8 Week Ultrasound: What to Expect, See, and Feel at Your First Pregnancy Scan

8 Week Ultrasound: What to Expect, See, and Feel at Your First Pregnancy Scan

It is one of the most thrilling early pregnancy moments of your life because this is the time when you first see your baby in an ultrasound. You have a little one that is already beating its heart and showing you some premature features on the screen, even though it is only an inch or so in size.

What Is an Ultrasound in Pregnancy?

Ultrasound is the imaging procedure that involves the use of sound waves to provide images of your baby in the womb, and it is safe and non-invasive. It assists the medical practitioners in tracking the progress of your baby, ascertaining the pregnancy, and establishing the presence of any possible problems during the initial stages.

An ultrasound at the 8th week of pregnancy can:

  • Ascertain the gestational age of the baby.
  • Detect a heartbeat
  • Check to ensure that the pregnancy is growing within the uterus.
  • Determine whether there is more than one pregnancy (i.e., twins or multiples).
  • Assistance to eliminate complications like ectopic pregnancy.

Transabdominal Ultrasound vs. Transvaginal Ultrasound

The baby is very small at the age of 8 weeks, and hence your provider can employ either of two kinds of ultrasounds as long as they bring out the best picture.

Type

How It’s Done

When It’s Used

Image Clarity at 8 Weeks

Transabdominal Ultrasound

The probe is moved across your abdomen with gel.

Usually from 10 weeks onward.

Moderate clarity; may not capture fine details at 8 weeks.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

A slender probe is gently inserted into the vagina.

Early pregnancy (6–9 weeks).

A clearer image of the uterus, embryo, and heartbeat.

Do You Get an Ultrasound in 8 Weeks?

Yes - the average time for women is approximately 8 weeks, during which most women carry out their first ultrasound of their pregnancy. This scan is commonly referred to as a dating scan, and it will confirm that your baby is growing well, and will also give you an approximate due date.

Provided that you had issues with early pregnancy or underwent fertility procedures, your doctor can arrange this scan earlier, at 6-7 weeks, to check the progress.

When to Expect Your First Ultrasound

Ultrasound normally occurs at 8-12 weeks. The scan you had at week 8 also becomes a much-needed milestone as you will be able to see your baby, hear the heartbeat (in most cases), and make sure that everything is fine and proceeds in the right direction.

What Happens at the 8-Week Ultrasound?

The following is what happens when you usually visit:

  • The Scan: Depending on how far along you are and how clearly the baby can be seen, the sonographer may perform either a transabdominal or a transvaginal ultrasound.
  • At 8 weeks, a transvaginal ultrasound is more commonly used because the embryo and uterus are still quite small and located deep in the pelvis, making it easier to get a detailed image this way.
  • A transabdominal ultrasound may be used instead if the baby is visible enough or if you prefer a less invasive option.
  • Measurements: Crown-rump length (CRL). This is the measurement of your baby's head-to-bottom to determine gestational age.
  • Heartbeat: The sound of the heartbeat of the baby can be seen or heard, and it is one of the most thrilling moments of the scan.
  • Overview: The technician examines your uterus, gestational sac and determines that the pregnancy is progressing well.
This is what happens during an ultrasound.

What Do You See at the 8 Week Ultrasound?

Your infant is the same size as a raspberry - approximately 1.5 cm long. The major body systems of your baby are growing fast, even though it is very small.

During the scan, you may see:

  • The embryo is contained in the gestational sac.
  • The nourishment in the initial stage is in the yolk sac.
  • A tiny, bean-shaped embryo
  • A twitching heartbeat, and the life of your baby.
  • The picture is so moving, even at this tender age - the first photo of your baby!
8-week ultrasound picture.

Can You Hear the Heartbeat at 8 Weeks Pregnant?

Yes, in a majority of the cases, you are capable of hearing the heartbeat as well as seeing the heartbeat on your 8-week ultrasound. The average heart rate of an 8-week-old unborn baby is approximately 110-160 bpm.

In case the heartbeat is still not detected, there is no need to panic. Visibility can be influenced by when ovulation is done or when implantation is done, and your physician may want you to have another scan in a week or two.

When You Can’t See the Baby or a Heartbeat

In case no embryo or motion of the heart is observed:

  • Your service provider can perform an hCG test by taking a blood test.
  • 1-2 weeks later, you may be requested to come back to do a follow-up ultrasound.
  • This is simply because this state of being pregnant is just too soon.

8-Week Ultrasound Pictures

Your 8-week ultrasound images might not yet show a fully formed baby, but you’ll clearly see the beginnings of life taking shape. At this stage, you’ll likely notice:

  • The gestational sac– a dark, round area that surrounds and protects the developing embryo.
  • The tiny fetus– often seen as a small curved shape or “peanut” inside the sac.
  • The flicker of a heartbeat– a faint, rhythmic movement showing your baby’s heart beginning to beat.

These ultrasound pictures are an excellent memento of how your baby was growing, and they make a great gift.

How Do You Feel During the 8th Week?

At week eight, the body is completely pregnant. Common symptoms include:

  • Nausea or morning sickness
  • Fatigue
  • Breast tenderness
  • Mild cramping or bloating

While you may not need maternity gear just yet, comfort and gentle support can make a big difference as your body changes. If you’re already feeling back strain or mild belly pressure, it might help to plan ahead with a supportive product like the Momcozy Ergonest Maternity Belly Band, which eases lower back tension and provides gentle lift as your bump grows in the coming weeks.

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How to Prepare for Your 8-Week Ultrasound Appointment

It can be made easy to do and enjoyable by following a few basic steps:

  • Check your ultrasound type. Preparation depends on whether you’ll have a transabdominal or transvaginal scan.
  • If it’s a transabdominal ultrasound, drink plenty of water about 30–45 minutes before your appointment to fill your bladder — this helps lift the uterus and create a clearer image.
  • If it’s a transvaginal ultrasound, you’ll be asked to empty your bladder beforehand, since a full bladder can make it harder to see early pregnancy details.
  • Wear loose clothes so that you can access your belly easily.
  • Invite your partner or support person (where allowed).
  • Write up questions you would like to ask.
  • Calm down, it is time to enjoy.

Questions to Ask During and After Your 8-Week Scan

You should inquire of your provider:

  • Is the infant on schedule at age 8 weeks?
  • What is the baby's heart rate?
  • Does the pregnancy lie in the right place in the uterus?
  • Is there any indication of multiple or twins?
  • When would you like me to return to do my ultrasound?
  • What can the coming few weeks bring to me?

Next Steps After the 8-Week Ultrasound

Following the scan, your provider will:

  • Confirm your due date.
  • Test the size and the heartbeat of your baby.
  • Book your follow-up scan, which is usually 12 weeks.
  • Give an account of your first trimester care and lifestyle advice.
  • Keep taking prenatal vitamins, remain hydrated and rest as much as the body requires.

FAQs

Can You See the Placenta in 8 Weeks?

The placenta is only developing at 8 weeks of pregnancy hence it might not be distinctly seen in the ultrasound at this stage. At this stage, your baby depends largely on the yolk sac to supply him with nutrients.

How Do I Read an Ultrasound Report of Pregnancy at 8 Weeks?

An 8 week ultrasound report generally involves the details of gestational sac, yolk sac and fetal pole (the first appearance of the child).

How Long Does an 8-Week Ultrasound Take?

Depending on the mother, the average 8 weeks pregnant ultrasound takes between 15 and 30 minutes. It will take time depending on the type of scan used, which is transabdominal or transvaginal scan, and the ease with which the baby and the uterus can be observed.

Is 8 Weeks Too Early for an Ultrasound?

No - the optimal time to have the scan is 8 weeks when it is the first pregnancy. The pregnancy can be confirmed early enough, a heart beat can be detected and complications such as ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage eliminated.

Can an 8-Week Pregnancy Ultrasound Determine if It’s a Boy or Girl?

At the age of 8 weeks, it is too soon to know the sex of your baby. External genitals are not yet developed, and are similar in both boys and girls.

Can I Bring My Partner or a Support Person to My 8-Week Scan?

Yes, most of the clinics make you invite a partner or loved one.

How Big Is the Baby at 8 Weeks Gestation?

When your baby is 8 weeks, he/she is approximately 1.5 cm long - approximately the size of a raspberry. The head is huge in comparison with the body, yet small arms, legs, and faces are starting to appear.

Conclusion

The most exciting early pregnancy milestones are your 8-week ultrasound. The first time you hear the heartbeat of your baby, it is a relief and joy at the same time, knowledge that the new life is growing inside your belly.

Your body is evolving, and you should focus on comfort, wearing such supportive items as the Momcozy Ergonest Maternity Belly Band and the Ultra Soft Seamless Nursing Bra. Such minor pleasures could go a long way when you work through the first trimester and beyond.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.

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