What should a scan show at 6 weeks

Whilst you may get a positive pregnancy test before your period is even due it is a couple of weeks before the pregnancy is big enough to be seen on scan. In the early weeks how much we can see in very early pregnancy is different for every woman and every pregnancy.

At 4 weeks gestation 2 weeks after conception when you have just missed your period we cannot detect the pregnancy on scan, all we can see is that the lining of the womb has become thicker. Somewhere between 4 and 5 weeks, we can sometimes see a small black fluid area in the uterus but we cannot confirm it is a pregnancy sac until we can see something growing inside it. During the 5th week we can usually see a small pregnancy sac around 6mm and within it we can usually see a yolk sac.

This confirms to us that this is definitely a pregnancy sac. Even at 6 weeks we sometimes struggle to see the baby and its heart beat even when things are going fine.

At 6 weeks the baby measures approx. At 7 weeks the baby can now be clearly seen measuring approx 10mm in length.

At this stage we should always see the heart beating in a healthy live pregnancy. Early Pregnancy Scans are normally performed trans-abdominally through your tummy however an internal vaginal scan may be required at earlier gestations weeks to obtain clearer images. This can be due to a number of reasons, for example, if your womb tilts backwards retroverted or it may be that you are less weeks pregnant than you calculated.

We will always try to scan trans-abdominally first but if we need to do an internal scan then this will not be harmful in any way to the baby. We discuss the option of a vaginal scan if needed and only perform if necessary with your consent no additional cost. Ultrasound scans are safe and do not cause discomfort. Ultrasound gel is used on the abdomen and the ultrasound probe presses on your tummy to obtain images, if you have a very full bladder it may be a little uncomfortable.

An ultrasound scan typically takes approximately minutes to complete. If the images are unclear you will be offered a trans-vaginal ultrasound scan internal. During your scan we will explain the findings to you. Following your scan we will give you your detailed report and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions.

Find out what to expect from your NHS pregnancy journey , including your first midwife appointment. Start4Life has more about you and your baby at 6 weeks of pregnancy. You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Page last reviewed: 12 October Next review due: 12 October Home Pregnancy Pregnancy week-by-week 1 to 12 weeks pregnant Back to 1 to 12 weeks pregnant. You and your baby at 6 weeks pregnant. Your baby at 6 weeks By the time you're 6 to 7 weeks pregnant, there's a large bulge where the heart is and a bump at the head end of the neural tube. By now, the embryo is covered with a thin layer of see-through skin.