Do you need a referral for dating scan?

A dating scan is an early pregnancy ultrasound used to estimate gestational age and check the pregnancy’s location and development. The appointment may be arranged through maternity care, a general doctor, a midwife, or a private ultrasound clinic.

The service may ask about the first day of your last period, cycle pattern, pregnancy symptoms, previous pregnancies, and any pain or bleeding. A request from a clinician can help the sonographer understand the clinical question and arrange follow-up when needed.

Ask your maternity provider whether the scan is already included in your care pathway. If booking directly, confirm what information the clinic needs, whether the scan is suitable for your stage of pregnancy, and how the report will reach your doctor or midwife.

Take your referral or booking details and ask whether you need a full bladder. Follow the clinic’s preparation instructions, which can vary with the type of ultrasound and how early the pregnancy is.

Seek urgent medical advice for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, dizziness, or feeling very unwell in early pregnancy. These symptoms need clinical assessment and should not be managed by arranging a routine scan alone.

Ask whether you need a referral, which scan is appropriate, what the appointment can and cannot show, when you will receive the report, and who will arrange follow-up if the findings are uncertain.