Early pregnancy scan in Copenhagen – everything you need to know (2026)

What is an early pregnancy scan?

An early pregnancy scan is an ultrasound scan performed in the first weeks of pregnancy. The scan confirms that the pregnancy is intact and located in the uterus, and can show a heartbeat from around week 6.

Many people feel uncertain early in pregnancy – especially after previous miscarriages, with an irregular cycle or after fertility treatment. An early scan provides concrete clarity, so you don't have to wait for the public offer, which only starts in weeks 11–14.

Stork Scan is centrally located by Nørreport Station, and we typically have available appointments in the current week – no doctor's referral, no long waiting time. Book directly online.

What can an early scan show?

An early ultrasound scan can clarify: whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus (and is not an extrauterine/ectopic pregnancy), whether there is one fetus or more, whether cardiac activity (a heartbeat) can be seen – typically from week 6+0, and whether the length of the pregnancy matches your expected due date.

When can you have an early scan?

We offer early scans from week 5+0 up to and including week 13+6. Many choose to come in week 6, 7 or 8, when the likelihood of seeing a clear heartbeat is greatest.

Week 5+0–5+6: Gestational sac in the uterus. The embryo is 1–3 mm and can be hard to distinguish. A heartbeat is rarely visible.

Week 6+0–6+6: Embryo approx. 3–6 mm, yolk sac visible. Cardiac activity starts to be detectable. Heartbeat often visible.

Week 7+0–7+6: Embryo approx. 7–12 mm. Heartbeat clearer. First hints of head and body. Heartbeat clearly visible.

Week 8+0–8+6: Embryo approx. 13–18 mm. Arm and leg buds visible. Heartbeat clear and stable.

Week 9+0–9+6: Fetus approx. 19–25 mm. Arms and legs become distinct. Heartbeat clearly visible.

Week 10+0–10+6: Fetus approx. 26–33 mm. Movements start to be seen. The scan can now be performed abdominally. Heartbeat clearly visible.

Week 11+0–13+6: Fetus approx. 34–73 mm. Profile, hands and feet visible. Last possible time for an early scan. Heartbeat clearly visible.

Our recommendation: If you want to see a heartbeat, we recommend booking from week 6+3. If you primarily want to confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus, week 6+0 is sufficient.

Who benefits from an early scan?

An early scan is particularly relevant if you have previously experienced a miscarriage and want reassurance early in the new pregnancy, have an irregular cycle and are unsure exactly how far along you are, experience pain or bleeding in the early weeks, have had fertility treatment and want quick confirmation, or want to confirm the pregnancy before telling others.

The public system offers a scan from weeks 11–14. There is no public early scan in weeks 5–10 – it is exclusively a private offer that gives you answers much earlier.

How does an early scan at Stork Scan work?

The scan itself takes about 15 minutes. Up to week 10+0 the scan is usually performed vaginally to achieve the best image quality. From week 10+1 we normally scan abdominally (externally on the belly). If you would like an external scan earlier, simply talk to our staff about it when booking or when you arrive.

During the scan we go through all findings with you along the way and answer your questions.

Is ultrasound safe early in pregnancy?

Yes. Ultrasound scanning is considered safe by health authorities internationally in all trimesters, including early pregnancy. Ultrasound uses sound waves – not X-rays – and no harmful effects have been documented for mother or fetus with diagnostic use.

Frequently asked questions about early scans

From which week can I have an early scan? You can book from week 5+0. However, we recommend week 6+3 or later if you would like to see a clear heartbeat.

Do I need a doctor's referral? No. You book directly with us – no referral needed.

Is there a waiting time? We typically have available appointments in the current week.

Can I come alone, or may I bring my partner? You are very welcome to bring your partner or a relative.

Book your early scan at Stork Scan today – and get the reassurance you deserve early in your pregnancy.

Read more about our early scan and book your appointment here →