What Is An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves that bounce solid objects to generate 2D black-and-white images. These are what you view when you come in and see your baby for the first few times.
Ultrasound scans are safe and carried out by health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and midwives.
Early Reassurance Scan (Your First Scan: 6-10 Weeks)
Our private GP clinic can offer this early scan, at 6-10 weeks, to any mother-to-be who would like confirmation that they are pregnant and that development is progressing smoothly.
We also recommend this type of scan if you have any symptoms that don’t feel or seem normal, such as vaginal bleeding and intense discomfort.
It’s also possible to confirm if you are carrying multiple babies, and we will offer you the option of a 4D view of your baby, depending on your baby’s current position in the womb.
Non-invasive Prenatal Testing Scan ‘NIPT’ (9-40 Weeks)
NIPT scans are scans for screening for the most common chromosomal conditions. It analyses cell-free DNA in the maternal blood, making it a safe and risk-free test.
The NHS currently offers combined testing for Down’s, Edward’s, and Patau’s at 10 to 14 weeks.
If you are thinking about having this test, statistics conclude that as many as one in 30 women may receive a high-risk result. This result means you may have been advised to have an amniocentesis or chorionic villus biopsy to analyse your baby’s chromosome makeup. These tests carry a 1% possibility of miscarriage.
NIPT testing is becoming increasingly popular, as it carries no risk of miscarriage and is 99% accurate in its ability to test for these conditions.
NT Scan (11 – 13 weeks)
A nuchal translucency scan (more commonly referred to as an ‘NT’ scan) determines how much fluid is behind your baby’s neck during the first trimester. This information can help to assess your baby’s chances of having a genetic or chromosomal variant, though it does not diagnose a particular condition (it is purely a screening test). If it is believed there is a potential anomaly, further tests can be recommended to confirm this.
The 11- 13 week time frame for an NT scan is because, after 14 weeks, the fluid behind your baby’s neck can become reabsorbed, making it more challenging to measure later during your pregnancy. Private NT scans are more comprehensive than those offered by the NHS.
Dating Scan (11-14 Weeks)
The dating scan is sometimes referred to as a booking scan, and in many cases, transvaginal/internal scanning is required.
This scan can reveal how long you have been pregnant and check for foetal abnormalities and if you are pregnant with one or more babies (twins or triplets).
Reassurance Scan (Between 6-17 Weeks To Delivery Day)
The reassurance scan is a peace-of-mind scan that can give you bonding time with your baby. It’s a scan offered for already-confirmed pregnancies. It is a simple will to confirm that your baby is doing well and provide a beautiful bonding experience with your baby.
Gender Scan (16 + Weeks)
A gender scan is primarily a well-being scan that reveals the baby’s gender (as the name suggests). This can be determined If you would like your baby’s gender to remain a mystery before delivery day, we don’t recommend having this scan carried out!
For parents who wish to know the gender of the baby, the scan is 99% accurate. A gender scan can be carried out any time after 16 weeks of pregnancy.
4D Pregnancy Scans (20-35 Weeks)
A 4D scan includes a well-being scan but is primarily to allow you to see a high-definition image of your baby. It’s a magical experience where your baby’s face and limbs move around in life-like 3D motion. You will be given four printed images to go home with and cherish while waiting for your little one to grace the world.
The NHS does not usually offer 4D scans. They’re generally recommended if the mother has gestational diabetes.
However, there is now compelling research to suggest that 4D scans could prevent the rate of stillbirths. Also known as the Doppler scan, the 4D scan measures blood flow between the placenta and the fetus.
Anomaly Scan (19-22 Weeks)
Second-trimester scans are more accurate than the first trimester in confirming certain complications with your baby’s development (apart from genetic conditions), as your baby’s anatomy will be well on the way to fully forming. By the 19-22 week stage, your baby’s skeleton and internal organs can be measured.
Growth Scan (24-36 Weeks)
The growth scan is when your baby’s personality starts to come through, so it can arguably be one of the most exciting scans during your pregnancy. You will see your baby breathing, sucking and swallowing, and brain tissue will have significantly evolved.
A growth scan also measures your baby’s general growth and development.
Cervical Length Scan 16-40 weeks
A cervical length scan is offered at any stage between week 16 and week 40. In measuring the length of your cervix, your healthcare provider can advise on whether or not a stitch may need to be placed to keep it closed before the day of delivery.
We recommend cervical length scans to women who might be expecting twins or previously had complications with their cervix.
How Many Scans Do I Need?
Private GP clinics allow you to have more regular ultrasound scans than the NHS. Ultrasound scans are not compulsory, with some women choosing not to have any at all, whilst others may wish to opt for several, so they can have the peace of mind that their baby is developing normally. It’s entirely up to you how many scans you choose to have.
The NHS generally offers a 12-week and 20-week scan unless the pregnancy is high-risk. Meanwhile, private clinics can offer scans as early as 6 weeks until the end of your pregnancy towards the delivery day. If you’re unsure how many scans you wish to have, our sonographers are happy to discuss this with you.
Private Ultrasound Scans
The emotional comfort each ultrasound scan can bring new parents can be extremely valuable. Meanwhile, any problems can be highlighted early, allowing your healthcare provider to refer you for further tests if necessary.
Contact Bodyvie for private ultrasound pregnancy scans performed in a safe and comfortable environment in the heart of Richmond.
I opted to have a few extra scans with a private GP clinic and I’m so glad I did. The reassurance that my baby was developing normally was worth every penny!
Going private has also definitely given me the peace I needed during my pregnancy. I made sure I go for any and every scan I could go for
I had an early reassurance scan at six weeks, and it was such a magical experience to see my tiny little baby’s heartbeat for the first time. It’s an amazing feeling to know that there’s a little life growing inside of you.