posted 21st September 2026
When Can You Hear or See Your Baby’s Heartbeat?
One of the most anticipated moments in early pregnancy is seeing your baby's heartbeat for the first time.
For many parents, that tiny flicker on an ultrasound screen can make the pregnancy suddenly feel very real.
But when does a baby's heartbeat actually become visible? Can you hear it during an ultrasound? And what happens if you have an early scan and cardiac activity isn't visible yet?
Let's take a closer look.
When does a baby's heartbeat start?
The baby's heart and circulatory system begin developing very early in pregnancy.
However, the timing of when cardiac activity can be seen on an ultrasound scan can vary.
Cardiac activity is often visible during an ultrasound in the region of six to seven weeks of pregnancy, although this isn't an exact milestone for every pregnancy.
Pregnancy dates are estimates, and ovulation and implantation don't necessarily happen on exactly the same day for everyone.
This means that a pregnancy thought to be six weeks and five days, for example, could actually be a little earlier.
Can you see a heartbeat at 6 weeks?
Sometimes.
At around six weeks, cardiac activity may be visible on an ultrasound, particularly with a transvaginal scan, but it isn't guaranteed.
At this stage, the embryo is extremely small and a difference of just a few days can affect what can be seen.
If cardiac activity isn't visible during a very early scan, it does not automatically mean that something is wrong.
Your healthcare professional can advise whether further assessment or a repeat scan is appropriate where clinically indicated.
What about 7 or 8 weeks?
By around seven to eight weeks, cardiac activity is more commonly visible on ultrasound.
The embryo is also becoming easier to visualise, allowing you to see more of the developing pregnancy.
For many parents, this is one of the reasons an early reassurance scan around this stage can feel particularly meaningful.
Can you actually hear your baby's heartbeat?
This is an important distinction.
An ultrasound scan allows the sonographer to visualise cardiac activity. Depending on the type of scan and equipment, parents may see the heartbeat represented on the screen.
You shouldn't assume that an early pregnancy scan will involve listening to the heartbeat through audio.
The priority during an ultrasound is the appropriate visualisation of the developing pregnancy rather than creating an audio recording.
What does the heartbeat look like on an ultrasound?
At such an early stage, your baby is tiny.
Rather than seeing a fully formed baby moving around, you may see a small developing embryo with a tiny area of movement representing cardiac activity.
It can be surprisingly moving to watch.
As pregnancy progresses, the baby's heart becomes easier to visualise and the overall ultrasound image becomes much more recognisable.
Why might cardiac activity not be visible?
There are several possible reasons.
The most common explanation during a very early pregnancy is simply that it is too early.
Pregnancy dates can be different from the dates calculated from your last menstrual period, particularly if you ovulated later than expected.
Other factors, including the position of the pregnancy and the type of ultrasound examination, can also affect what is visible.
If you have an early scan and cardiac activity cannot be seen, your sonographer should explain what was visualised and what the findings mean within the limitations of the scan.
If there is any clinical concern, further assessment through your NHS maternity service or another appropriate healthcare professional may be recommended.
Can seeing the heartbeat provide reassurance?
For many parents, yes.
Seeing cardiac activity can be an emotional and reassuring moment, particularly for people who have been worried during the early weeks of pregnancy.
Some parents choose an early scan because they simply want to see their baby before their routine maternity appointments.
Others may feel anxious following a previous pregnancy loss or because of the uncertainty that can accompany the first trimester.
A private reassurance scan can provide an opportunity to see your developing pregnancy and ask questions about what is visible.
However, an ultrasound image is not a guarantee that a pregnancy will continue normally, and a non-diagnostic private scan does not replace your routine maternity care.
What should I do if I have concerns about my pregnancy?
If you experience symptoms such as significant bleeding, severe abdominal pain, feeling faint or very unwell, you should seek appropriate medical advice promptly rather than relying on a private scan.
Your midwife, GP, early pregnancy unit or maternity team can provide clinical assessment and advice when needed.
Private reassurance scans are intended to complement — not replace — your NHS pregnancy care.
Seeing that first tiny heartbeat
There is something incredibly special about seeing your baby's cardiac activity for the first time.
At just a few millimetres in size, your baby may already have a developing heartbeat that can be visible on an ultrasound screen.
At Daisyscan, our qualified midwife sonographers provide a calm and supportive environment where parents can enjoy these early moments together.
Book an early pregnancy scan with Daisyscan
If you're looking forward to seeing your baby for the first time, an early pregnancy scan can be a wonderful milestone.
Daisyscan offers private, non-diagnostic early pregnancy scans performed by experienced registered sonographers.
Whether you're looking for an early glimpse or simply want the opportunity to see your developing pregnancy, we're here to make your scan experience comfortable, reassuring and memorable.