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Early pregnancy care
- Specialist early pregnancy care for pain, bleeding, nausea, or loss of symptoms
- Same day appointments with experienced sonographers and consultants
- Comprehensive early pregnancy scans, tests and antenatal screening
Care in the early stages of pregnancy
The early pregnancy service is available to give newly expectant mothers the support they need during the first weeks and months of pregnancy.
Our team of experienced sonographers and consultants provide personalised care for women experiencing pain, bleeding, morning sickness or loss of symptoms. We offer a number of ultrasound examinations and routine antenatal screenings, including: anatomy, growth and Doppler examinations; screening for Down’s Syndrome, Edwards and Patau’s Syndrome; chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis.
Same day appointments are often available. If necessary, we can arrange further tests or consultations with a gynaecologist.
We also offer a wide range of antenatal classes and childbirth advice for you and your partner, as well as exercise classes to help you maintain general fitness and prepare your body for childbirth.
For most women with a regular, monthly cycle, one of the first signs you may be pregnant is missing your period. At this time, it is completely normal to feel a range of emotions from joy and excitement to feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Some signs that you may be expecting a baby include:
- missed period or very light period
- nausea and/or vomiting
- feeling dizzy or faint
- fatigue
- tender or sore breasts
- tummy cramps or twinges
- strange taste in the mouth
- sensitivity to smells
- aversion (dislike) to certain foods or food cravings
- need the toilet more frequently
- constipation
- excess saliva (ptyalism)
Every woman is different and the symptoms of early pregnancy can vary greatly.
Some women experience severe nausea during early pregnancy and find themselves being sick constantly and unable to keep anything down. This is a serious pregnancy condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum and requires medical treatment, you will need to see your GP for a referral or you can see an obstetrician experienced in this condition.
If you think you might be pregnant, one of the quickest ways to find out is to do a pregnancy test at home. The most reliable time to take a test is from the first day of your missed period.
Pregnancy tests detect the hormone ‘human chorionic gonadotrophin’ (HCG) in urine. The test is quick and easy to do. It involves holding a stick under your stream of urine. Most pregnancy tests will give you the correct result if you follow the instructions properly.
A positive test result is almost always correct. Negative results are less reliable and if you still think you might be pregnant, it’s worth waiting a few more days and taking another test.
Your consultant will discuss with you the tests and scans available to give you added peace of mind.
These may include:
- ‘Dating scan’: to provide an estimated date of delivery (EDD) based on your baby’s measurements
- Combined test: includes a blood test and an ultrasound scan to screen for Down’s Syndrome, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes
- Amniocentesis: involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from the amniotic fluid (fluid surrounding the baby in your womb)
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): a needle is inserted into your tummy and a small sample of cells is removed from your placenta (the organ linking your blood supply to the baby)
Early reassurance scans available from 6 weeks
Expert assessment for pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy
Clear next steps and rapid access to further tests or consultant care
Early pregnancy care tests & scans
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing or NIPT is a blood test that checks the DNA from the placenta in the mother’s blood for excess chromosomes. It determines whether there’s a low or high risk of the baby having Down’s, Edwards’ or Patau’s syndrome.
Ultrasound during pregnancy
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby inside your womb.
Amniocentesis
An amniocentesis is a precise diagnostic test that can be performed during pregnancy to identify any potential genetic conditions your baby may have. At HCA UK, our leading specialists provide expert care and support throughout this important process.
Chorionic villus sampling test (CVS)
A test taken during pregnancy to check if your baby has a dna condition such as Down's, Edwards' or Patau's syndromes
MRI scans during pregnancy
MRI scans can be safely used during pregnancy, offering clear insight without radiation. Our expert team is here to support you with a focus on your baby’s wellbeing.
Early Pregnancy (Dating & Viability) Scan
An Early Pregnancy Scan (also called a Viability or Dating Scan) can be performed from 6–11 weeks and provides early reassurance about your pregnancy. It is available to all women and particularly recommended if you have experienced pain, bleeding, previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This scan:
- confirms an early pregnancy
- establishes an Estimated Due Date (EDD)
- confirms viability and detects your baby’s heartbeat
- checks for twins or multiples
- excludes an ectopic pregnancy
- helps determine the cause of symptoms such as bleeding
- offers a second opinion if needed (please provide previous scan reports)
Where can I find the Early Pregnancy Unit?
You can access our Early Pregnancy Unit at The Portland Hospital in London, the UK’s only private hospital dedicated to women and children. Services are also available at The Portland Hospital Outpatients in Hale, Cheshire, offering the same high quality early pregnancy care closer to home.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Portland Hospital Outpatients, Hale
Unit 6 Crown Passages WA15 9GN Hale, Cheshire
Maternity care at The Portland
At HCA UK we have a hospital dedicated to the care of women and children designed to allow you the possible experience before, during and after the birth of your child.
The hospital has a large maternity unit managed by experienced midwifes and specialist nurses. The unit has an onsite special baby unit as well as paediatric intensive care for any unexpected post pregnancy problems.
Frequently asked questions
Most women have their first scan between 6 and 11 weeks to confirm viability and establish a due date.
Yes. It is a safe and commonly used technique in early pregnancy, including during bleeding.
Yes, you are welcome to bring a partner, friend or family member for support.
Your sonographer or consultant will explain the findings clearly and arrange any further tests or follow up care you may need.
You can self refer for most early pregnancy scans, including dating and viability scans.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.