Private pregnancy ultrasound scan

Ultrasound scans are carried out at different stages of your pregnancy to assess the development of your unborn baby and make sure everything’s progressing in the right way. 

Sound waves are used to create a picture of your baby in the womb, and these ultrasound scans are safe for both you and your baby. If you have any worries or concerns, your women’s health consultant or specialist sonographer can help put your mind at ease.

While it’s normal to have routine scans throughout your pregnancy, it's always your choice whether you want to have them or not.

Our specialist sonographers can provide a range of private scans throughout your pregnancy, including regular reassurance scans for peace of mind. 

While we’re happy to scan you at any point you choose, mothers-to-be typically come for scans at the following stages:

• Early pregnancy scan: We offer initial viability scans for reassurance from 6-11 weeks, especially valuable to monitor progress if you’ve had fertility treatments. 
• First trimester scan: Often called the 12-week scan, this is the first scan most mothers-to-be have through the NHS. During this scan, your sonographer will be able take measurements to estimate when your baby is due. You can also have a nuchal translucency (NT) scan at this stage, which is part of the combined screening test for Down's Syndrome.
• Second trimester scan: At 18 to 21 weeks, your specialist sonographer should be able to assess the physical development of your baby. This is known as an anatomy scan and you may also have the option to find out your baby's sex if you’d like. If any complications are found, an expert consultant will explain the situation and your choices, supporting you every step of the way.
• Third trimester scan: Although it's not always offered as standard via the NHS, a growth scan at 34 to 36 weeks can be used to check your baby's development later in your pregnancy.

The sonographer or consultant performing your ultrasound will ask you to lie down on your back before applying a gel to your abdomen. They'll gently press down around your tummy to find where your baby is in the womb, using a handheld device called a transducer.

You should then see images of your baby appear on the screen. Sometimes a little extra pressure is needed to get a clearer image, but this shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable. Your sonographer or consultant will explain what you're seeing on the screen as it happens. The full ultrasound scan usually takes around 20 minutes, or 40 minutes for the 20-week anatomy scan.

As your pregnancy develops, we’ll give you the choice and reassurance of other pregnancy scans, tests and screenings. These include:

• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): From 10 weeks into your pregnancy, you may be offered a simple, safe and accurate test that measures foetal DNA in your blood. This can be used to detect chromosomal birth conditions such as Down's Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome and others. It's your choice whether you want these tests, and you'll have dedicated care and support throughout whatever you choose.
• Genetic testing: The Portland Hospital's partnership with the International Gene Clinic® allows us to provide the most comprehensive private clinical genetics service in the UK. Our multidisciplinary team of consultants is here to offer personalised care, from support with IVF treatments to foetal genetics testing and diagnosis. If you’d like to know more, we're happy to answer any questions you have. Our priority is to give you the information and options you need to make the best decisions for you and your baby.