Viability Scan
A viability scan is an early pregnancy ultrasound performed to assess the location and development of a pregnancy and to check for signs of fetal cardiac activity when appropriate for the stage of pregnancy. It can help provide important information about early pregnancy and guide further care.
Pregnancy Location
Fetal Cardiac Activity
Viability Scan
Pregnancy Location
Gestational Sac
Yolk Sac
Embryo / Fetal Pole
Fetal Cardiac Activity
Gestational Age
Number of Pregnancies
Early Pregnancy Development
Uterus & Adnexa
Early Pregnancy Concerns
When Is It Recommended?
A viability scan may be recommended during early pregnancy depending on symptoms, pregnancy history, gestational age or clinical requirements.
- It may be performed when confirmation of an early pregnancy is required.
- It can help assess the location of the pregnancy.
- It may be recommended when there is uncertainty about gestational age or pregnancy dating.
- It can assess fetal cardiac activity when the pregnancy is sufficiently advanced for it to be visualized.
- It may be advised when there is bleeding, abdominal or pelvic pain, or other clinical concerns.
- Your doctor will recommend the appropriate timing of the scan based on your individual situation.
Important Information
Early pregnancy development varies from one pregnancy to another, and some structures may not yet be visible depending on the gestational age.
- Fetal cardiac activity may not be visible if the pregnancy is too early.
- A repeat ultrasound may sometimes be recommended when the findings are inconclusive or the pregnancy is at a very early stage.
- Ultrasound findings should be interpreted together with your clinical history and, when required, other investigations.
- A single early scan may not provide all the information needed to assess pregnancy development.
- Your doctor will guide you regarding follow-up scans and further care based on the findings.