When is the right time to book an early pregnancy scan, and why it matters

If you’ve just spotted that you are positive on a pregnancy test, you’re probably full of questions: When should I book a scan? Is there any way to know information sooner? Let’s walk through the journey together.

Why an early scan can be reassuring

Early scans are all about comfort, confirmation and connection. At Yorkshire Baby Scan, our early pregnancy scan (for mums-to-be between 6 and 11 weeks) gives you your first real look at your little one. During the first scan we will look to:

• Confirm the heartbeat
• Check the pregnancy is safely inside the womb
• Estimate how far along you are
• Check for multiples (twins or more)
• Look at your pelvic area to make sure all is well

These scans can be especially helpful when you’re feeling a little bit nervous, maybe because of past miscarriages, IVF, spotting or pain. It doesn’t replace your NHS care, but it does give you an early check-in.

And of course, you don’t need a medical reason to come for an early scan. Many couples choose to book one simply for peace of mind, to help settle nerves and enjoy that first connection in the early weeks.

You’re welcome to bring guests along too. We know it’s a special moment, so as long as we don’t fill the room, you can have your partner plus a couple more guests with you to share the experience.

The sweet spot: 6 to 11 weeks

So, when is “just the right time”? We generally recommend booking your scan no sooner than six weeks, and before 11 weeks. That window gives us the best chance to see what we need to see.

It’s important to remember that gestational age is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Many women assume they are further along than they actually are, which is why scans booked too early can sometimes show very little. Earlier than six weeks, things may be too small to visualise clearly. Later than 11 weeks, you’re edging into the territory of other scans where different measurements take over.

Inside that 6 to 11 week window, there’s a bit of flexibility depending on your situation, such as bleeding, IVF, or previous pregnancy losses, so we adjust timing to best fit your needs.

Don’t rush (too soon), but don’t wait too long

We also suggest not rushing in too early. We recommend making your appointment no earlier than six weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Why that advice? If you scan too early, say at 4 or 5 weeks, there’s a high chance we won’t see much, and that can be distressing or inconclusive. Waiting until after six weeks gives your baby’s development a bit more time to show up clearly on ultrasound.

By 11 weeks we still get good images and can do all the important checks before other scan milestones come in.

A safe strategy: once you’ve reached about six weeks from your last period, that’s a good time to think about booking your scan.

What else to consider before you book

Here are a few practical pointers:

• Full bladder helps – Arriving with a comfortably full bladder improves the view on a transabdominal (tummy) scan.
• Be ready for alternative methods – In some cases, the tummy scan isn’t enough, so a transvaginal scan may be needed. We’ll talk it through with you if that’s the route.
• Multiple pregnancies – If you know you’re expecting twins or more, let us know when booking (we allocate more time and explain additional costs).
• Special circumstances – If you’ve had prior pregnancy loss or IVF, it’s fine to book earlier in the window so you feel reassured sooner.

Thinking ahead: NIPT + Scan

If you’d like even more information and reassurance after your early scan, consider our NIPT + Scan package. From 10 weeks, this test can reveal your baby’s gender and provide valuable insight into their development. It’s a great next step for those who want extra peace of mind beyond the early scan.

So when should you call us?

To put it simply:

• Aim for between 6 and 11 weeks
• Don’t rush in right after your positive test
• Don’t wait past 11 weeks if you want that early reassurance
• Let us know your history (if twins, IVF, etc) so we can plan ahead

Once you’re in that window, booking early gives you options, and peace of mind, a calm start to your journey ahead.