As a sonographer with over 20 years’ experience in both the NHS and private sector, I welcome The Guardian’s recent investigation into unregulated pregnancy scan clinics in the UK. The concerns raised are real, serious, and sadly familiar.
At International Ultrasound Services (IUS) in London, we have spent more than a decade building the opposite of what these reports describe: regulated, clinically led, CQC-registered diagnostic imaging delivered by professionals who also work within London NHS trusts. This article explains:
What recent media reports and professional bodies are warning about
Why the problem is poor practice, not ultrasound technology itself
How to choose a safe clinic
How IUS London aligns with BMUS, SoR and CQC expectations to protect you and your baby
What The Guardian Exposed – And Why It Matters
The Guardian’s 3 November 2025 report highlights a rapid growth of high street and “boutique” pregnancy scan clinics offering reassurance, gender and keepsake scans, often outside robust clinical governance. Experts report:
Misdiagnosed miscarriages
Missed life-threatening conditions (including ectopic pregnancies)
Incorrect or falsely reassuring reports of fetal wellbeing
Clinics operating with inadequately trained or entirely unregulated staff
Lack of clear referral pathways when something is wrong
These stories are not abstract. In NHS practice, we regularly see women referred in distress after conflicting or unsafe advice from non-regulated providers.
The harm is rarely from the ultrasound itself — it comes from who performs the scan, how it is interpreted, and what is (or isn’t) done next.
BMUS & SoR: Professional Backing for Regulation
Following this coverage, the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) issued a formal statement reinforcing key points:
Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool that must be used within clear clinical pathways.
BMUS does not support unregulated “souvenir” scanning that is presented as reassurance or diagnosis.
BMUS calls again for statutory regulation of sonographers and for patients to check:
Professional registration (HCPC, NMC, GMC or equivalent)
CQC registration of the clinic
Availability of proper reporting and referral processes
The Society of Radiographers (SoR) has echoed these concerns, warning that anyone can currently call themselves a “sonographer”, and highlighting documented cases of unsafe practice in some high street clinics.
This is exactly the regulatory gap that leaves patients exposed.
Is Ultrasound Dangerous?
Short answer: No – when used correctly.
Diagnostic ultrasound, performed within recommended settings by trained professionals, has an excellent safety record and does not use ionising radiation. This is consistent with international guidance and with what we detail in our own resources:
The true risks highlighted by The Guardian and BMUS are:
Misdiagnosis / missed diagnosis by unqualified operators
False reassurance from non-diagnostic “reassurance” or keepsake scans
Lack of escalation when something abnormal is seen
These are governance problems — and they are preventable.
How to Spot a Risky Pregnancy Scan Clinic
Before you book any pregnancy scan (viability, dating, reassurance, anomaly or growth), ask these questions. They align with BMUS and SoR guidance and with the principles we follow at IUS.
Are they CQC registered?
A genuine medical ultrasound provider in England should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for Diagnostic and Screening Procedures.
If a clinic cannot show:
A valid CQC registration
A rating and provider details you can verify on the CQC website
— treat that as a major red flag.
For deeper context on why this matters, see:
Choosing the Right Ultrasound Clinic: Lessons from Real Patient Stories and
Why You Should Use a Reputable Ultrasound Clinic for Your Scan.
Who is actually scanning you?
You should know by name and registration who is performing your scan. Look for:
HCPC-registered sonographers/radiographers
NMC-registered midwives with formal ultrasound training
GMC-registered radiologists/obstetricians
Clear display of credentials and regulatory bodies
If titles like “sonographer” or “consultant” are used with no verifiable qualifications, be cautious.
Is it diagnostic care – or just a photo?
Be wary if the clinic:
Markets mainly “heartbeat bears”, “TikTok reveals” and long 4D videos
Implies they are “checking everything is fine” without:
Taking proper measurements
Documenting findings
Explaining limitations
Offering appropriate follow-up
Souvenir scans must never replace NHS screening or a proper diagnostic examination.
What happens if they find a problem?
Safe clinics:
Provide a written, structured report
Have defined pathways to contact your GP, midwife, Early Pregnancy Unit or fetal medicine team if needed
Can manage urgent or unexpected findings appropriately
If the answer to “What happens if you see something worrying?” is vague, look elsewhere.
Why International Ultrasound Services Is Different
International Ultrasound Services has been designed from day one to meet the standards now being demanded in the national conversation.
Key safeguards:
CQC Registered & Inspected
IUS London is fully registered with the CQC as a provider of diagnostic imaging services, rated “Good” for diagnostic and screening procedures.
Over a Decade of Trusted Care
More than 10 years providing diagnostic ultrasound to thousands of patients across London.
NHS-Active Clinicians
Our sonographers and radiologists actively work in London NHS trusts, ensuring alignment with current NHS protocols, fetal medicine standards and cancer imaging pathways.
Strictly Clinical, Not Souvenir-Led
We offer clinically indicated pregnancy scans (including early viability, dating, reassurance, anomaly and growth scans) within clear protocols.
Every scan is performed for a medical purpose, with appropriate documentation and advice.
Clear Reporting & Referral
You receive written reports suitable for your GP, midwife or consultant.
Urgent findings are escalated promptly through defined referral channels.
Quality Assurance & Ethics
Regular equipment servicing and QA.
Continuous professional development and adherence to BMUS, SoR, RCR and CQC standards.
Honest communication about what your scan can and cannot tell us.
In other words: the issues highlighted by The Guardian are exactly what our model is built to avoid.
Worried After a Previous Private Scan?
If you’ve attended a high street or keepsake clinic and are unsure about the result:
If you were told your baby had died or there is a serious abnormality without confirmation in an NHS or CQC-registered setting: contact your NHS maternity unit or Early Pregnancy Unit immediately for reassessment.
If your scan felt rushed, lacked measurements, gave sweeping reassurance with no written report, or contradicted NHS findings:
Speak to your midwife or GP
Consider a repeat diagnostic scan with a regulated provider
Bringing any previous reports or images can help us review what has (or has not) been done.
Book a Safe Pregnancy Scan with IUS London
If you are pregnant and want reassurance, choose a clinic that is accountable for your safety.
At International Ultrasound Services London, all pregnancy and non-pregnancy scans are:
Performed by experienced, appropriately registered clinicians
Conducted in a CQC-registered, clinically governed environment
Reported clearly, with onward support where needed
To arrange a pregnancy scan in London, contact our bookings team or use our online diary to schedule an ultrasound appointment with one of our expert sonographers and radiologists.
Your baby’s scan should be more than a photo opportunity — it should be safe, accurate, and medically meaningful.
