5 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

An ultrasound at 5 weeks of pregnancy is typically performed to confirm the gestational age of the fetus, check for any structural abnormalities or birth defects, and assess the overall health of the pregnancy. During the ultrasound, sound waves are used to create a live image of the developing fetus and placenta on a monitor.

At 5 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is still very small and is not yet fully formed. It is about the size of an apple seed and is made up of two layers of cells: the outer layer, which will eventually become the skin, hair, and nails, and the inner layer, which will become the organs and bones.

During the ultrasound, the technician will be looking for the gestational sac, which is a fluid-filled structure that contains the developing fetus. They may also be able to see the fetal pole, which is the first visible sign of the developing fetus. The fetal pole is a thickening on the edge of the gestational sac and will eventually become the head and body of the fetus.

At 5 weeks of pregnancy, it may not be possible to see all the details of the developing fetus, and it may be difficult to get a clear image due to the small size of the fetus and the presence of other structures in the uterus. Additional ultrasounds may be needed later in the pregnancy to get a clearer picture of the fetus's development and overall health.

What to expect during a 5-week ultrasound

If you're 5 weeks pregnant, your ultrasound will be done via the vagina as opposed to transabdominal ultrasounds that are typically performed later on in pregnancy. During a transvaginal ultrasound, a lubricated wand is inserted into your vagina and images translate back to a screen. It shouldn't be painful, but it may be a little uncomfortable.

Why You Might Need NIPT?

NIPT is a non-invasive test which detects chromosome abnormalities as early as from 10th week. 

Why you might get a 5-week ultrasound

Some women may get an early ultrasound during their first trimester to estimate the age of the gestational sac, which usually becomes visible in an ultrasound during the fifth week.

If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, or if you've conceived via in vitro fertilization, your doctor may also want you to have an early ultrasound. In addition, bleeding after a positive pregnancy test might warrant a look at your uterus.

What if nothing shows up on the ultrasound?

Patience is key during pregnancy. Some women may go in for a 5-week ultrasound only to hear that their gestational sac isn't showing up yet.

There are a few possibilities as to why the gestational sac doesn't show up during a 5-week ultrasound.

Is it best to have a first pregnancy ultrasound at 5 weeks gestation?

Speak to your doctor about arranging for your first ultrasound visit to check on your pregnancy. Ultrasound Care recommends the first ultrasound scan be undertaken at 6-7 weeks gestation for high-risk pregnancies and otherwise at 8-10 weeks gestation. If you would like to find out more about your first ultrasound scan or dating scan and what is involved and can be seen, please click here to visit our Dating Scan page or call us at a location of your choice to arrange an appointment.