<\/p>\n\n
\n\t\t\tEarly access to your pregnancy ultrasounds and reports\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t<\/request-search-bar><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/p>\n
Why get an 8-weeks pregnant ultrasound?<\/h2>\n
This prenatal ultrasound is often the first chance to visually confirm your pregnancy. The results of this early pregnancy ultrasound give you and your doctor the most accurate estimated due date to refer to going forward. Your practitioner will likely order an 8-week sonogram to:<\/p>\n
\n- Determine an accurate gestational age:<\/strong> Giving you an estimate of your due date.<\/li>\n
- Measure the size of your embryo:<\/strong> Measuring the crown-rump length<\/a> helps narrow down your due date.<\/li>\n
- Check for multiples:<\/strong> More than one embryo means multiple fetuses. This is more common if twins or triplets run in the family.<\/li>\n
- Ensure your pregnancy is intrauterine:<\/strong> This is to see if the embryo is implanted in your uterus. When it implants elsewhere, it is called an ectopic pregnancy<\/a>, which is unfortunately not viable.<\/li>\n
- Scan for sources of vaginal bleeding (if applicable):<\/strong> Light bleeding isn\u2019t always cause for concern but it is advised to let your doctor know.<\/li>\n
- Examine your reproductive organs:<\/strong> Examples include the cervix, ovaries and uterus.<\/li>\n
- Detect the embryo\u2019s heartbeat:<\/strong> This is another way to determine viability, as it is common to be able to detect the baby\u2019s heartbeat at 8 weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
What you may see during your 8-week ultrasound<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re unfamiliar with what an 8-week ultrasound looks like, it can be challenging to make sense of the images. Your embryo will be roughly the size of a bean, around 1.5-2.5 cm or 0.5-1 inch long. During your ultrasound, you may be able to see the following:<\/p>\n
\n- Gestational sac:<\/strong> A black circle-like shape around the embryo, the fluid-filled gestational sac is often the first visible sign of pregnancy. You should be able to see the gestational sac at 8 weeks.<\/li>\n
- Yolk sac:<\/strong> A smaller bubble that provides the embryo with nutrients, the yolk sac is absorbed by the end of the first trimester.<\/li>\n
- Embryo:<\/strong> You should be able to make out the shape of its small body distinct from its comparatively large head.<\/li>\n
- Amniotic sac:<\/strong> Full of fluid with thin walls, the amniotic sac protects the embryo while allowing for movement. It may be visible as a separate thin wall until it fuses to the outer thick white wall around 14 weeks<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Umbilical cord:<\/strong> Can you see an umbilical cord on 8-week ultrasounds? Yes! The cord carries oxygen and nutrients between the placenta and the developing embryo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You won\u2019t see too much fine detail in your 8-week ultrasound pictures. For instance, you\u2019re not likely to see limbs, nor will you be able to discern the sex of your baby. Those opportunities will come with further ultrasounds later on in your pregnancy<\/a> or if you\u2019ve opted for additional screening.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Can you hear a heartbeat at an 8-week ultrasound?<\/h2>\n
There is a good chance you\u2019ll hear your baby\u2019s heartbeat at 8 weeks. However, there are also occasional reasons you might not. One reason why there may be no heartbeat at 8 weeks is that the embryo\u2019s heart may still be too small to see during a transabdominal scan. Another possibility is if you incorrectly estimated the date of conception, it may still be too early to detect a heartbeat.<\/p>\n
Similarly, if you can\u2019t see the baby on an ultrasound at 8 weeks, it could be that your conception date is off and the baby is too small to see. This kind of dating error can cause various abnormal ultrasound results. If your doctor doesn\u2019t see everything they expect to, they will likely have you return in a few weeks so the fetus can be large enough to evaluate. They may also have you do additional testing, such as lab work. Try not to panic; it is common for early ultrasounds to have incomplete visuals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What to expect during your 8-weeks ultrasound<\/h2>\n
During your ultrasound appointment, a trained technician called a sonographer will use a hand-held device called a transducer to create and capture sound waves. Ultrasounds are very safe, and the sound waves are painless and don\u2019t produce ionizing radiation (like X-rays or CT scans). Too high-pitched for human ears to hear, those sound waves travel through your body and bounce off different structures differently. The ultrasound machine detects and uses these signals to create an image of the position and shape of your growing pregnancy.<\/p>\n
What kind of ultrasound is done at 8 weeks?<\/h3>\n
There are two main types of pregnancy ultrasound. With a transabdominal ultrasound<\/a><\/strong>, the sonographer will squeeze gel onto your belly and then run the transducer over the surface of your skin. In a transvaginal ultrasound<\/strong><\/a>, the lubricated wand is inserted into your vagina, which is closer to your uterus and ovaries and allows for a closer look at your pregnancy.<\/p>\nSo, do you get a transabdominal ultrasound at 8 weeks, or a transvaginal one? The answer, at this stage of gestation is both. In the early stages of pregnancy, the embryo is so small that the transducer successfully captures more details inside the vaginal canal than it can outside the abdomen. As your pregnancy progresses and the fetus becomes easier to see, you will usually have just abdominal ultrasounds.<\/p>\n
How to prepare for your 8-week ultrasound appointment<\/h3>\n
Ultrasounds aren\u2019t complicated scans, but there are some things you can do to help prepare, such as:<\/p>\n
\n- Bring a copy of your requisition:<\/strong> This documentation may not be necessary, but if the imaging facility doesn\u2019t have it, it saves you time. Also, bring your ID and health card.<\/li>\n
- Arrive with a full bladder:<\/strong> Sound travels well through liquid so having a full bladder will help get the best images on the transabdominal part of the test. You will empty your bladder before the transvaginal portion of the scan. That said, do you need a full bladder for an 8-week ultrasound? Often yes, but some clinics don\u2019t require it this early in the pregnancy. Consider asking their preference in advance.<\/li>\n
- Choose comfortable, loose clothing:<\/strong> Wear something easy to get in and out of.<\/li>\n
- Have someone with you (if preferred):<\/strong> If you want to bring along a support person, check in advance if the imaging clinic has restrictions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Questions to ask during and after your 8-week scan<\/h2>\n
The ultrasound tech can\u2019t legally answer questions about the ultrasound results, but they can discuss the ultrasound procedure itself. Some helpful questions to consider:<\/p>\n
\n- Can I have someone in the room with me?<\/li>\n
- How long will the appointment last?<\/li>\n
- How will you share the images and results?<\/li>\n
- Can I take photos or videos of my own?<\/li>\n
- Do you get ultrasound pictures at your first appointment?<\/li>\n
- Any advice on how to read an 8-week ultrasound?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When the scan is finished, the sonographer prepares the image report, which is reviewed by a radiologist or certain obstetricians (OBs). The radiologist then produces a report for your referring physician, OB or midwife, who will go over the results with you in a follow-up appointment.<\/p>\n
Some questions you can ask at your follow-up appointment include:<\/p>\n
\n- What are the signs of a healthy pregnancy at 8 weeks? Am I demonstrating those signs?<\/li>\n
- What is my estimated due date?<\/li>\n
- What is the 8 week baby\u2019s size? What is the crown-rump length?<\/li>\n
- Did we detect a heartbeat? If so, what is the fetal heart rate? If not, why?<\/li>\n
- Are there any nutritional and lifestyle adjustments I should start making if I am pregnant?<\/li>\n
- What does a twin ultrasound at 8 weeks look like?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Getting your results<\/h2>\n![\"Pregnant](\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pockethealth-1024x576.png\")
Pregnant person getting their ultrasound report from PocketHealth<\/em><\/p><\/div>\nMany patients want to see the results<\/a> of their 8 weeks ultrasound as fast as possible. With PocketHealth<\/a>, you can securely access and share your pregnancy ultrasound images<\/a> and report, as soon as the imaging facility releases the report and images. That means you typically have access before your follow-up appointment with your practitioner. Plus, you can easily share ultrasound images with friends and family, so they can see how your pregnancy develops.<\/p>\nNeed help understanding the medical terms in your ultrasound report? PocketHealth Report Reader<\/a> breaks down complex terminology so you can feel confident and informed when speaking with your healthcare provider. MyCare Navigator<\/a> enhances this experience by helping you plan for follow-up appointments, offering personalized questions based on your results and highlighting key topics to discuss with your doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
<\/p>\n
Why get an 8-weeks pregnant ultrasound?<\/h2>\n
This prenatal ultrasound is often the first chance to visually confirm your pregnancy. The results of this early pregnancy ultrasound give you and your doctor the most accurate estimated due date to refer to going forward. Your practitioner will likely order an 8-week sonogram to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Determine an accurate gestational age:<\/strong> Giving you an estimate of your due date.<\/li>\n
- Measure the size of your embryo:<\/strong> Measuring the crown-rump length<\/a> helps narrow down your due date.<\/li>\n
- Check for multiples:<\/strong> More than one embryo means multiple fetuses. This is more common if twins or triplets run in the family.<\/li>\n
- Ensure your pregnancy is intrauterine:<\/strong> This is to see if the embryo is implanted in your uterus. When it implants elsewhere, it is called an ectopic pregnancy<\/a>, which is unfortunately not viable.<\/li>\n
- Scan for sources of vaginal bleeding (if applicable):<\/strong> Light bleeding isn\u2019t always cause for concern but it is advised to let your doctor know.<\/li>\n
- Examine your reproductive organs:<\/strong> Examples include the cervix, ovaries and uterus.<\/li>\n
- Detect the embryo\u2019s heartbeat:<\/strong> This is another way to determine viability, as it is common to be able to detect the baby\u2019s heartbeat at 8 weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
What you may see during your 8-week ultrasound<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re unfamiliar with what an 8-week ultrasound looks like, it can be challenging to make sense of the images. Your embryo will be roughly the size of a bean, around 1.5-2.5 cm or 0.5-1 inch long. During your ultrasound, you may be able to see the following:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Gestational sac:<\/strong> A black circle-like shape around the embryo, the fluid-filled gestational sac is often the first visible sign of pregnancy. You should be able to see the gestational sac at 8 weeks.<\/li>\n
- Yolk sac:<\/strong> A smaller bubble that provides the embryo with nutrients, the yolk sac is absorbed by the end of the first trimester.<\/li>\n
- Embryo:<\/strong> You should be able to make out the shape of its small body distinct from its comparatively large head.<\/li>\n
- Amniotic sac:<\/strong> Full of fluid with thin walls, the amniotic sac protects the embryo while allowing for movement. It may be visible as a separate thin wall until it fuses to the outer thick white wall around 14 weeks<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Umbilical cord:<\/strong> Can you see an umbilical cord on 8-week ultrasounds? Yes! The cord carries oxygen and nutrients between the placenta and the developing embryo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You won\u2019t see too much fine detail in your 8-week ultrasound pictures. For instance, you\u2019re not likely to see limbs, nor will you be able to discern the sex of your baby. Those opportunities will come with further ultrasounds later on in your pregnancy<\/a> or if you\u2019ve opted for additional screening.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Can you hear a heartbeat at an 8-week ultrasound?<\/h2>\n
There is a good chance you\u2019ll hear your baby\u2019s heartbeat at 8 weeks. However, there are also occasional reasons you might not. One reason why there may be no heartbeat at 8 weeks is that the embryo\u2019s heart may still be too small to see during a transabdominal scan. Another possibility is if you incorrectly estimated the date of conception, it may still be too early to detect a heartbeat.<\/p>\n
Similarly, if you can\u2019t see the baby on an ultrasound at 8 weeks, it could be that your conception date is off and the baby is too small to see. This kind of dating error can cause various abnormal ultrasound results. If your doctor doesn\u2019t see everything they expect to, they will likely have you return in a few weeks so the fetus can be large enough to evaluate. They may also have you do additional testing, such as lab work. Try not to panic; it is common for early ultrasounds to have incomplete visuals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What to expect during your 8-weeks ultrasound<\/h2>\n
During your ultrasound appointment, a trained technician called a sonographer will use a hand-held device called a transducer to create and capture sound waves. Ultrasounds are very safe, and the sound waves are painless and don\u2019t produce ionizing radiation (like X-rays or CT scans). Too high-pitched for human ears to hear, those sound waves travel through your body and bounce off different structures differently. The ultrasound machine detects and uses these signals to create an image of the position and shape of your growing pregnancy.<\/p>\n
What kind of ultrasound is done at 8 weeks?<\/h3>\n
There are two main types of pregnancy ultrasound. With a transabdominal ultrasound<\/a><\/strong>, the sonographer will squeeze gel onto your belly and then run the transducer over the surface of your skin. In a transvaginal ultrasound<\/strong><\/a>, the lubricated wand is inserted into your vagina, which is closer to your uterus and ovaries and allows for a closer look at your pregnancy.<\/p>\n
So, do you get a transabdominal ultrasound at 8 weeks, or a transvaginal one? The answer, at this stage of gestation is both. In the early stages of pregnancy, the embryo is so small that the transducer successfully captures more details inside the vaginal canal than it can outside the abdomen. As your pregnancy progresses and the fetus becomes easier to see, you will usually have just abdominal ultrasounds.<\/p>\n
How to prepare for your 8-week ultrasound appointment<\/h3>\n
Ultrasounds aren\u2019t complicated scans, but there are some things you can do to help prepare, such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Bring a copy of your requisition:<\/strong> This documentation may not be necessary, but if the imaging facility doesn\u2019t have it, it saves you time. Also, bring your ID and health card.<\/li>\n
- Arrive with a full bladder:<\/strong> Sound travels well through liquid so having a full bladder will help get the best images on the transabdominal part of the test. You will empty your bladder before the transvaginal portion of the scan. That said, do you need a full bladder for an 8-week ultrasound? Often yes, but some clinics don\u2019t require it this early in the pregnancy. Consider asking their preference in advance.<\/li>\n
- Choose comfortable, loose clothing:<\/strong> Wear something easy to get in and out of.<\/li>\n
- Have someone with you (if preferred):<\/strong> If you want to bring along a support person, check in advance if the imaging clinic has restrictions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Questions to ask during and after your 8-week scan<\/h2>\n
The ultrasound tech can\u2019t legally answer questions about the ultrasound results, but they can discuss the ultrasound procedure itself. Some helpful questions to consider:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Can I have someone in the room with me?<\/li>\n
- How long will the appointment last?<\/li>\n
- How will you share the images and results?<\/li>\n
- Can I take photos or videos of my own?<\/li>\n
- Do you get ultrasound pictures at your first appointment?<\/li>\n
- Any advice on how to read an 8-week ultrasound?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When the scan is finished, the sonographer prepares the image report, which is reviewed by a radiologist or certain obstetricians (OBs). The radiologist then produces a report for your referring physician, OB or midwife, who will go over the results with you in a follow-up appointment.<\/p>\n
Some questions you can ask at your follow-up appointment include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What are the signs of a healthy pregnancy at 8 weeks? Am I demonstrating those signs?<\/li>\n
- What is my estimated due date?<\/li>\n
- What is the 8 week baby\u2019s size? What is the crown-rump length?<\/li>\n
- Did we detect a heartbeat? If so, what is the fetal heart rate? If not, why?<\/li>\n
- Are there any nutritional and lifestyle adjustments I should start making if I am pregnant?<\/li>\n
- What does a twin ultrasound at 8 weeks look like?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Getting your results<\/h2>\n
Pregnant person getting their ultrasound report from PocketHealth<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n
Many patients want to see the results<\/a> of their 8 weeks ultrasound as fast as possible. With PocketHealth<\/a>, you can securely access and share your pregnancy ultrasound images<\/a> and report, as soon as the imaging facility releases the report and images. That means you typically have access before your follow-up appointment with your practitioner. Plus, you can easily share ultrasound images with friends and family, so they can see how your pregnancy develops.<\/p>\n
Need help understanding the medical terms in your ultrasound report? PocketHealth Report Reader<\/a> breaks down complex terminology so you can feel confident and informed when speaking with your healthcare provider. MyCare Navigator<\/a> enhances this experience by helping you plan for follow-up appointments, offering personalized questions based on your results and highlighting key topics to discuss with your doctor.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n\n
- Arrive with a full bladder:<\/strong> Sound travels well through liquid so having a full bladder will help get the best images on the transabdominal part of the test. You will empty your bladder before the transvaginal portion of the scan. That said, do you need a full bladder for an 8-week ultrasound? Often yes, but some clinics don\u2019t require it this early in the pregnancy. Consider asking their preference in advance.<\/li>\n
- Yolk sac:<\/strong> A smaller bubble that provides the embryo with nutrients, the yolk sac is absorbed by the end of the first trimester.<\/li>\n
- Measure the size of your embryo:<\/strong> Measuring the crown-rump length<\/a> helps narrow down your due date.<\/li>\n