Pregnancy Scans and Early Ultrasound (Gravid Scan & Tidlig Scanning)

Overview

Ultrasound has become an essential part of prenatal care because it lets healthcare providers see the developing baby without using radiation. In Denmark these examinations are commonly called gravid scan (pregnancy scan), while the very first exam is termed tidlig scanning (early scan). A gravid scan offers reassurance, helps establish the due date and can detect potential complications. This concise guide explains what a pregnancy scan involves, why an early scan may be performed and how to choose a provider.

What is a gravid scan?

During an ultrasound a handheld probe sends high‑frequency sound waves into the abdomen. The echoes are processed into images of the fetus and surrounding structures. A gravid scan can confirm that a pregnancy is located in the uterus, check fetal growth, count the number of fetuses and look for signs of problemspraksisjordemoder.dk. Because click here ultrasound uses sound rather than x‑rays it is considered safe for mother and baby. Professional organisations advise that scans should be performed by trained professionals and only when medically indicated gravid scan

Common types of scans

Pregnancy scans are adapted to different stages of pregnancy. Private clinics such as PraksisJordemoder in Copenhagen offer several optionspraksisjordemoder.dk:

Early reassurance or dating scan (tidlig tryghedsscanning): from 5 + 0 weeks. Confirms pregnancy, visualises an early heartbeat and provides an estimated due date.

Gender scan (kønsscanning): from 14 + 0 weeks. Determines fetal sex; a free repeat is offered if the sex cannot be seenpraksisjordemoder.dk.

3D/4D scan: usually after 14 weeks. Produces detailed three‑dimensional images and moving pictures of the baby; appointments last about 30 minutespraksisjordemoder.dk.

Anomaly scan (misdannelsesscanning): around 18–20 weeks. Examines the baby’s organs and structure to detect anomaliespraksisjordemoder.dk.

Growth scan: late in pregnancy. Checks growth, amniotic‑fluid volume and placental positionpraksisjordemoder.dk.

Early pregnancy scan (tidlig scanning)

The first scan is often scheduled between 6 and 9 weeks of pregnancy. Routine care normally includes a major scan in mid‑pregnancy, but early scans are offered for high‑risk situations or if there is uncertainty about gestational age. Providers usually use a transvaginal probe in early scans to obtain clear images because the embryo is still very small. The major reasons to have an early scan are tidlig scanning

Confirm intra‑uterine pregnancy: Seeing a gestational sac and yolk sac by 5–6 weeks confirms that the pregnancy is in the uterus and rules out ectopic pregnancy.

Assess viability and number: Cardiac activity becomes visible from about 6 weeks; early scanning can also detect twins or triplets.

Estimate gestational age: Measuring the crown–rump length in early weeks provides a reliable due date.

Clinicians remind parents that early scans are not mandatory. If only one ultrasound is performed in pregnancy it is usually scheduled in the mid‑second trimester to assess anatomy. Private scans are available for reassurance but should not replace routine prenatal care.

What happens during a scan?

At the appointment the sonographer explains the procedure and answers questions. You will lie on a couch while gel is applied to the abdomen or a sterile probe is inserted gently into the vagina. A full bladder can improve image quality for abdominal scanspraksisjordemoder.dk. Early scans are usually transvaginal and may cause mild discomfort but should not be painful. The examination typically lasts 15–30 minutespraksisjordemoder.dk. Partners are often welcome to attend, and many clinics provide printed or digital imagespraksisjordemoder.dk.

Choosing a provider

To ensure a safe and reassuring experience, consider the following when selecting a clinic:

Qualified staff: Ultrasound should be performed by trained obstetricians, midwives or sonographers. PraksisJordemoder’s midwives have over ten years of experiencepraksisjordemoder.dk.

Modern equipment: High‑resolution scanners produce clearer images. The Copenhagen clinic uses state‑of‑the‑art technology including a premium 3D scannerpraksisjordemoder.dkpraksisjordemoder.dk.

Personal care and flexibility: Choose a provider that takes time to answer questions and offers appointments that fit your schedulepraksisjordemoder.dk.

Cost transparency: Prices vary; at PraksisJordemoder an early scan costs around 395 DKK and a 3D/4D scan around 995 DKKpraksisjordemoder.dk.

Take‑home messages

A gravid scan gives you the chance to see your baby and provides important medical information. Early scans can confirm that a pregnancy is progressing normally and offer reassurance, especially for parents with previous losses or fertility treatment. Nevertheless, medical guidelines encourage scans only when needed and emphasise the importance of experienced staff and quality equipment. Whether you opt for an early scan or wait until the routine second‑trimester screening, choosing a reputable provider will help you feel informed and supported throughout your pregnancy.