Early Pregnancy & Reassurance Scans in Leicester
Vital clarity and support during the first trimester (6 to 12 weeks).
Early Pregnancy Scans
The early weeks of pregnancy bring a mix of joy and nerves — and that's completely normal. At Althea Women's Health, our early pregnancy scans are designed to give you clear, compassionate answers at exactly the right time, checking that your baby is developing in the right place and at the right pace.
What we're looking for
Every pregnancy follows a natural sequence of milestones, and our scans are timed to see these clearly:
- A thickened womb lining: The first sign your body is preparing for pregnancy.
- A gestational sac: The earliest visible marker of pregnancy in the womb.
- A yolk sac and fetal pole: These nourish your baby in these first vital weeks.
- A flickering heartbeat: Followed by your baby's steady growth.
Our specialist-led early pregnancy scans provide vital clarity and support during the first trimester (from 6 to 12 weeks). Whether you are seeking a viability scan to confirm your pregnancy, a reassurance scan for peace of mind, or require expert investigation into symptoms like pain or spotting, our consultants are here to help.
We provide meticulous clinical assessment to confirm pregnancy location—including the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy of unknown location (PUL)—and to sensitively manage concerns regarding miscarriage.
At Althea, you receive more than just an image; you receive the expertise of specialist clinicians dedicated to your well-being.
Timing matters
We understand the urge to check as soon as possible, but scanning too early — before these milestones have had time to appear — can create worry where none is needed. Nature takes its own time, and our team will guide you toward the scan timing that gives the clearest, most reassuring picture.
With over 20 years of experience, she provides personalized, compassionate care for women with gynaecological and fertility concerns.
What we check for:
- Confirmation of a heartbeat.
- Assessing the age of the pregnancy (dating).
- Checking for single or multiple pregnancies (twins).
- Excluding ectopic pregnancy or PUL.
- Identifying causes of early bleeding or pain.
- Referral to hospital for further management if required.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. For those experiencing severe pain and/or bleeding please seek urgent help from the hospital.
Pricing
FAQs
Yes. You will receive a full explanation during your appointment —and a digital report.
It may feel slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful. You are in control throughout the scan.
If you cannot tolerate internal transvaginal scans, please inform us before hand as there are limitations with transabdominal scans and you will need a full bladder for it.
Yes — with your consent, a detailed report can be shared with your healthcare provider.
Approximately 30 minutes, allowing time for careful assessment and full explanation.
Yes- we can do a early viability or reassurance scan if you are pregnant.
It can help if obvious problem is identified on the scan. You can seek consultation and tests at Althea before conceiving again.
Yes. You will be given a clear explanation and individual management plan, including guidance on further investigations or treatment options.
Yes. A dedicated recurrent miscarriage scan uses 3-D scan and specialist interpretation that standard scans do not provide. If you have had recurrent miscarriages, the 3-D scan is best done when you are not pregnant.
Specialist consultant-led ultrasound can detect structural uterine causes that may be missed on routine scans.
Ideally between day 5–10 of your menstrual cycle, when the womb lining is thin and abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids are easier to detect.
Yes in terms of
- reducing wait times
- consultant-led interpretation
- Immediate explanation and guidance
- No waiting lists
When performed by a consultant gynaecologist or a sonographer with experience, early pregnancy scans are accurate and help to provide expert opinion.
Yes. Bleeding is common and often harmless, but is best assessed with an ultrasound scan by a specialist. if you are bleeding heavily or in severe pain, we would recommend you to seek emergency care at the hospital.
An early pregnancy scan can:
- Confirm the pregnancy is in the womb
- Detect a heartbeat
- Estimate gestational age *
- Identify causes of bleeding or pain
- Exclude ectopic pregnancy
* However you will require the dating scan in the NHS as routine. this scan will NOT replace a dating scan
The ideal time is from 6 weeks onwards. Before this, it is often too early to see a heartbeat, which can cause unnecessary worry.
Yes — this is a diagnostic clinical service.
A consultant gynaecologist with expertise or an experienced sonographer and you can choose depending upon your need.
From 6 weeks — earlier scans often cause unnecessary worry.
Need more help?
You will receive clear explanations, honest guidance and compassionate support throughout your visit.