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An ultrasound after miscarriage in Perth can feel like the most emotionally loaded appointment of your pregnancy. Most women are advised to book an early pregnancy scan between 6 and 8 weeks to check for a heartbeat and confirm the pregnancy is progressing. For women who have experienced loss, seeing that heartbeat on screen is often the moment relief finally arrives — and our team is here to make sure it does. You likely feel a complex mix of joy and terrifying anxiety. Consequently, the thought of your first ultrasound after miscarriage may feel overwhelming. This intense fear, often called ‘scanxiety,’ is completely normal. Our team at Athena Women’s Clinic in Bentley works closely with Athena Women’s Ultrasound to provide early pregnancy scans that are unhurried, compassionate, and designed for women navigating exactly this moment.
A previous pregnancy loss changes how you experience every pregnancy that follows. Women who have experienced miscarriage report significantly higher levels of anxiety during subsequent pregnancies — particularly in the lead-up to ultrasound appointments. According to RANZCOG, early pregnancy scans play an important role in supporting women through this period by providing visual confirmation of a progressing pregnancy.
It is completely normal to feel unable to enjoy the pregnancy until you have seen a heartbeat. It is completely normal to count down the days to your scan with dread rather than excitement. These feelings do not mean something is wrong with you — they mean you have been through something hard, and your nervous system is protecting you.
Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel going into this appointment. Talking to a trusted partner, friend, or counsellor before the day can ease some of the weight. Our team includes Dr. Kavipriya Soma (M.B.B.S. | M.D. | FRACGP | DRANZCOG | DDU) — a GP obstetrician and sonologist with specialist experience in early pregnancy care, who approaches every appointment with the full emotional context of pregnancy after loss in mind.
Securing supportive medical care is absolutely vital. Not all clinics handle pregnancy after loss with necessary sensitivity. specifically, look for a women’s health clinic in Perth known for empathy. Our Bentley sonographers specialize in early pregnancy scans after miscarriage. We take the time to explain what we are seeing on screen as we go, turn the monitor towards you as soon as we can, and never rush the appointment. When you call to book, let our reception team know about your previous loss — your sonographer will be fully briefed before you arrive and can prepare appropriately for your appointment. We aim to provide an unhurried, respectful, and compassionate experience — because we understand what this appointment means to you.
There are practical steps that can genuinely make the day feel more manageable. None of them will eliminate the anxiety entirely — but they can help you feel more in control walking in.
Your sonographer will recommend the most appropriate scan type based on your gestation. Here is a quick comparison to help you understand what may be suggested:
| Feature | Transvaginal Scan | Transabdominal Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Under 8 weeks gestation | After 10–12 weeks |
| Image clarity | Higher resolution at early stages | Good — requires full bladder |
| Comfort | Requires consent; some women prefer it after loss for clarity | No internal device; generally comfortable |
| After miscarriage | Often recommended first for clearest early result | Suitable once cardiac activity is confirmed |
Fortunately, simple steps can make the day more manageable. Consider bringing a supportive partner or friend for comfort. Additionally, book the first appointment of the morning. Consequently, you avoid spending hours waiting and worrying in the reception area. Requesting a highly experienced female sonographer might also increase your comfort level significantly.
Knowing what to expect on the day can make the experience feel significantly less daunting. Here is what typically happens at an early pregnancy scan after a previous miscarriage.
Before the scan begins, your sonographer will review your history and confirm how far along you are. Letting the receptionist know about your previous loss when you book means your care team is already prepared. The sonographer will talk you through each step before it happens, and you are encouraged to ask questions at any point.
For scans before 8 weeks, a transvaginal ultrasound typically provides the clearest images. Your sonographer will explain this and ask for your consent before proceeding. The moment cardiac activity is confirmed, we turn the screen towards you as soon as clinically safe to do so. You are always in control — if you need a moment, just say so.
Communicating your history upfront changes the experience immediately. Tell the receptionist and the sonographer about your previous loss. As a result, they will likely offer more frequent reassurance. We often turn the screen towards you immediately to show the heartbeat. This instant visualization provides immense emotional relief. Do not hesitate to ask questions or request a break during the scan. You maintain control over the entire process.
Scanxiety — the anxiety that builds in the days before an ultrasound — is something many women experience, especially after pregnancy loss. There is no quick fix, but a few things can help. Try to book an early morning slot so you are not waiting all day. Bring someone you trust. Limit time spent searching symptoms or outcomes online — it rarely helps and often makes things worse. When you arrive, let your sonographer know how you are feeling. They are trained to support you through this, and they will take their time with you.
In most cases, yes — a referral from your GP is required to access Medicare rebates for early pregnancy ultrasounds in Perth. If you are a patient at Athena Women’s Clinic, Dr. Kavipriya Soma can assess your situation and provide a referral for an early pregnancy viability scan at Athena Women’s Ultrasound. If you are not yet a patient, you are welcome to book an initial appointment with our GP to discuss your pregnancy care and early scan requirements.
For women who have experienced a previous miscarriage, we generally recommend booking an early pregnancy viability scan between 6 and 8 weeks gestation. At 6 weeks, a transvaginal ultrasound can often detect a heartbeat — and for many women, that moment is everything. At 7 to 8 weeks, cardiac activity is typically very clear on screen, which can provide significant reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing. If you are unsure when to book, your GP at Athena Women’s Clinic can advise you based on your cycle dates and individual history. There is no single “right” answer — what matters most is that you feel supported and informed at every step.
This is one of the hardest things a sonographer can tell you — and it is something our team takes very seriously. The first thing to know is that not seeing a heartbeat at 6 weeks does not always mean bad news. At very early stages, a heartbeat may not yet be visible, and a follow-up scan one week later can give a much clearer picture. If a follow-up scan confirms that the pregnancy has not progressed, your sonographer will stop the appointment and ask your GP to come and speak with you directly. You will not be left alone to process difficult news in a waiting room. Our team will make sure you have the support you need — whether that is time, information, or a next-step care plan — before you leave the clinic.
Pregnancy after loss is one of the most emotionally complex journeys a woman can go through. You deserve a team that understands that — and takes the time to make every appointment feel safe. Athena Women’s Clinic offers Our pregnancy care team at Athena Women’s Clinic in Bentley works alongside Athena Women’s Ultrasound to provide early pregnancy scans that are unhurried, compassionate, and designed for exactly this moment. If you are ready for your antenatal shared care or would like to arrange your first scan, we are here to help. Call us on (08) 6116 1285 or book online — our reception team will make sure everything is in place before you arrive.
Call us on (08) 6116 1285 to speak with our staff. Alternatively, use our secure online system to book your appointment. Secure your dedicated early pregnancy scan today.
If you have a referral or anticipate needing an ultrasound in Perth, please reach out to our team to arrange your booking.
Call us at (08) 6116 1285 or email reception@athenawomensclinic.com.au
