PET viability scan: what to know

The scan may help estimate gestational age, identify the pregnancy sac and embryo, and check whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus. Depending on timing and the view obtained, a heartbeat may or may not yet be visible. An early result can be inconclusive if dates are uncertain or development is earlier than expected; a repeat scan may then be offered. The scan does not replace later screening, including a nuchal translucency scan.

Take your pregnancy dates, previous scan reports, medication list, and details of pain or bleeding. Ask whether the scan will be abdominal, internal, or either depending on the view needed, and whether a full bladder is requested. You can ask the sonographer or clinician to explain what is visible and when follow-up will occur.

Seek urgent care for severe one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or marked dizziness during early pregnancy. These symptoms need prompt assessment because an ultrasound appointment may not be soon enough. Contact your maternity team for ongoing bleeding or worsening cramps even if a previous scan was reassuring.

Ask what the scan is intended to answer, how gestational age will be estimated, what an inconclusive result means, and when repeat imaging or routine screening is advised. Confirm who will explain the report and how to contact the team afterward.