Dating scans are a type of ultrasound scan done during pregnancy.
All pregnant women in Ireland are offered a dating scan. This should be done before 15 weeks.
Dating scans aim to detect:
- your baby’s heartbeat
- your expected birth date
- the baby’s size
- if you are expecting more than 1 baby
Important
You will need a full bladder. In early pregnancy, your womb can be quite small and lies quite low in the pelvis. A full bladder helps to push the womb upwards.
Most ultrasound departments will allow you to bring a support person with you for your scan. Check this with your maternity unit. Children are usually not allowed.
You will not be allowed to record the scan using a phone or video camera.
You may be given a printed photo of your baby. Do not leave it in sunlight and do not laminate it because it will fade.