Your first look at your baby
The dating scan is a 5–10 minute 2D abdominal ultrasound from 6 to 15 weeks. It’s a special first glimpse of your baby and, for many parents, the moment they first see the heartbeat flicker on screen.
What the dating scan checks
- That the pregnancy is inside the womb, helping to rule out early concerns such as an ectopic pregnancy
- Your baby’s heartbeat
- Whether you’re expecting one baby or more
- Your baby’s size, to work out how many weeks pregnant you are and your estimated due date
Why accurate dating matters
An accurate due date helps you plan your antenatal care and later scans, and means your baby’s growth can be measured correctly as your pregnancy goes on.
Very early on (around 6–7 weeks), your baby is tiny and the heartbeat may not yet be visible. If that happens, we’ll offer a free re-scan when it’s clinically appropriate.
This is an elective reassurance scan, not a diagnostic examination. It does not replace your NHS scans or antenatal appointments. If we see anything that needs follow-up, we’ll explain it and advise you to contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit.
What’s included
- Reassurance scan to confirm pregnancy and heartbeat
- Gestational age and estimated due date
- Single or multiple pregnancy check
- Three black-and-white prints to take home
- Detailed scan report
- Free re-scan if clinically required
- A discount voucher for your next scan or blood test
Who it’s for
- Confirming a positive pregnancy test
- Not being sure of the date of your last period
- Wanting to see and hear the heartbeat before your NHS scan
- Previous pregnancy loss or anxiety in early pregnancy
How to prepare
- Arrive with a comfortably full bladder: drink 500ml–1 litre of water 30–45 minutes before and try not to empty your bladder.
- No hospital records, referral or GP notes are needed.
- Up to 5 guests are welcome, including children of any age.
Dating Scan: your questions
How early can I have a dating scan?
From 6 weeks of pregnancy. At 6–7 weeks the heartbeat may only just be visible, so some parents prefer to wait until 7–8 weeks.
Do I need a full bladder for a dating scan?
Yes. Drink 500ml–1 litre of water 30–45 minutes before your appointment. It lifts the womb and gives clearer pictures.
What’s the difference between the Dating Scan and the Early Peek Scan?
Both confirm your pregnancy, heartbeat and due date. The Early Peek Reassurance Scan adds an ultrasound-based health check for mum and baby.
Information on this page is general and doesn’t replace advice from your GP, midwife or consultant. If you feel unwell or are worried about symptoms, contact your GP, call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999.
