The moment you suspect you might be pregnant, a flurry of questions begins to arise — How do I test for pregnancy? When can I know for sure? What will early scans tell me about my baby? These are natural concerns for any expectant mother. Fortunately, advancements in early pregnancy testing and imaging provide reassurance at every stage of early pregnancy.
From Suspicion to Confirmation: Taking a Pregnancy Test
Missing a period is often the first clear indicator of possible pregnancy. At this point, many women turn to a pregnancy test, which is typically available as a home urine test or a more sensitive pregnancy blood test conducted by a healthcare provider.
Both tests work by detecting levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - a hormone produced after implantation occurs. A urine pregnancy test generally detects hCG between the 4th and 5th week of gestation, though sensitivity varies between brands. Blood tests can detect smaller amounts of hCG and can confirm pregnancy as early as 6–8 days after ovulation.
For the most accurate result, it's advisable to wait at least a few days after your missed period before testing. If you're wondering how to test pregnancy correctly, using first morning urine increases the likelihood of detecting sufficient hCG for a reliable reading.
The Next Step: Confirming Viability with a Pregnancy Scan
Once your pregnancy test yields a positive result, the next logical step is a pregnancy scan. This early ultrasound offers a first glimpse into your baby’s development and helps confirm that the pregnancy is progressing normally.
When Can Early Pregnancy Scans Detect the Baby?
A transvaginal ultrasound, which provides clearer images in early pregnancy, can detect a gestational sac as early as 4 weeks and 3 days. However, most clinicians recommend waiting until 6 weeks gestation to increase the likelihood of visualising both the gestational sac and the yolk sac — key signs that the pregnancy is intrauterine and developing appropriately.
By 6–7 weeks, it’s often possible to see the foetal pole and even a flicker of a heartbeat, which offers crucial reassurance. A heartbeat at this stage lowers the risk of early pregnancy loss.
Why Early Scans Matter
Early pregnancy scans are not just emotionally reassuring - they are clinically significant. They help:
- Confirm the location of the pregnancy, ruling out ectopic pregnancies.
- Date the pregnancy accurately, especially if your menstrual cycles are irregular.
- Detect multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets.
- Evaluate the health of the pregnancy, including the presence of a heartbeat and normal growth parameters.
These insights are particularly valuable for women who have experienced prior miscarriages, are undergoing fertility treatments, or have underlying health concerns.
Timing Your Tests and Scans: What to Expect
Timeline Post-Conception | What to Expect | |
1–2 weeks | Ovulation and fertilisation occur. No test can detect pregnancy yet. | |
3–4 weeks | Implantation occurs. A pregnancy blood test may detect early hCG. | |
4–5 weeks | Home pregnancy tests can confirm pregnancy using urine. | |
5–6 weeks | Early pregnancy scans may detect a gestational sac. | |
6–7 weeks | Foetal pole and heartbeat may be visible. Pregnancy is confirmed viable. |
What If the Scan Shows Less Than Expected?
Occasionally, a scan may show less than expected for the gestational age. This is commonly due to inaccurate dating, particularly if ovulation occurred later than assumed. Your healthcare provider may recommend a repeat scan after 7–10 days to reassess development.
Sometimes, low or declining hCG levels coupled with absent pregnancy structures can signal a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In these cases, early detection allows for timely intervention and support.
Your Pregnancy Journey at Mediclinic
Mediclinic offers a comprehensive pregnancy pathway, starting from your first pregnancy test through to delivery. Whether you choose a pregnancy blood test or begin your journey with a home test, our obstetricians and gynaecologists are available to confirm the result and begin your prenatal care.
Our facilities provide early pregnancy scanning in a calm, compassionate environment. If you’re unsure how to test pregnancy or what your next step should be, our care teams are just a consultation away.
From antenatal classes to personalised birth plans and postpartum support, Mediclinic ensures that both your clinical needs and emotional wellbeing are prioritised throughout your pregnancy journey.
Key Takeaways
- A pregnancy test is often the first confirmation of conception and can be done via urine or pregnancy blood test.
- If you're unsure how to test pregnancy, home kits are accurate after a missed period, but blood tests offer earlier detection.
- A pregnancy scan around 6–7 weeks provides vital information about your baby’s development and viability.
- Early scans support timely detection of complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
- At Mediclinic, we support you from first test to postnatal care with a full spectrum of maternity and women's health services.
Ready to start your pregnancy journey with confidence?
Book your early pregnancy consultation at Mediclinic today and experience compassionate care from the moment you test positive.