Ultrasound scans are an important part of pregnancy as they check that your baby is developing as it should be. Routine scans are offered on the NHS usually between 8 and 14 weeks into your pregnancy to check whether you are expecting one baby or more and give you a due date and between 18 and 21 weeks to check for any anomalies. You may however, wish to have more information or reassurance than your NHS scan appointments can offer you, in which case you can book in for a private pregnancy scan.

If this is your first pregnancy, or you are not sure if you would benefit from a private baby scan here are our top 5 reasons why we think you might need one:

1. For Reassurance

If you are worried about how your pregnancy is developing, or you have previously had a miscarriage, it is understandable that you might want some early reassurance that all is well. Rather than waiting for your routine scan on the NHS you can book in for a private scan from 7 weeks into your pregnancy. Although your baby will still be in the early stages of their development, a reassurance scan can help to put your mind at ease by checking that your baby is in the right place, dating the pregnancy, determining the number of babies and assessing your ovaries and pelvic area.

2. To Find Out Your Baby’s Gender

For many parents-to-be, finding out the gender of their baby is one of the most exciting elements of pregnancy. Rather than waiting for the NHS scan, which generally falls around 20 weeks, you can instead opt for a private pregnancy scan and find out the gender of your baby from 15 weeks and 4 days into your pregnancy.  This scan may also be helpful if your NHS sonographer was not able to determine gender due to the baby being in a difficult position.

3. To See Your Baby in More Detail

One of the most popular reasons for booking a private pregnancy scan is simply to see your baby in more detail! Whilst your routine NHS scans may provide reassurance that all is progressing well and show you basic imagery, a private scan can show your baby in much more detail. 3D and 4D scans give you a head start in the bonding process by showing you three dimensional images and 4D footage of your baby moving around in real time. You might be able to see your baby stretching, kicking or sucking their thumb and will have 3D colour printed pictures to take home.

4. To See How Your Pregnancy is Progressing

By booking a private baby scan, you will also have access to obstetricians and gynaecologists who can further reassure you about how your pregnancy is progressing. If you have particular concerns, a history of miscarriage or are experiencing extreme pregnancy symptoms, their advice could prove invaluable and help to put your mind at ease.

5. To Redeem a Gift

Ultrasound scan packages are very popular gifts, particularly from grandparents to be, who will also be excited to sneak a peek at their new grandchild. If you are lucky enough to receive a gift voucher for a scan, you’ll get the opportunity to see your baby in more detail and receive colour images to take home with you.

Whatever your reason for booking a private pregnancy scan, we offer a healthcare professional led service which has been designed to fit around your all important routine scans. 

Please call us on 01242 300810 to book an appointment or click here to email us with your enquiry.

We extend a warm welcome to all of our patients and their guests and our pleased to now be able to welcome two guests with parents to be. We continue to operate with special measures in place to protect against the spread of Covid-19, so please make sure you familiarise yourself with this information before you visit.