Transvaginal Scan During Early Pregnancy – A Complete Guide by Dr Prerna Jhawar

The average time for a TVS scan is about 15 to 20 minutes, and it helps the doctor to see magnified images of the baby on a computer screen. The sound waves that are emitted by the probe make the baby inside move and are thus captured.

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Who Gets a Transvaginal Scan Done?

Many women may need to get a transvaginal scan done during their early pregnancy as it is more accurate than abdominal scans at this stage, the fetus is quite small and it may be difficult to capture the images on 2D, 3D and 4D scans during pregnancy.

[Read : 3D And 4D Ultrasound Scans During Pregnancy]

When is a Transvaginal Scan Done?

Ultrasound waves are created by the probe that is inserted transvaginally, and this produces images of your baby. A TVS is usually done between the 6th and the 10th week of pregnancy, and a TVS helps your doctor to get a very clear picture of your developing baby as the probe is placed very close to the fetus.

How Does a Transvaginal Scan During Early Pregnancy Help?

When done till the 12th week of pregnancy a TVS helps in:

• Determining your due date if you are unsure of your last period.
• Determining the health of your reproductive organs like the cervix, uterus and ovaries.
• Detecting your baby’s heartbeat can be done as early as the 6th week.
• Figure out the number of embryos developing.
• Get a clear picture of the gestational sac.
• Assess reasons for any bleeding if you have complained of the same.
• Detect an ectopic pregnancy.

A TVS may also be done in the later stage of pregnancy if your doctor feels that you could have the condition of placenta previa, which may mean that you will in turn have a c-section delivery.

[Read : Ectopic Pregnancy – A Comprehensive View]

How is a Transvaginal Ultrasound Done?

A transvaginal scan may seem understandably a little complicated but when done by the right person, it can be done easily and comfortably. Here is what you can expect during a TVS scan.

• You will need to undress from below the waist, and your legs will be covered with a sheet.
• Your doctor will make you lie on the doctor’s table in a stirrup position.
• A small, lubricated probe with a sterile and new condom will be inserted into the vagina. It does not hurt much but may make you feel uncomfortable.
• The probe will be adjusted inside, and the images will start to be seen on the computer screen.
• In about 15-20 minutes, the whole test would be completed once the doctor gets the images they are looking for.
• You will also be asked to empty your bladder before the scan.

It is important that you relax completely as it will be easier for the doctor to insert the probe. If you feel nervous, your vaginal muscles may tense up which will stop the probe from going in properly causing pain and discomfort to you and difficult for the doctor to insert the probe.

What Can We Know From a Transvaginal Scan?

Because a TVS is done only till the 12th week, we have tried to sum up what the doctor sees in three time periods.

1. Between 6th and 8th Week

The baby’s heartbeat will probably be detected at this stage. The gestational sac, the yolk sac and the embryo can be seen. The crown-rump-length or CRL of the embryo is also measured to calculate the size of the baby and due date estimation. The length of your cervix will also be checked.

2. Between 8th and 10th Week

Your baby may appear a bit like a cashew nut at this stage as it is developing at a rapid pace. The gestational sac would be examined for any bleeding, and the baby’s heartbeat will be checked.

3. Between 10th and 12th Week

Finally, you will get to see a baby! You will be able to see the head, body, hands and feet. The baby is measured from the spine to the feet, and the mother’s organs are also checked. A TVS at this stage is usually either performed if the doctor feels the need for it or if the mother wants to get it done. It is not a usual practice at this stage as the baby can also be seen through an abdominal scan

Can a Transvaginal Scan Cause a Miscarriage?

TVS scans rarely cause miscarriages. Some pregnant women express concerns regarding the safety of transvaginal ultrasounds. However, if a TVS is done by an experienced person, following the safety standards, it is very much a safe way to know a lot about your pregnancy. Yes, it could be uncomfortable and a bit painful, but is very unlikely to cause a miscarriage.

However, if you find any spotting or bleeding after the scan, report it to your doctor immediately.

Getting a TVS during early pregnancy gives a lot of vital information concerning your pregnancy. Be confident and stay relaxed, at the end, it is all about your baby’s well-being.

FAQ’s

1. Is Transvaginal Scan Safe During Early Pregnancy?

Yes, transvaginal scans are absolutely safe during early pregnancy.

2. Can a Transvaginal Ultrasound Hurt a Fetus?

No, a transvaginal ultrasound doesn’t hurt a fetus and is absolutely safe for the mother and the baby.

3. Is an Internal Ultrasound Safe at 6 Weeks?

An internal ultrasound is safe at 6 weeks and is an important part of prenatal screenings to check the status of the growing fetus to make sure that everything is going fine.

Read Also: First Ultrasound During Pregnancy