By Dr Najib Boudra, obstetrician gynecologist. Updated on 10 November 2026.
The test is positive. Once the first emotion passes, a question comes quickly: when will I be able to see my baby? The first scan is a powerful moment, often awaited with impatience, sometimes with a little anxiety.
Choosing the right time avoids needless worry. Dr Najib Boudra explains when to book this first ultrasound scan in Fes (page in French), what it can show and how it is carried out.
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Why a scan in early pregnancy?
The test confirms the pregnancy but does not tell you everything. The first scan answers several key questions, as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explains:
- is the pregnancy inside the uterus?
- how many embryos are there?
- is there a heartbeat?
- exactly how far along is the pregnancy?
That last question matters more than it seems: a reliable date allows the due date to be calculated, the next tests to be planned at the right time and the baby’s growth to be interpreted correctly.
When is the right time?
Having a scan the day after a positive test is tempting. Yet it is often too early. Before five to six weeks, counted from the first day of your last period, sometimes only a small sac can be seen, or nothing at all.
For a pregnancy without particular symptoms, a first scan between seven and nine weeks usually shows the embryo and its heartbeat. A more detailed scan is then offered at around eleven to fourteen weeks, as the NHS describes for the first trimester scan. Our article on the pregnancy scan schedule covers every step.
However, do not wait if you have pain or bleeding: an early scan is then useful. Our article on bleeding in early pregnancy lists the warning signs.
Pain or bleeding?
Do not wait for the planned date: call us to be seen sooner.
What the doctor checks
The sac and its position
The first aim is to see the pregnancy sac inside the uterus. This rules out an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus.
The embryo and its heart
The doctor locates the embryo and looks at the heartbeat, visible as a small rapid flicker. For many parents, this is a very moving moment.
Measuring the embryo
The length of the embryo, from head to bottom, dates the pregnancy to within a few days. The due date may then be adjusted if it differs from the one calculated from your period.
The number of embryos
Twins are often found at this point. The doctor also notes whether there are one or two placentas, which matters for follow-up.
The uterus and ovaries
The scan also checks the uterus, for example for a fibroid, and the ovaries.
How is the scan done?
In early pregnancy, the scan is usually done vaginally. A thin probe, covered and lubricated, is gently inserted. It is not painful and carries no risk to the pregnancy. It gives far clearer images than through the abdomen, because the uterus is still small.
Later in pregnancy, the probe is simply placed on the abdomen with gel. The scan usually takes about fifteen minutes.
No special preparation is needed for a vaginal scan. For an abdominal scan in the first trimester, you may be asked to have a moderately full bladder. The front desk will tell you when you book.
When not everything is visible yet
Sometimes the scan shows a sac with no visible embryo, or an embryo with no heartbeat seen yet. Before worrying, know that this is common when the scan is done early, or when ovulation happened later than expected.
In that case, NICE guidance recommends repeating the scan one to two weeks later rather than drawing conclusions too soon. A blood test for the pregnancy hormone may complete the picture. The wait is hard, but it avoids hasty conclusions.
Preparing for your appointment
A few tips for the scan to go smoothly:
- Note the first day of your last period: it is the starting point for the calculation.
- Bring your test or blood result if you have one.
- Mention your history: ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, uterine surgery, fertility treatment.
- Come with someone if you wish: this moment is meant to be shared.
If you have nausea or tiredness, do not worry: these are common signs. Our article on early pregnancy symptoms reviews them.
Booking an appointment in Fes
At the Boudra Fertility Center, scans are performed on site by Dr Najib Boudra and his team with dedicated equipment. The first scan is also a chance to plan your pregnancy follow-up, the tests to expect and the vitamins to take.
To book your first scan, call 05 35 93 08 18.
Book your first pregnancy scan
A question, a first appointment? The Boudra Fertility Center team is here to help.
Boudra Fertility Center, 7 Rue Abdelkrim El Khattabi, 30000 Fes, Morocco
Frequently asked questions
At how many weeks can the heartbeat be seen?
The heartbeat usually becomes visible at around six to seven weeks, sometimes a little later if ovulation was late.
Is a vaginal scan dangerous for the baby?
No. It is safe for the pregnancy and gives clearer images in early pregnancy.
Do I need a full bladder?
Not for a vaginal scan. For an abdominal scan, you may be asked to have a moderately full bladder.
What if the embryo cannot be seen yet?
Do not draw conclusions too soon. The doctor will usually suggest repeating the scan one to two weeks later.
Sources
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. For any question about your situation, talk to your doctor.