A dating ultrasound or dating scan is a scan done early in pregnancy (before 12 weeks). It is usually done to check how many weeks pregnant you are and therefore to calculate the estimated due date, but it can be done for other reasons.

How accurate is an ultrasound?

How accurate is the ultrasound examination? The earlier the ultrasound is done, the more accurate it is at estimating the babys due date. Ultrasounds performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are generally within 3 - 5 days of accuracy. The most accurate time is between 8 and 11 weeks gestation.