A pregnancy that does not show on an ultrasound scan is called a 'pregnancy of unknown location'.
In early pregnancy, you'll usually have a transvaginal ultrasound scan.
The most common reasons for a pregnancy not showing on an ultrasound scan are:
- it is too soon to see the baby on the scan - you usually cannot see before 6 weeks
- you've had a miscarriage
- the pregnancy is outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy)
- you have a very high BMI
- uterine fibroids - these can sometimes cause an issue
Next steps
Your obstetrician and midwives will need to do a series of blood tests. This is to find out where your pregnancy is developing. The tests check your pregnancy hormone levels (hCG) and monitor how they are changing.
They will also need to do more ultrasound scans. You may need several scans before it is clear if your pregnancy is developing normally in the womb. This can take several weeks, and may be difficult for you.
Urgent advice: Contact your maternity hospital if
you have any of the following symptoms:
- severe pain in your tummy
- pain across the shoulders
- bleeding from the vagina
- fainting
- feeling unwell
What activities to avoid
You can continue normal activities.
This can be an upsetting time. You may need time off, or prefer to stay busy.
Do what feels right for you.
Most obstetricians will tell you to avoid doing the following things until you know what is happening with your pregnancy:
- travelling outside of the country
- strenuous exercise
- sex
Getting support
Your obstetrician, midwife and GP will understand that this is a very hard time for you. Contact your healthcare team for more help or support during this period of monitoring.
Your obstetrician will explain what is happening. They can also explain why the diagnosis is taking longer than you might have expected.
