When Can You See an Embryo on an Ultrasound After Conception?

The time at which an embryo can be seen on abdominal ultrasound after pregnancy?

Is it possible to see the embryo on an abdominal ultrasound at the obstetrics and gynecology department 10 days after sexual intercourse?

Dong Dong, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/22

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In general, a sufficient gestational age is required to visualize the pregnancy.
If using abdominal ultrasound, it can typically be seen around six weeks of gestation.
If using a transvaginal ultrasound, it can be detected a bit earlier, around five weeks of gestation.
The gestational age mentioned here is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period, with each week counted as seven days.
If calculating from the time of conception following sexual intercourse, abdominal ultrasound can usually detect the pregnancy around four weeks (28 days) post-conception, while transvaginal ultrasound can detect it a bit earlier, around three weeks (21 days) post-conception.
Therefore, even if conception has occurred, it may not be visible until at least ten days after sexual intercourse.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/08/22

More Info

When it comes to detecting an embryo via ultrasound after conception, timing is crucial. Typically, an embryo can be visualized on an ultrasound around 5 to 6 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP), which is approximately 3 to 4 weeks after conception. This is because it takes time for the embryo to develop to a point where it can be seen on an ultrasound.

If you engage in sexual intercourse and conceive, the fertilized egg will take about 6 to 10 days to implant into the uterine lining. After implantation, the body begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is crucial for maintaining pregnancy and can be detected in blood and urine tests. However, the embryo itself will not be visible on an ultrasound until it has developed sufficiently.

In your case, if you are considering an abdominal ultrasound just 10 days after conception, it is unlikely that an embryo will be visible. At this early stage, the embryo is still very small and may not have developed enough to be detected. Most healthcare providers recommend waiting until at least 5 weeks after the LMP for a transvaginal ultrasound, which is more sensitive and can detect earlier pregnancies more effectively than an abdominal ultrasound.

Transvaginal ultrasounds can often detect a gestational sac as early as 4 to 5 weeks of gestation, which is typically when the embryo can first be seen. The gestational sac is the first structure that can be visualized, and it indicates that a pregnancy is present. By around 6 weeks, you may be able to see the embryo and possibly even detect a heartbeat.

In summary, while it is understandable to want to confirm a pregnancy as soon as possible, an abdominal ultrasound performed just 10 days after conception is unlikely to yield any results. It is generally advisable to wait until at least 5 weeks after the last menstrual period for a more accurate assessment of the pregnancy through ultrasound. If you suspect you are pregnant, consider taking a home pregnancy test around the time of your expected period, and consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance on when to schedule an ultrasound.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Early Pregnancy: When Can You See the Embryo?

The last menstrual period was on June 36/28. I took a home pregnancy test and it showed positive. To confirm, I visited different obstetricians on July 2 and July 4, and both tests also indicated pregnancy, but no embryo was visible yet. On the evening of July 5, I suddenly exper...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, typically a standard ultrasound can detect the gestational sac at around 5 weeks, but it is normal to see it around 7 to 8 weeks. It is advisable to wait a bit longer. If the pregnancy test indicates that you are pregnant, that should be confirmed. If a gestational sac is ...

When Can an Embryo Be Detected by Ultrasound During Pregnancy?

Hello, Dr. Dong. I have confirmed my pregnancy with a urine test, but neither abdominal nor transvaginal ultrasound has detected the embryo. The previous doctor did not mention anything about drinking more water. Does that make a difference? At how many weeks can an embryo be see...

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: A positive urine pregnancy test but no visible gestational sac on ultrasound indicates the need for continued monitoring to rule out ectopic pregnancy or other abnormal pregnancies. It is advisable to follow up with the physician as instructed for further examinations. For...

Understanding Fetal Development: What to Expect on Day 20 Post-Fertilization

On the twentieth day after fertilization, how large is the embryo, and can it be seen on an ultrasound?

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: It is possible to see the gestational sac through ultrasound. You are welcome to visit us at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu City Hospital.

Can a Vaginal Ultrasound Miss a Fetus at 16 Weeks Pregnant?

Is it possible to not visualize the embryo with a transvaginal ultrasound at 16 weeks of pregnancy?

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It's unlikely; a transvaginal ultrasound can typically detect the gestational sac at around 5 weeks.