Why do you have a dating ultrasound in early pregnancy?

During pregnancy follow-up, several obstetric ultrasounds will be prescribed by your health professional. These exams make it possible to monitor the development of the baby and to ensure the well-being of the baby and the mother.

Obstetric ultrasound performed at the very beginning of pregnancy, and is often called dating ultrasound, makes it possible to confirm the presence of an embryo even before the measurement of nuchal translucency. This early ultrasound, very reassuring for future parents, is easily accessible in the private sector (you must have a prescription*). It meets several clinical and emotional needs: it reduces anxiety related to the uncertainty of the beginning of pregnancy, makes it possible to precisely date the gestation period, to confirm embryonic viability and to quickly identify possible complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.

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Why should you have a dating ultrasound?

Generally performed in the first weeks of pregnancy (8 to 11 weeks), a dating ultrasound is mainly useful for women who have irregular periods, who use contraceptives, or who are unaware of when their pregnancy will start. It can also be prescribed in the presence of bleeding, during a history of miscarriage (s) or for couples undergoing fertility treatment who use assisted reproduction techniques, such as in vitro fertilization.

As the name suggests, dating ultrasound is used to date the beginning of pregnancy, by measuring the size of the embryo. It is also usually a good time to check if the embryo is viable, to check for the presence of a heartbeat, and if it is a single or twin pregnancy (twins). Our medical imaging technologists are experienced in pregnancy ultrasound and will also ensure the position of the pregnancy in order to detect an extrauterine (ectopic) pregnancy or the risk of complications. It will also be possible to estimate the famous expected delivery date (APD). It is usually during the dating ultrasound that this date is the most reliable.

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Dating ultrasound for medical reasons

You should know that the only ultrasound recommended in the first trimester, and prescribed from the start, is the 1st trimester ultrasound (also called nuchal translucency), performed around the 12th week of pregnancy. A dating ultrasound, performed between the 8th and 11th weeks of pregnancy, is never prescribed at the outset, unless there is a medical reason for doing so. You could therefore be pregnant and have never had this type of obstetric ultrasound.

Although this examination provides great reassurance to the expectant mother, accessibility to it remains difficult in the public sector, unless there are medical problems justifying this test. In fact, it has been shown that confirming the viability of pregnancy reinforces a woman's motivation to adopt better eating habits and to take care of herself, which also benefits the unborn embryo.

Despite the many benefits associated with this dating exam, women face several barriers to accessing it, especially in terms of obtaining a prescription, while this exam could significantly ease their concerns and reduce their anxiety. Since this exam has been removed from the routine of care, you can however discuss it with your health professional, explaining that this exam would be beneficial for you, and specifying your intention to do it in the private sector. Under these conditions, it is likely that he will agree to provide you with a prescription.

The dating ultrasound service is available in all of our branches. To make an appointment, call us at 1 877-362-8602.

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