Pregnancy
A heartbeat is usually detectable on transvaginal ultrasound from about six weeks. Seeing one substantially reduces the chance of miscarriage, though it does not eliminate it. If it is too early to see, a repeat scan in a week or so is normal practice rather than bad news.
Also known as: heartbeat on scan, cardiac activity
Related Australia guides
Sources
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ranzcog.edu.au)
- Healthdirect Australia (healthdirect.gov.au)
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.