What to Expect at Your Dating Scan: Your Guide to the First Crucial Appointment 

Finding out you’re pregnant is an incredible moment, often followed by a wave of questions—and perhaps a touch of anxiety. At Western Imaging for Women in Maribyrnong, we believe in supporting you with clarity and expertise right from the beginning. 

Your Dating Scan, also known as the Early Pregnancy Scan, is typically the very first imaging appointment you will have. This guide walks you through what this crucial scan involves, what we look for, and why it’s the best way to start your pregnancy journey with confidence. 

Why Is a Dating Scan So Important?

The Dating Scan is usually performed between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. It provides foundational information that will guide your entire maternity care journey. 

As specialists in obstetric ultrasound, we use this scan to: 

• Determine an Accurate Due Date: This is one of the most important pieces of information we establish. Getting an accurate Estimated Due Date (EDD) is crucial for timing future tests and scans, especially the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) and the later Morphology Scan. 
• Confirm Heart Activity and Viability: The scan allows us to confirm the presence of a heartbeat, offering essential early reassurance. 
• Check the Location of the Pregnancy: We ensure the pregnancy is safely positioned inside the uterus. 
• Identify Multiples: We can confirm if you are carrying one baby or if you have a twin pregnancy. 

What Happens During the Appointment? 

When you book your scan with our expert team in Maribyrnong, you are choosing the ‘gold standard’ of specialist care. Here is what you can expect during your appointment: 

• Preparation: We often recommend having a relatively full bladder for an optimal view, particularly in the earliest weeks. Our staff will advise you when you book. 
• The Scan Itself: Depending on the stage of your pregnancy and visibility, the scan may be performed two ways: 
  1. Transabdominal: The sonographer moves a probe gently over your abdomen. 
  2. Transvaginal: For the earliest or clearest views, a small internal probe may be used. Our highly trained sonographers will ensure this is performed with maximum comfort and respect. 
• Real-Time Feedback: At Western Imaging for Women, we pride ourselves on a thorough process. We provide feedback and discuss the preliminary findings with you during the appointment. You won’t leave until you are aware of the results and your questions are answered.
• Reporting: The full, detailed report is securely sent to your referring doctor within 24 hours via encrypted file or eFax. 

Why Choose Western Imaging for Your Dating Scan? 

Your referral slip allows you to choose any clinic, and many expectant mothers in Melbourne’s West, Geelong, and beyond choose us because of our specialist focus. 

• Specialist Expertise: We only perform pregnancy and gynaecology imaging. Our team consists of obstetrician and gynaecology trained doctors who are highly trained to interpret and advise on your scan. 
• A Commitment to Care: We offer a premium, high-quality service that focuses on making this first experience comfortable and reassuring. 

Next Steps After Your Dating Scan 

Getting an accurate date sets the stage for the rest of your care, including the vital NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). Ready to book your Dating Scan and start your pregnancy journey with confidence? Book online with us or reach out to our expert team for more details.