Can You Have an Early Fetal Ultrasound?

Ultrasound showing a growing fetus

Early fetal ultrasounds are used to determine pregnancy dates and viability. A lot of development happens within the first eight weeks of pregnancy, and ultrasounds allow a window into the womb.

Earliest Detection

The first time an ultrasound can show visible signs of pregnancy is at three or four weeks gestation. At this point the endometrium lining becomes thicker as the blastocyst egg embeds itself.

Types

Transvaginal ultrasounds can detect a fetus and pregnancy signs earlier than an abdominal ultrasound.

Visible Sac

Although some highly skilled ultrasound technicians can detect endometrium lining changes during week three or four, visibility of the gestational sac transvaginally begins during week five.

HCG levels

As a rough estimate, transvaginal ultrasounds can pick up development once hCG levels reach about 2000 mIU/ml. Abdominal ultrasounds pick up development around 3600 mIU/ml, according to American Pregnancy.

Heartbeat

Between six or seven weeks gestation, an ultrasound can detect a regular heartbeat around 100 beats per minute.

References

• AmericanPregnancy.Org