What to Expect at Your Six-Week Ultrasound

For many expectant parents, that first glimpse of their baby on an ultrasound is nothing short of magical. It’s a special moment packed with excitement, emotion, and the sudden realization that life is about to change in the most incredible way.

The six-week ultrasound is often the first milestone in this journey—a peek into the womb that answers early questions about development. It helps parents understand what’s happening inside the body and sets the stage for what’s to come.

Timing for the First Ultrasound in Pregnancy

Most people have their first ultrasound between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, near the end of the first trimester. This scan confirms important details such as how far along the pregnancy is and checks for the baby’s heartbeat and development. However, in some situations, the first ultrasound may happen earlier, often around six weeks.

Doctors may recommend an earlier scan if they have concerns like irregular periods, pain, bleeding, or a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. These early ultrasounds help ensure that everything is progressing safely. Medical professionals usually count pregnancy from the first day of the last menstrual period, which helps decide when these scans should happen.

What to Expect During the Six-Week Scan

At week 6, most ultrasound exams use a transvaginal approach because the embryo is still very small and hard to see with a standard abdominal scan. A thin, wand-like device is gently inserted into the vagina. This method gives the technician clearer images of the developing pregnancy.

During this appointment, the medical staff checks for important signs, such as:

• The gestational sac, which looks like a dark circle on the screen
• The yolk sac, a round structure that supports the embryo
• The fetal pole, which is the first sign of the developing baby

Sometimes, the technician can see a flicker, which may be the first evidence of a heartbeat. At this stage, the embryo measures about six millimeters. This scan helps confirm the stage of pregnancy and checks that everything is growing as expected.

Dating Ultrasound: How Due Date Is Confirmed

A dating ultrasound estimates when the baby will be born. The sonographer measures the baby’s crown to rump length, which is the standard method to calculate gestational age and predict the expected due date. This process provides a reliable timeline for pregnancy progress.

What Doctors Review During the First Ultrasound

Checking for a Heartbeat

The medical team looks for and checks the embryo’s heartbeat during the first ultrasound. At around six weeks, they often see a tiny heartbeat flicker on the screen. The presence of a heartbeat confirms that the pregnancy is developing as expected and that the embryo is viable.

Confirming Where the Embryo Is Growing

The sonographer examines where the embryo has implanted in the body. They want to make sure the embryo is growing inside the uterus. If they find the embryo outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube, this situation is known as an ectopic pregnancy and needs medical attention. Even within the uterus, doctors also note if the embryo is positioned higher or lower, since a higher placement is usually better.

Counting the Number of Embryos

During the scan, the technician checks for more than one embryo or gestational sac. This information reveals if the pregnancy involves one baby, twins, or sometimes even more. This information is important for planning care and understanding potential risks.

Assessing the Yolk Sac

The yolk sac is a small, round structure that supplies early nutrition to the growing embryo. The technician reviews its size, shape, and presence, as this can show how well the pregnancy is progressing. A healthy yolk sac is usually a positive sign at this early stage.

Looking for Ovarian Cysts

Sonographers commonly find a corpus luteum cyst on one ovary during early pregnancy. This type of cyst forms on the follicle that released the egg. They note the presence and size of any cysts to monitor for possible issues, but most are harmless and go away by the end of the first trimester.

Earliest Time a Heartbeat Is Seen

An ultrasound can sometimes detect a fetal heartbeat as early as five weeks and two days into pregnancy, though this is uncommon. In fact, fewer than a quarter of early scans show a heartbeat at this stage. If it’s not visible, the doctor may recommend another scan in one to two weeks.

In most cases, the heartbeat becomes clearer around six weeks. However, hearing it with a Doppler device typically isn’t possible until at least ten weeks. Timing can vary with each pregnancy.

Information Provided During the Scan

During an ultrasound, the technician might not discuss many details about the baby’s heartbeat or growth. Clinic rules often limit what the technician can share while you are in the exam room. Most of the time, the technician sends reports straight to the doctor, who will talk about the results at a follow-up visit. If there are urgent findings, someone from the clinic could speak with the patient right after the scan.

Baby’s Appearance at Six Weeks

At six weeks, the baby measures about a quarter of an inch, roughly the size of a pea. The shape is simple and curved, often described as a small blob on an ultrasound. Early nervous system development is taking place, and there are tiny marks where arms and legs will form. Some cranial growth is also happening at this time.

Getting Ready for Your First Ultrasound

Before the first ultrasound appointment, drinking one glass of water about 45 minutes in advance is helpful. A moderately full bladder helps doctors get a better view if it is an abdominal scan, but there is no need to drink many glasses. Overfilling the bladder can make the experience uncomfortable and is not needed. Most people find that just one glass is enough for clear images.

Sometimes, an early pregnancy may require a transvaginal scan instead of an abdominal one. For a transvaginal ultrasound, a full bladder is not necessary and no preparation is usually required. Following any instructions given by the healthcare provider and wearing comfortable clothing for the visit is always a good idea.

First Ultrasound Pictures

The clinic’s policies determine whether you get ultrasound pictures during the first scan. Many modern clinics use digital systems and may not print out paper copies of the sonogram anymore. Some clinics allow patients to take a photo of the screen with a phone, while others offer a CD or digital access. Ask about these options before the appointment.

Regardless of how you receive them, those first images often become cherished keepsakes—and a beautiful start to your parenting journey. The six-week ultrasound marks a powerful early step in pregnancy, offering a first glimpse into your baby’s development. Whether it reveals a heartbeat or just the earliest signs of growth, it brings reassurance and connection.