Private Pregnancy Scan London

Private Pregnancy Ultrasound: What You Need to Know

If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, you may have heard of private ultrasound scans. These are scans that you can book independently of the NHS, usually at a private clinic or hospital. But what are the benefits and risks of private ultrasound, and how do they differ from NHS scans? Here are some facts and tips to help you decide if private ultrasound is right for you.

What is private pregnancy ultrasound?

Private pregnancy ultrasound is a type of medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. Ultrasound can be used to examine various organs and tissues, such as the heart, kidneys, liver, blood vessels, muscles, and bones. Ultrasound can also be used to monitor the development of a baby in the womb.

Private pregnancy ultrasound scans are not covered by the NHS, so you have to pay for them yourself. The cost of a private ultrasound scan can vary depending on the type of scan, the clinic or hospital, and the location. Generally, a private ultrasound scan can cost between £50 and £500.

Why would you choose private baby scan?

There are several reasons why you might choose to have a private ultrasound scan instead of or in addition to an NHS scan. Some of these reasons are:

- You want more scans than the NHS offers. The NHS usually offers two routine scans during pregnancy: one at 8 to 14 weeks to confirm your due date and check for any abnormalities, and one at 18 to 21 weeks to check the baby's growth and development. Some women may want more scans to reassure themselves that everything is going well, or to see their baby more often.

- You want a different type of scan than the NHS offers. The NHS only offers standard 2D scans, which show a flat image of the baby. Some private clinics offer 3D or 4D scans, which show a more realistic image of the baby's face and body. Some women may want these scans to bond with their baby or to share with their family and friends.

- You want a faster or more convenient service than the NHS offers. The NHS may have long waiting times for scans, or may not have appointments at convenient times or locations for you. Some private clinics offer same-day appointments, flexible hours, and home visits. Some women may prefer these options for convenience or privacy.

- You want a more personalised or comfortable experience than the NHS offers. The NHS may have strict protocols and guidelines for scans, which may limit your choices and preferences. Some private clinics offer more personalised care, such as allowing you to choose the gender of the sonographer, having music or aromatherapy in the scan room, or giving you a souvenir DVD or photo of your scan. Some women may find these options more enjoyable or relaxing.

What are the risks of private ultrasound?

Private ultrasound scans are generally safe and have no known harmful effects on you or your baby. However, there are some potential risks that you should be aware of before booking a private ultrasound scan. Some of these risks are:

- You may get inaccurate or misleading information from a private scan. Private ultrasound scans are not regulated by the NHS, so the quality and accuracy of the scans may vary depending on the clinic or hospital, the equipment, and the sonographer. Some private clinics may not have qualified or experienced sonographers, or may not follow professional standards and guidelines. This could lead to false reassurance, false alarms, missed diagnoses, or incorrect advice.

- You may get unnecessary or inappropriate interventions from a private scan. Private ultrasound scans are not part of your antenatal care plan, so they may not be coordinated with your NHS care team. This could cause confusion or conflict between your private and NHS providers, especially if they give you different information or recommendations. Some private clinics may also offer services that are not evidence-based or medically necessary, such as gender determination, nuchal translucency screening, fetal anomaly screening, or fetal DNA testing. These services could expose you to unnecessary risks or costs, or influence your decisions about your pregnancy.

- You may get emotional distress from a private scan. Private ultrasound scans can be an exciting and positive experience for some women, but they can also be stressful and upsetting for others. Some women may feel anxious or disappointed if they do not see what they expected or hoped for in their scan, such as their baby's face, gender, or movements. Some women may also feel overwhelmed or guilty if they find out something is wrong with their baby in their scan, especially if they did not have any symptoms or signs beforehand.

How a private pregnancy scan differs from the NHS scans?

A private pregnancy scan is an ultrasound performed by a qualified sonographer in a non-hospital setting. Unlike routine NHS scans which are generally limited to specific weeks of pregnancy, private scans can be scheduled for additional reassurance, at times convenient to you, and offer a broader range of services such as 3D/4D imaging.

At what stage of pregnancy can I have a baby scan?

Private scans can be performed at various stages throughout pregnancy, starting from as early as 6 weeks up to full term. Each type of scan has recommended weeks for optimal results, which our team can advise you on.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to book ultrasounds?

No, a referral is not necessary for a private pregnancy scan. You can book an appointment directly with us at any time.

How long does ultrasound scanning takes, and when will I receive the results?

Most scans take between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of scan you are having. Results are typically provided immediately during the appointment, along with a detailed ultrasound report from the sonographer.

Is it safe to have multiple scans during my pregnancy?

Ultrasound scans are considered safe for both mother and baby when performed by a qualified professional. There are no known risks with having multiple scans, and they can provide peace of mind throughout your pregnancy.

What if the scan detects a problem?

If any issues are detected during the scan, we will provide a full explanation and a written report. We will also advise you on the next steps and, with your consent, can liaise directly with your healthcare provider for further management.

 Can I bring someone with me to the scan?

Yes, we understand that pregnancy is a special time and encourage you to bring a partner, family member, or friend for support. Please check with us beforehand as we may have restrictions on the number of guests due to space or current health guidelines.

What should I do to prepare for my scan?

Preparation can vary depending on the type of scan. Typically, we advise that you come with a full bladder for early pregnancy and reassurance scans to improve image quality. For later scans, no special preparation is needed. We'll provide you with detailed instructions when you book your appointment.

Are the sonographers qualified? 

Absolutely. All our sonographers are fully qualified and experienced in obstetric ultrasound. They are registered with the appropriate professional bodies and participate in ongoing training to ensure the highest standard of care.

 How much does a private pregnancy scan cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of scan and the stage of pregnancy. We offer transparent pricing and package deals, which are all detailed on our Pricing page. Please contact us for more information or if you have any specific requirements.

Can I get pictures of my ultrasound scan?

Yes, we provide printed images.

How can I book a private pregnancy scan?

Booking is simple. You can book online through our appointments page, call our reception, or send us an email. Our contact information is available on the Contact Us page.