Ultrasound & Early Pregnancy: Can a Pregnancy Be Missed?

An ultrasound can miss an early pregnancy if the sonographer isn't specifically looking for one. Early pregnancy can resemble cysts or masses, and without targeted search, it may be overlooked. Also, if done too early, the fetus may be too small to detect.

However, if the sonographer is looking for pregnancy, it's very unlikely to be missed—characteristic features (gestational sac, embryo, fetal pole) are visible.

Always inform your doctor/sonographer if you are or might be pregnant so they take appropriate precautions.