Understanding when a fetus has a heartbeat can be helpful in knowing what to expect in early pregnancy. A fetal heartbeat is usually detected between 5 and 6 weeks with a transvaginal ultrasound and around 7 to 8 weeks with an abdominal ultrasound.
An obstetric ultrasound, routinely performed in early pregnancy, is used not only to check for the fetal heartbeat but also to assess fetal development and calculate your gestational age.
To monitor fetal development and ensure the pregnancy is progressing normally, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN or midwife. If a heartbeat is not detected at 5 weeks, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. In this case, your provider may recommend repeating the ultrasound in about one week.