An ultrasound provides you with a peek at your developing child. The anticipation of your first ultrasound might induce both anxiety and excitement. Additionally, ultrasounds enable gynecologists to assess the foetus’s health and certify a healthy pregnancy. You must be nervous about the impending scan if you are approaching the eighth week of pregnancy. So, don’t worry because we will cover everything you need to know about an 8-week ultrasound in this article. Let’s start with the reason you need one.

Why Should an Ultrasound Be Performed at 8 Weeks?

  • To estimate the gestational age of your unborn child.
  • Determine the cause, if any, of bleeding.
  • To determine the presence of multiple pregnancies.
  • To determine if your infant has a heartbeat.
  • To determine the embryo’s size.
  • To examine the condition of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
  • Examine for complications, such as ectopic pregnancy.

Preparing for Your 8-Week Ultrasound

An abdominal scan requires you to have a full bladder. During the first several weeks of your pregnancy, your baby will be relatively little. Therefore, a full bladder is necessary to elevate the uterus. This aids in obtaining a more accurate impression of your child. You may need to expose your abdomen during the scan, so wear loose, comfortable clothing. This scan applies conductive gel to the abdomen before a hand-held scanner is passed over it. The gel facilitates the transmission of ultrasound waves to the uterus. The waves then reflect off the foetus, providing a sight of it.

What Can a Doctor Tell?

We have the answer if you’re wondering what an ultrasound scan at 8 weeks will reveal! Using this scan, your doctor can determine the following:

  • Size of the foetus.
  • Multiple infants are present, which can be determined by various heartbeats and numerous yolk sacs.
  • There are vague visions of the development of little hands and legs and the construction of eyes, nostrils, and internal organs.

What Can You Expect to See During an Ultrasound at the Eight Week Mark?

At the 8-week ultrasound, the embryo appears as follows:

  • The eyes would have moved from the sides to the front of the head.
  • From head to tail, the embryo would measure 2.3 centimeters.
  • The outer ear would begin to develop.
  • Your infant has elbow mobility.
  • The fingers are like little blossoms.
  • The digestive system would have begun to mature.
  • The infant’s head remains bowed over his stomach.

If at 8 Weeks There Is No Heartbeat, Could It Be a Miscarriage?

In certain instances, the heartbeat may not be seen or audible at 8 weeks. However, this does not confirm an abortion. To rule out a miscarriage, your gynaecologist may propose a follow-up scan in the coming week. The absence of a heartbeat is not the only indicator of a miscarriage; therefore, you should not hurry to conclusions. 

Ultrasound is like a camera taking a photo of your growing child. However, it is important to remember that each kid is unique, so ultrasound scan reports vary from baby to baby. The crown-rump length of the baby is cleared in a 7-week ultrasound. When in doubt, consult your doctor instead of worrying.