Pregnancy is a completely normal physiological state and a different experience for each woman. Some women may suspect to be pregnant within the first few days of embryo implantation, while others may only become aware after missing a period. The signs and symptoms of early pregnancy can vary from an increased need to urinate to breast tenderness, fatigue and morning sickness. The body can make changes quickly in pregnancy and sometimes expert care and advice by a consultant gynaecologist is required within the first trimester of pregnancy (ie, 12 weeks of gestation).
The early stages of pregnancy can be overwhelming, so it is important to be familiar with the changes you may experience and how best to take care of yourself and the pregnancy during this exciting time.
The first trimester of pregnancy can also be difficult for some women who may experience the common symptoms of pregnancy as well as suffer with anxiety and stress, which may be caused by a previous miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or the difficulty in achieving the pregnancy.
Investigations including a blood test and an ultrasound scan are designed to provide information about the health and stage of the pregnancy. The ultrasound scan of the early pregnancy has no known risks. Within the first 11-12 weeks of gestation it can be performed to establish viability, the number of fetuses and date the pregnancy as well as to provide reassurance. Between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy the ultrasound scan can be part of a screening programme and include the Nuchal Translucency to determine the probability of the most common fetal chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome, Edward’s Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome.
I provide early pregnancy scans and specialist advice, up to 12 weeks of gestation, for women with a history of miscarriage(s), ectopic pregnancy and for those who like reassurance that the pregnancy is viable and developing well within the uterine cavity.
I perform the following:
- Early conception advice
- Viability / Dating early pregnancy scan (6 – 12 weeks)
- Reassurance scan (6 – 12 weeks)
- Harmony Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Test (from 11 weeks)
