Dating Ultrasound Scan at Butler: Your Complete Guide to Early Pregnancy Imaging in Australia. (08) 9544 3999
Early pregnancy is an exciting yet overwhelming time for many expectant parents. If you’re preparing for your first appointment and wondering what to expect from early pregnancy ultrasounds, you’re not alone. The Dating Ultrasound Scan at Butler is one of the most important steps in confirming and understanding your pregnancy. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, having clear information helps you feel confident and supported from the beginning. This comprehensive guide explains what a dating scan is, why it is important, how it’s performed, and what you can expect at Butler Medical Imaging.
What Is an Ultrasound Scan? Ultrasound scans use high-frequency sound waves to create live images of your developing baby. These scans are:
Completely safe Non-invasive Radiation-free Painless
Ultrasound technology does not involve needles, injections, or radioactive substances. Because of its safety, ultrasound is the preferred imaging method during pregnancy. The real-time images help monitor your baby’s growth, check for multiple pregnancies, and confirm your baby’s gestational age. Early pregnancy ultrasounds often provide parents with their very first glimpse of their baby—an unforgettable moment filled with emotion and reassurance.
What Is a Dating Ultrasound Scan? A Dating Ultrasound Scan at Butler is usually performed between 7–10 weeks of pregnancy. It is the very first official pregnancy scan and plays a crucial role in confirming important details about your pregnancy. During this scan, the sonographer will:
Confirm the presence of a developing pregnancy Measure the embryo to calculate gestational age Provide an estimated due date (EDD) Check the baby’s heartbeat Identify the number of embryos (single or multiple pregnancy) Assess early development and check for potential concerns
This scan is often the most accurate way to determine your due date, especially if your menstrual cycles are irregular or if you’re unsure about the date of your last period. The Dating Ultrasound Scan at Butler helps lay the foundation for your entire pregnancy timeline, allowing your maternity care team to schedule future appointments and key tests appropriately.
Purpose of Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans Early pregnancy scans serve several important medical and emotional purposes. The Dating Ultrasound Scan at Butler and other first-trimester scans help confirm: 1. Pregnancy Viability Ultrasound shows whether the embryo is developing inside the uterus and whether a heartbeat is present. 2. Gestational Age & Due Date Accurate dating helps guide all future pregnancy care. 3. Multiple Pregnancies Ultrasound can detect twins, triplets, or more and check whether babies share a placenta or sac— key information for planning safe antenatal care. 4. Early Development Ultrasound monitors the embryo’s early growth and checks for early complications.
5. Emotional Reassurance Seeing a heartbeat early on can be deeply comforting for expectant parents. The Dating Ultrasound Scan at Butler is the first step in monitoring your baby’s development from the very beginning.
Types of Early Pregnancy Ultrasounds During the first trimester, you may undergo several different types of scans: 1. Dating Scan (7–10 weeks)
Confirms pregnancy Establishes gestational age Provides due date Checks for twins or triplets
2. Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11w4d–14 weeks)
Screens for chromosomal abnormalities Evaluates early anatomy
3. First-Trimester Ultrasound (12–14 weeks) More detailed evaluation of your baby’s structure 4. Transvaginal Ultrasound Used when a clearer, more precise image is needed, especially very early in pregnancy. All these imaging options are available at Butler Medical Imaging, ensuring patients receive accurate and supportive care.
How to Prepare for Your Dating Ultrasound Scan Preparation for your ultrasound is simple:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing Drink 2–3 glasses of water one hour prior (if asked) Avoid emptying your bladder until after the scan Bring your referral and any previous scans if available Arrive a few minutes early to complete forms
A full bladder helps lift the uterus for clearer images, particularly in early pregnancy. Your sonographer will guide you throughout the process.
Understanding Your Scan Results Your sonographer will show you the images on the screen and explain what they can at the moment:
Baby’s heartbeat Gestational age measurements Sac position Number of embryos
However, detailed results—including any unexpected findings—will be discussed by your referring doctor, who will interpret the comprehensive radiology report prepared by a specialist. If results are uncertain or the pregnancy is too early to visualise clearly, you may be asked to return for a repeat scan in 1–2 weeks. This is common and not usually a cause for concern.
Book your Dating Ultrasound Scan at Butler today. Please ensure you have your Medicare card and referral with you and visit our location for a consultation. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at +61 8 9544 3999. We are here to help you on your journey to pain relief and better health.
