The first ultrasound scan after assisted reproduction treatment is one of the most exciting moments. In many cases, after receiving a positive pregnancy test result, anxiety remains until the first ultrasound scan confirms that the pregnancy has developed correctly. In this article, we review everything you need to know about this first scan.
When is the first ultrasound scan after IVF?
After fertilisation treatment, the first ultrasound scan is recommended two weeks after a positive pregnancy test result. Although the embryo's heartbeat cannot yet be seen, it is an excellent time to assess whether the pregnancy is progressing.
Through this examination it is possible to:
- Rule out or confirm the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (located outside the uterus).
- Find out if the pregnancy is single or multiple.
- Confirm that the development of the embryo is adequate (the sac and outline of the embryo must be seen).
What can be seen during the first ultrasound scans?
In the first ultrasound scans after the IVF cycle, the following structures can be observed:
- Gestational sac. This is the earliest structure to appear. It is an image with no echoes (dark)
- Surrounded by an echolucent halo (white) located inside the uterus (specifically in the endometrium).
- Vitelline vesicle: this is a vestigial structure that appears at the beginning of embryonic development. It can be seen as a white circumference.
- Heartbeat: this is usually seen from the 6th week onwards and the average heart rate at this time is between 90 and 110 beats per minute and increases over the following weeks.
- Embryonic button: this is a mass of embryonic cells that will give rise to all the organs of the embryo. It appears as a structure attached to the vitelline vesicle. In the 6th week it is sometimes not yet evident.
During pregnancy, ultrasound scans are the main control element and make it possible to assess the growth of the foetus and check that all its structures are developing correctly. Although a minimum of 3 obstetric ultrasounds are usually performed during pregnancy, their number and frequency will depend on the risk of the pregnancy and the presence of any type of pathology.
