Which pregnancy scan do I need, and when?
It depends on how many weeks you are, use the stage router above. In short: 6–10 weeks for early reassurance, 10–15 for dating, from 10 weeks for NIPT, 16–18 for gender and wellbeing, 18–24 for the anomaly scan, 24–40 for growth, and 35–40 for presentation. If you are between stages, call 0203 904 4441 and we will tell you honestly what is worth booking now.
Do I need a GP or midwife referral?
No. You can self-refer for every pregnancy scan here and book online today. These scans sit alongside your NHS care rather than replacing it, and we always provide a written report you can share with your midwife or consultant.
Can my partner or children come with me?
Yes: bring whoever you want with you. The room is comfortable rather than clinical, and we will never rush you out of it. Little ones are welcome too; we are used to them.
Will I get pictures of my baby?
Yes: images are included in the price, and there are no hard-sell photo packages here. You will also get a written report the same day on your secure portal.
How early can you see a heartbeat?
Usually from about 6 to 7 weeks. Before then it can simply be too early to see, which is why we may suggest waiting a few days rather than scanning and leaving you uncertain. If you have had bleeding or pain, come in anyway, the scan still answers important questions.
Are pregnancy ultrasound scans safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has been used safely in pregnancy for decades. We follow ALARA principles: using the lowest settings needed for a clear answer, and only scan where there is a clinical or reassurance reason to.
Are the prices really all-inclusive?
Yes. Each price includes the appointment, the scan, the written report and your images. No hidden fees and no upsell in the room. Every price is published on its page before you book.
What happens if something is found?
You will not be left alone with it. Findings are explained to you in the room, in plain English; a consultant radiologist is available on site, and where onward care is needed we provide a report and referral letter and help you arrange the next step, often the same week.
How much does a private pregnancy scan cost in the UK?
Private pregnancy scans in the UK typically range from about £100 for a short reassurance scan to £250+ for a detailed anomaly scan, with NIPT usually £400–£600. Here scans start at £160 all-inclusive, with every price published before you book.
What does an early pregnancy scan show?
Between 6 and 10 weeks the scan confirms:
- That the pregnancy is inside the womb
- The heartbeat, where the pregnancy is far enough along
- How many weeks you are, and your estimated due date
- Whether there is one baby or more
How long does a pregnancy scan take?
Most scans take 20–30 minutes; the anomaly scan takes longer because of the detail involved. If baby is in an awkward position we will take the time, a short walk and a return to the room is normal and never charged extra.
Where can I get a private pregnancy scan near me in London?
We are at 99 Harley Street in central London, W1, minutes from Oxford Circus, Bond Street and Regent’s Park stations. Same-day and next-day appointments are usually available: book online or call 0203 904 4441, no referral needed.
When can I have my first pregnancy scan, and is 6 weeks too early?
A private early pregnancy scan can be done from 6 weeks, counted from the first day of your last period, when the pregnancy sac and usually a heartbeat can be seen. Before 6 weeks there is often too little to see, so if you book earlier we may suggest a repeat scan a week or two later. The NHS dating scan comes at 10 to 14 weeks.
What is a viability scan?
A viability scan is an early pregnancy scan that checks the pregnancy is in the right place, how many babies there are, and whether a heartbeat can be seen, usually between 6 and 10 weeks. It is the scan people book for reassurance after bleeding, pain, a previous miscarriage or IVF, and it is the same appointment as our early pregnancy scan.
Can I have private scans as well as my NHS scans?
Yes. Private scans sit alongside your NHS care and do not replace it: keep your NHS booking, dating and anomaly appointments. Many women add a private early scan for reassurance, a gender and wellbeing scan at 16 weeks, or growth scans later on. Your report is on your portal to share with your midwife.
Do you offer a 36-week presentation scan, and what does it check?
Yes. The presentation scan, from 35 weeks, confirms whether the baby is head-down or breech and checks the baby’s size, the fluid around the baby and the position of the placenta, with a same-day report for your midwife. The NHS does not routinely scan at 36 weeks, which is why many women book one privately.
How many scans will I have in pregnancy, and which are private only?
NHS care normally includes two scans: dating at 10 to 14 weeks and the anomaly scan at 18 to 21 weeks. Early reassurance scans before 10 weeks, the 16-week gender and wellbeing scan, routine growth scans in the third trimester and the 36-week presentation scan are usually only available privately unless there is a medical reason.
Do I need a full bladder for a pregnancy scan?
Only for the earliest scans. Before about 10 weeks a comfortably full bladder lifts the womb into view, so drink a glass or two of water an hour beforehand; if an internal scan is needed you empty it first. From the dating scan onwards no preparation is needed, and later in pregnancy an empty bladder is more comfortable.
