Early pregnancy scans are available from 6 weeks gestation, based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) for a regular 28-day cycle.
Before 6 weeks, visibility may be limited. Not sure whether you should book yet? We recommend waiting two weeks after a positive pregnancy test, or contacting our friendly midwife sonographers who can advise you on when you should book.
At 6-7 weeks, we hope to see the gestation sac, yolk sac, and a fetal pole with a heartbeat. However, in some cases, and if you come before 6 weeks, it may be too early to see a heartbeat, and a follow-up scan may be needed. All follow-ups will be charged at the standard rate.
By 8-10 weeks, the baby is more visible, with a defined head and body with little arms and legs starting to form. Some tiny movements may also be detected.
From 10 weeks, the baby is more developed, and we can provide a clearer image of their movements and features. The whole body is slightly more defined and is beginning to look more like a baby!
From 12 weeks onwards, the baby now looks like a miniature human! The baby’s head, body, arms, and legs are clearly visible, with tiny fingers and toes starting to separate. The spine and skull are well-formed, and you will see the baby wiggling, stretching, and turning.
Prior to 6 weeks, the developing pregnancy is still very tiny and may not be detected on ultrasound. This can lead to uncertainty and unnecessary worry.
Therefore we recommend that you only book our Early Peek 2D Reassurance Scan from 6 weeks onwards. This is to ensure that we can accurately assess your developing pregnancy, including the presence and visualisation of a fetal heartbeat.
If you are unsure of your pregnancy dates, please give us a call to discuss the best time to book your early pregnancy reassurance scan.
We are specialists in reassurance scans and welcome you to book one at any point that you feel necessary. But we recommend that you visit your GP or early pregnancy unit if you are experiencing any clinical symptoms that may require further care.
Although all our scans are non-diagnostic, on the rare occurrence that your scan identifies any issues, we will ensure that (with your consent) you will be referred to the most appropriate practitioner directly. This may be your midwife, GP, antenatal consultant, maternity triage, early pregnancy unit, A&E or the local fetal medicine department.
Yes! You’ll receive one black-and-white 2D image with your scan. You also have the option to buy additional photos or add on the digital image and video package – perfect for announcements or keepsakes! Just ask the sonographer before your scan. These can be added at booking or in the clinic on the day of your scan.
We also have a lovely boutique area where you can browse our pregnancy announcement items.
Preparing for your reassurance scan is simple and straightforward. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:
We’re here to make your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you have any specific questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us before your appointment.
We understand how special these moments are, and we want you to enjoy your experience with us. However, we kindly ask that you do not film or take photos during your scan. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the moment. Additionally, it allows our sonographer to focus fully on the scan and ensures a calm and professional environment.
We do offer high-quality videos and digital photos of your scan, which can be purchased if you’d like to capture and share the experience. Just let your sonographer know before the scan or add the digital image & video package on at booking.
You can bring up to 5 guests to your reassurance scan, though for any scans prior to 12 weeks, we ask that you leave other children at home. If it’s your first scan and you’ve booked prior to 10 weeks, we’d suggest only bringing one person as you may be offered a transvaginal scan for improved visualisation.
Yes, our Early Peek 2D Reassurance Scan will allow us to tell you an estimated due date (EDD). However, your NHS trust will provide you with your formal EDD at your dating scan. Please note that it's very common for these dates to differ by a few days.
A transvaginal scan is an internal ultrasound examination via the vagina that provides detailed images of the pelvic organs. It is commonly used in early pregnancy to detect a gestation sac, embryo, and fetal heartbeat.
You will be offered a transvaginal scan if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant and we are unable to perform an accurate assessment of your developing pregnancy via the transabdominal route (across your abdomen). A transvaginal scan is safe for you and your baby and should not cause you any pain.
