and at the same time nervous.hope it goes well,keeep you posted!
 

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