A 7-week ultrasound marks an important milestone in early pregnancy. This early scan offers a first glimpse into the developing pregnancy, providing important details for expectant parents.
Why a 7-Week Ultrasound is Performed
A 7-week ultrasound serves several medical purposes. It confirms the pregnancy is located within the uterus, ruling out an ectopic pregnancy. The scan also determines gestational age and estimates the due date by measuring the embryo’s size. Healthcare providers use this ultrasound to check for a heartbeat, an indicator of pregnancy viability. This assessment investigates symptoms like bleeding or pain and confirms if more than one embryo is present.
What You Will See and Hear
During a 7-week ultrasound, you will see key structures on the screen, particularly with a transvaginal ultrasound for clearer images. The gestational sac appears as a dark, fluid-filled circle or oblong shape, measuring 18 to 24 millimeters. Inside this sac, you will see the yolk sac, which nourishes the embryo until the placenta develops.
Attached to the yolk sac, the fetal pole becomes visible as a curved, bean-shaped structure. The embryo measures 5 to 10 millimeters, about the size of a blueberry or a grain of rice. The heartbeat appears as a rapid flicker or pulsation within the fetal pole. While visible, it may be too early to audibly hear the heartbeat, though some machines allow it. The heart rate ranges between 90 and 180 beats per minute at 7 weeks.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Preparing for your 7-week ultrasound helps ensure a smooth appointment. You may be advised to arrive with a full bladder for a transabdominal ultrasound, as this improves image clarity. For transvaginal ultrasounds, common at this stage, a full bladder may not be necessary. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.
It can be helpful to bring a support person, such as a partner or close friend, to share this moment and offer comfort. Remember to bring any necessary documents, like your health or insurance card and a photo ID. Following these simple preparations can contribute to a more relaxed and informative experience.
Understanding Your Results and Next Steps
Immediately following the ultrasound, the sonographer or doctor will typically discuss the initial findings with you. They will confirm the presence of a viable pregnancy and provide an estimated due date based on the embryo’s measurements. This information is important for tracking the progression of your pregnancy. You may also receive images from the scan to take home.
The healthcare provider will outline any recommended next steps in your prenatal care. This might include scheduling follow-up appointments, such as your first comprehensive prenatal visit, or discussing optional genetic screening tests that typically occur later in the first trimester. This initial ultrasound helps establish a baseline for your pregnancy journey and guides future medical care.