Do You Have a Scan on Your First Midwife Appointment? A Practical Guide

Do you have a scan on your first midwife appointment?

If you're navigating pregnancy, you’re likely asking whether your very first midwife visit will include an ultrasound. Do you have a scan on your first midwife appointment? In practice, the answer isn’t universal. According to Scanner Check, many clinics tailor the plan to the individual. Some sites offer an early ultrasound for specific risk factors or when local guidelines suggest it, while others reserve scans for later in the pregnancy unless symptoms arise. This variance does not reflect on the health of your pregnancy; it reflects different care pathways and evidence used by clinicians.

Whether you’ll have a scan often depends on your gestational stage, your medical history, and the resources available at your local clinic. If you don’t get a scan at the first appointment, you’ll usually be advised when you can expect one or what signs would prompt an earlier ultrasound. As you read on, you’ll see practical guidance on how to discuss this with your midwife and what information a scan can or cannot provide.

Ultrasound basics in early pregnancy

Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging method used to visualize pregnancy in its early stages. There are two common approaches: transabdominal, where a probe is moved over the abdomen, and transvaginal, where a specially designed probe is inserted gently to obtain clearer images. In very early pregnancy, a transvaginal scan is more frequently used because it provides a clearer view when the uterus is still small. The main purposes of these scans in early pregnancy are to confirm a viable pregnancy, estimate dating, assess the location of the pregnancy (to rule out an ectopic pregnancy in certain scenarios), and check for the number of embryos. It’s important to know that an ultrasound has limitations early on; certain details about fetal development cannot be fully assessed until later weeks.

What early scans assess and why they matter

When an early ultrasound is performed, clinicians typically look for several key indicators:

• Viability: confirming a heartbeat and an appropriate growth pattern for the gestational age.
• Location: ensuring the pregnancy is within the uterus and not ectopic in the fallopian tube or elsewhere when symptoms or risk factors exist.
• Number of fetuses: identifying singleton versus multiple pregnancies, which can influence care plans.
• Basic anatomy trends: assessing whether the pregnancy is developing in a typical pattern and ruling out obvious structural concerns that would require further testing.

It’s essential to set realistic expectations. Early scans are valuable for confirming pregnancy basics, but they may not diagnose every possible condition. Some anomalies or later growth issues simply cannot be assessed early; more detail is typically available in subsequent, later scans. If anything unusual is observed, you’ll be guided through follow-up steps and additional testing as needed.

Detemnants: when clinics offer an early scan

The decision to perform an early scan is shaped by several factors. Common determinants include:</n>

What to expect during the scan appointment

When you go in for an ultrasound, you’ll typically lie on an exam table while a clinician applies a warm gel to your abdomen or uses a transvaginal probe. The process is painless, though some people may feel mild pressure. A technician or clinician will move the wand and capture images that may be projected on a screen for you to see. The session usually lasts about 10-20 minutes, depending on what’s being visualized and whether any questions arise during the imaging. After the scan, you’ll receive information on what the images show, and the clinician will explain whether everything looks typical for the current stage of pregnancy. If any concerns are identified, the team will outline next steps, potential follow-up scans, or referrals, and you’ll have time to ask questions.

How to prepare and what to bring

Preparation for an ultrasound can vary by clinic and pregnancy stage. General tips include:

• Confirm whether you should have a full or empty bladder before the scan; some abdominal scans require a partially full bladder for clearer images, especially early in pregnancy.
• Bring a photo ID and your appointment details.
• Bring a list of medications you’re taking and any relevant medical history or previous pregnancy information.
• Write down questions you want to ask so you don’t forget them during the visit.

If you’re unsure about preparation, call the clinic beforehand. They can confirm whether you’ll need to drink water, go in with a full bladder, or have a transvaginal scan.

Regional variations and timelines

Care pathways for scans vary by country, region, and even by individual clinics. Some places have a standard protocol to perform an early dating or viability scan in the first trimester, while others schedule this step later unless there are risk factors. If you’re moving between regions or changing clinics during your pregnancy, you might experience differences in when and how scans are offered. The best approach is to ask your midwife or clinic about their typical timeline and how decisions are made in your specific setting.

Safety, privacy, and next steps after a scan

Ultrasound is widely regarded as a safe imaging modality when performed by trained professionals. It uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. If a scan yields findings that require follow-up, your care team will explain the implications, outline the recommended next tests, and discuss available options. You’ll have opportunities to discuss any concerns with your midwife and, if needed, with a specialist. Remember that imaging is just one part of your overall prenatal care, and your clinician will integrate ultrasound results with your medical history, symptoms, and preferences to guide care.