The first trimester of pregnancy lasts about 14 weeks. During this time, your doctor may send you for an early obstetrical ultrasound, sometimes called a dating ultrasound. For more accurate dating results, we recommend the earliest you receive one is at seven weeks.
A fetal heartbeat might be detected as early as six weeks, but that is not always the case. Waiting until seven weeks gives the technologist a better chance of detecting the heartbeat and confirming other details about your pregnancy.
This exam will first confirm the pregnancy. Then it will examine and measure the embryo, as well as count the number of embryos. It will also establish an estimated due date. This information will help your doctor with prenatal care planning.
To estimate the gestational age of the embryo and thus your due date, the sonographer will measure the embryo from top to bottom, recording the crown-rump-length (CRL). At seven weeks it’s usually about the size of a peanut and measures around 10 mm long. During your exam, the embryo’s well-being will also be assessed by seeing and documenting the heartbeat. Your uterus and some surrounding organs will also be examined.
Once the need for an ultrasound has been identified, your doctor’s office may book an appointment for you, or provide you with a number to call to book an appointment. You will also be given a requisition form and preparation instructions for the exam. Please remember to bring it to the appointment.
For an early obstetrical ultrasound, you will need to arrive for your exam with a full bladder. A full bladder helps the sonographer to see your cervix and gently adjusts the position of your uterus to give the clearest view of the embryo.
Once in the exam room you will be positioned by one of our compassionate and experienced sonographers. A warm, unscented, hypo-allergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to your abdomen, and the sonographer will move the transducer around the front and side of your abdomen to gather images. You may experience mild pressure while the sonographer takes the images.
In some cases, the sonographer may need to perform an endovaginal ultrasound to obtain additional or clearer images of certain structures. The sonographer will explain the procedure to make sure you understand and consent to the exam. You will be asked to empty your bladder for this scan and a small probe will be gently inserted into the vagina.
It’s very common for the sonographer to leave the room to consult with the radiologist or confirm the images at the end of the exam.
Watch the video: What happens during a pregnancy ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging is non-invasive and doesn’t use radiation. It has been used to evaluate pregnancy for almost 70 years and there has been no evidence of harm to the patient, embryo, or fetus. However, it should only be performed when medically necessary.
In order, to clearly visualize the fetus and acquire accurate measurements, the sonographer may need to apply pressure to your abdomen. It may be temporarily uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful.
Please let us know if you experience any discomfort during your exam. We do understand that, while these ultrasounds can offer reassurance about the health of the embryo, they can also cause anxiety.
Most pregnancies have a gestation period of approximately 40 weeks, and you may have between one and four ultrasounds during that time (or more if deemed necessary by a health care practitioner). These exams help monitor the health of you and the embryo or fetus and inform care decisions.
A nuchal translucency ultrasound may be ordered in the first trimester to help determine the baby’s risk of having one of several congenital abnormalities. During this exam, the sonographer will take several specific measurements of the skin thickness at the back of the neck. This exam is time sensitive and can be booked between 12 weeks and 13 weeks, 6 days.
During the second trimester, at 18-20 weeks pregnant, your doctor will likely request a 60-minute detailed obstetrical ultrasound. Sometimes called an anatomic ultrasound, this exam involves the sonographer taking many measurements of the fetus from head-to-toe to determine how well it’s growing. The sonographer will obtain images to view the development of the fetus’ brain, face, heart, spine, chest, major organs, arms, legs, feet, and hands.
The sonographer will also assess the location of the placenta, the vessels in the umbilical cord, the amount of amniotic fluid, your cervix and uterus, and possibly the ovaries and bladder for abnormalities. It’s also during this exam when the gender of the fetus may first be visible – if it’s in a good position.
Throughout the rest of your pregnancy you may have one or more follow-up ultrasounds, called a biophysical profile and growth ultrasound. The purpose of these exams is to monitor the fetus’ growth and well-being. The heart rate, breathing, movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid will be assessed, as well as fetal size. Sometimes the fetus grows bigger or smaller than expected, so physicians may request these ultrasounds to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Obstetrical ultrasounds generally take up to 60 minutes, but this may vary depending on the type of exam, how movement of the fetus, and its position. The sonographer will do her or his best to ensure your comfort while also acquiring accurate measurements and the best possible images.
Please note, sometimes the sonographer may not be able to acquire all the images during one appointment and you may be scheduled for a follow up appointment to complete the exam. This may happen due to the fetus’ position, incorrect dates, or very early gestation.
Imaging and measuring the fetus during any obstetrical ultrasound can be challenging and requires concentration, so the sonographer will usually show you images of the fetus towards the end of your exam. We can also save images on a complimentary USB, to share with family and friends. Please let your technologist know at the beginning of your exam if you would like one.
Mayfair Diagnostics has 13 locations across Calgary which provide ultrasound services, as well as one in Cochrane and one in Regina. For more information about our clinic locations and services, please visit our clinic location pages.
REFERENCES
Healthwise Staff (2023) “First-Trimester Examinations and Tests.” myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed May 28, 2024.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2022) “Prenatal care: 1st trimester visits.” mayoclinic.org. Accessed May 28, 2024.
Radiological Society of North America (2023) “Obstetric Ultrasound.” radiologyinfo.org. Accessed May 28, 2024.
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (2024) “Routine ultrasound.” pregnancyinfo.ca. Accessed May 28, 2024.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
