Ultrasounds (also known as 'sonograms') are the most common test a woman will undergo if she or her caregiver suspects a miscarriage (along with HCG blood tests). However, it is important to understand that ultrasounds have their limits and their effectiveness will very much depend on how accurately the stage of pregnancy is estimated (or how far pregnant the woman feels she is). If you are very sure about when you ovulated and conceived, then the ultrasound will more likely be helpful in assessing how your pregnancy is progressing.
Generally, blood tests tend to be more relied upon up to 8 weeks of the pregnancy, with ultrasounds being more useful after this time. However, often the combined use of both ultrasounds and blood tests will help your caregiver assess what is happening with the pregnancy if you are threatening to miscarry. As a guide:
| |
 |
It is possible to detect a pregnancy of 5 ½ weeks gestation on ultrasound. A tiny sac can be seen, but the baby and their heart beat may not be detected yet. Be aware that while it is possible to see a pregnancy this small, in many cases the pregnancy may not be detected, because the sac is so tiny. You may need to have another ultrasound a week or so later to detect the pregnancy, if you still feel you are pregnant and/or your blood HCG levels are rising. |
|
A baby can be seen at 6 to 7 weeks and their heart beat may be detected at this early stage (90 to 110 beats per minute under 6 to 7 weeks, then 110 to 200 beats per minute as the baby matures). Again, the ultrasound may need to be repeated a week or so later to see if the baby is growing. |
|
Between 7 and 8 weeks, the baby and their heart beat can both be detected relatively easily. This is presuming that the pregnancy is actually at this stage of development and not less advanced than you thought it was. |
|
After 8 weeks the baby and heart beat can be clearly seen. From this point onwards, ultrasounds tend to be more likely to be used to monitor the wellbeing of the baby. The ultrasound may be repeated a few days or week or so later to check the baby's growth and progress. |