Viability scan (early pregnancy ultrasound)

A viability scan, sometimes called an early pregnancy ultrasound, is typically performed around six to eight weeks of gestation, usually two to three weeks after a positive beta-hCG blood test following IVF or a natural conception. It checks the location of the pregnancy, the presence of a gestational sac, yolk sac, embryonic pole and cardiac activity, and can identify a multiple pregnancy. Symptoms in early pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness or tiredness, vary enormously between people and do not reliably indicate whether a pregnancy is progressing normally; the scan findings, not the symptoms, guide clinical decisions. If results are uncertain, your clinic may ask you to return for a repeat scan after a week or so rather than reach a conclusion from a single visit.

Also known as: early pregnancy ultrasound, dating scan, 6 week scan, 7 week scan

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.