8 Week Ultrasound: What To Expect & Questions To Ask (2025)
Early scans in pregnancy can be pretty daunting. You may not have told many people, you may feel you can’t ask questions or get the low down from friends on what actually happens in there. This scan may be because of bleeding, or it may act as a reassurance if you are anxious or have managed a previous pregnancy loss. Of course it may just be your dating scan - a standard early scan offered to women early in pregnancy to measure their baby and offer a more accurate pictures of how many weeks and days you are. Either way - we want to shine a light on early scans and offer some clarity about what actually happens.
What's Happening in My Body at Week 8?
At 8 weeks your little one is around the size of a kidney bean. Main structures are developing for your baby, and the heart is beating alongside a developing circulatory system. Your babys brain is developing with areas of it now controlling some of your babys basic functions.
Managing 1st Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms (at 8 Weeks)
Pregnancy hormones are still on the rise at this stage, meaning you’re managing things like sickness and major tiredness. You’re probably not seeing major changes physically just yet, but you’ll certainly be feeling them, with your circulatory volume increasing and your heart working harder.
What Does My Baby Look Like?
Like we mentioned, your little one is a tiny kidney bean at the moment! Their facial structure is starting to change and take shape. Their eyes are closed but present, and their little button nose is becoming more defined. It really is amazing that they are becoming their own little person, even at this early on!
Birth Preparation Tips for Week 8
It’s all about going easy on yourself at this point. You’re going to be so so tired. Rest as much as you can. Dont have any huge expectations for yourself, and keep your fluids and carbs up between any episodes of sickness. If you find that you are being sick constantly and you’re unable to keep fluids down, be sure to check in with your midwife who will assess you for hyperemesis gravidarum, also known as HG.
What to Expect at an 8 Week Ultrasound
What is it and why it’s important
The first thing that this scan will do, is confirm that this is an intrauterine pregnancy which means in your uterus, instead of in a fallopian tube which would be classes an an ectopic pregnancy. Your sonographer will measure your baby as well as identify that there is a heart beat. They’ll also be sure to check for multiple pregnancies such as twins. This dating scan routinely happens at 8-14 weeks in the UK, and will often be paired with a blood test that can be offered to determine a risk ratio of conditions such as down syndrome, or edwards syndrome. This is not compulsory and instead is a choice for you and your birth partner to discuss.
The scan itself is relatively quick, it can be either on your abdomen or vaginally depending on what can be seen and what needs to be visible. It is always your choice how you would like to proceed. Cold jelly is used and a probe is placed against you. The sonographer will often be quiet while they scan as they concentrate and then they’ll communicate with you after. Make sure to ask for pictures and be sure to go with a full bladder!
What Questions Should You Ask?
You are welcome to ask any questions you wish, here are a few example questions that you may wish to use!
Is my baby okay?
How old do you think my baby is?
Are there any concerning features?
If there are any concerning features please explain to me what that means.
What will the follow up be?
When should I expect my next scan?
What will my next appointment be?