What is a presentation scan?
A short ultrasound from 35 weeks that confirms which way your baby is lying: head down (cephalic), bottom or feet first (breech) or across the womb (transverse). Your sonographer also checks the estimated size, the amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta, so that you and your midwife can plan the birth with the facts in hand.
Why have a presentation scan at 36 weeks?
Because from 36 weeks (which is why it is often called the 36-week scan) most babies have settled into their final position, and knowing it early leaves time to act. If your baby is breech there is still time to discuss turning the baby (ECV) or to plan the safest birth. Midwives feel for position by hand, which is right about seven times in ten; a scan removes the guesswork.
What if my baby is breech?
Around 3 to 4% of babies are breech at term. Your sonographer explains the finding and writes a report for your maternity unit, where the options are discussed: an external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure to turn the baby by hand, a planned caesarean, or in selected cases a vaginal breech birth. We can arrange a repeat scan in a week or two, because some babies turn on their own.
Can my baby still turn after 36 weeks?
Yes, though it becomes less likely as space runs out. Around one in eight breech babies at 36 weeks turns head down by itself before labour, and positions like transverse lie change more often. That is why a breech finding is often re-checked rather than acted on immediately.
What is ECV?
External cephalic version: a maternity-unit procedure in which a doctor or midwife gently turns a breech baby to head down by pressing on your tummy, usually from 36 to 37 weeks, with the baby monitored throughout. It succeeds in roughly half of cases. Your presentation scan report gives the unit the information it needs to offer it.
Does a presentation scan check growth and fluid too?
Yes. Although position is the main question, your sonographer measures your baby for an estimated weight, checks the amniotic fluid and the placenta, and records movements and the heartbeat. If you want a fuller growth assessment with Doppler blood-flow checks, book a growth scan instead; both are available from 35 weeks.
Is a presentation scan the same as a growth scan?
They overlap. A growth scan is a fuller assessment of your baby’s growth, weight, fluid, placenta and blood flow, and also records position. A presentation scan is shorter and focused on position and birth planning, with size and fluid checked alongside. If a midwife has raised a concern about growth, choose the growth scan.
How long does a presentation scan take?
Around 20 minutes, including the position check, the measurements and time for your sonographer to explain everything on screen. Your scan images and written report are ready before you leave, so you can take the report straight to your next midwife appointment.
Do I need a full bladder?
No. In late pregnancy your baby is easily seen through your tummy, and lying down with a full bladder is uncomfortable. Come as you are, in loose clothing.
Can I have a presentation scan at 38, 39 or 40 weeks?
Yes, right up to your due date. A late scan is useful if a midwife is unsure of the position, if you have had a breech or transverse finding before, or if you simply want certainty before labour.
Does the scan check whether the cord is around the neck?
Your sonographer looks at the cord and will mention a loop around the neck if one is seen, but it is common, usually harmless and not a reason to change your birth plan on its own. A scan cannot guarantee it will or will not be present at delivery, because babies and cords move.
Will the NHS give me a presentation scan?
Usually only if your midwife suspects your baby is not head down at 36 weeks. If you would like certainty rather than an estimate by hand, a private presentation scan gives you a clear answer with a written report for your maternity notes, and it never affects your NHS care.
How much does a private presentation scan cost in London?
The price is confirmed when you book and is fixed and all-inclusive: the scan, your sonographer’s time, your scan images and your written report. Call 0203 904 4441 or book online without a referral; same-day and next-day appointments are usually available.
What if something needs a closer look?
Your sonographer tells you in the room, gently and in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You are never sent home to wait for a letter. Most of the time a finding simply needs a repeat scan in a week or two, or a measurement checked again at the next routine scan.
If something genuinely needs attention, a consultant review is available the same day, and we arrange the next step for you: a referral to a fetal medicine specialist or early pregnancy unit, with your report and images, through our hospital partners. You will not be left alone with a worry.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a presentation scan in London directly online or by phone, with no GP or midwife letter and no waiting list. Same-day and next-day appointments are usually available, and we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
The price is confirmed when you book and covers the scan, your sonographer’s time, your scan images and your written report. Pregnancy scans are usually self-pay; if you are insured, check whether your policy covers pregnancy scanning before you book.
How soon will I have the written report?
The same day. You will already know what was seen, because your sonographer explains everything on screen as the scan happens, and your written report is published to your secure patient portal with your images before the day ends, ready to share with your midwife, GP or consultant.
Your scan images are on your secure portal the same day.
Is ultrasound safe for my baby?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has been used in pregnancy for more than fifty years with no confirmed harmful effects on babies. Our sonographers keep scan times to what is clinically needed and use hospital-grade equipment, so a scan can be repeated safely whenever it is useful.
Can I still have my NHS scans afterwards?
Yes, completely. A private scan with us never affects your NHS maternity care: keep every NHS appointment as planned. Many parents book with us for extra reassurance between NHS scans, or for a scan the NHS does not routinely offer. If anything needs attention, your sonographer writes to your midwife or GP so that you re-enter the NHS pathway with the findings already in hand.
