Baby Scan FAQs

Find everything you need to know about our services and get a clearer idea of what you can expect from your ultrasound experience

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting journey, and we’re here to make it even more special for you. Here are some wonderful reasons to consider booking a private baby scan with us:

  1. Peace of Mind: Our private scans offer you extra reassurance between your routine NHS appointments. Whether you have concerns or simply want to see your baby more often, we’re here to provide that comforting glimpse.
  2. Bonding Moments: Experience the joy of bonding with your baby in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Our extended appointment times and advanced 3D/4D scans allow you to see your baby in incredible detail, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
  3. Early Gender Reveal: Can’t wait to find out if you’re having a boy or a girl? Our private scans can often reveal your baby’s gender earlier than NHS scans, adding to the excitement of your journey.
  4. Convenient Scheduling: We understand that life is busy. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to fit your schedule perfectly.
  5. Cherished Keepsakes: Take home beautiful photos, videos, and even recordings of your baby’s heartbeat. These keepsakes are perfect for sharing with family and friends or treasuring as part of your baby’s story.

We’re here to make your pregnancy journey as joyful and stress-free as possible. Book your private baby scan with us today and let’s create some magical moments together!

Absolutely! While our private baby scans offer many wonderful benefits, it's important to remember that they are non-diagnostic and meant to complement, not replace, your routine NHS scans.

The NHS scans at 12 and 20 weeks are crucial for monitoring your baby's development and ensuring everything is progressing as it should. These scans are designed to check for specific health conditions and developmental milestones that are essential for both your baby's health and your peace of mind.

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.

Unfortunately, some practitioners claim to be sonographers without the appropriate formal qualifications. Although all our scans are non-diagnostic, Little Peek Baby Ultrasound believes it is vital that the person performing your scan has a postgraduate certificate in ultrasound and is trained within the NHS. This ensures they can recognise any potential problems that an unqualified practitioner may miss. That’s why we guarantee that you will only ever be scanned by a medical professional with proven ultrasound qualifications and extensive NHS diagnostic experience.

We recommend that you ask about the qualifications of the sonographer performing your scan to ensure they hold a PgC, Diploma, or MSc in medical ultrasound (obstetrics, all trimesters) from a CASE accredited university course.

The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Its main role is to make sure providers are delivering a service that’s of the highest quality and adheres to all recommended safety standards. As a clinic, we need to be registered with the CQC and willing to undergo regular inspections with them. These visits usually take place every 2 to 3 years and are designed to ensure we are meeting all the regulations listed under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

2D scans provide flat, black-and-white images of your baby, showing basic outlines and internal structures. 3D scans offer more detailed, three-dimensional images, allowing you to see your baby’s facial features and other details. 4D scans add the element of time, creating a live video effect so you can watch your baby move in real-time.

Preparing for your scan is simple and straightforward. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before your scan can help improve the clarity of the images. A full bladder can also help with early pregnancy scans.
  2. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes that can be easily adjusted for the scan. This will help you feel more comfortable during the procedure.
  3. Remove any body jewellery: If you have any body jewellery such as a belly button piercing, please remove this prior to your scan. This is to ensure that the sonographer can move the ultrasound probe freely across your abdomen.
  4. Arrive on Time: Plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and relax before your scan. Please note that your allocated appointment time includes, filling in your paperwork, the scan, any questions and choosing your photos.
  5. Bring Your Hospital Notes: If you have any relevant medical notes or records, bring them along including any NHS pregnancy scan reports. This can help our sonographers provide the best care possible.
  6. Bring snacks: If your baby isn't posing well, a little sugar rush might help get them moving. We recommend bringing a sweet treat to encourage your baby to give us some great images.

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.

Some of our sonographers are midwives, and although we are all happy to provide general midwifery advice, we are unable to offer midwifery care. We recommend that you speak to your maternity provider if you require any individual care information, but we are always happy to answer any of your general questions.

Yes, absolutely! We believe that as many people as practically possible should be able to meet baby with you. You can bring up to 5 guests to your appointment. For very early scans, we recommend leaving the kids at home – but children are welcome to scans that take place after 12 weeks gestation.

You can expect to receive one black and white ultrasound image after each scan (4D scans, you will receive 3 colour prints)

You can upgrade your experience by adding a digital image and video package, extra scan photos, a heartbeat bear, or gender reveal cannon to your booking. These can also be purchased in the clinic after your scan

If you would like extra scan photos or the digital package, please let your sonographer know at the start of your appointment.

We also have a lovely boutique area where you can browse baby clothes, pregnancy and baby journals, baby bags, and lots more adorable items!

We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you’re running late for your appointment, please give us a call as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate you, but please be aware that it may result in a shorter scan time or the need to reschedule your appointment.

Unfortunately, Rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice is treated as a cancelation, and the deposit will be retained in full.

We have lots of tricks up our sleeve to encourage the baby to move. This may include lots of wiggling from you, a walk, eating something sweet, or drinking something hot or cold, for example. There may be times when your baby is committed to this suboptimal position, in which case you will be offered a free rescan to ensure that gender can be revealed, and quality images are obtained during your 4D scan at a later date.

We advise you not to plan any gender reveal parties on the same day as your scan. This is just in case we are unable to see the gender at the first scan due to fetal position. Please only book your gender scan from 16 weeks to give us the best opportunity to tell you if your little one is a girl or a boy! If you book before you are 16 weeks, we will not be able to offer you a free rescan.

No – you will pay the same price for a scan, regardless of how many babies are in utero. Appointments may take a little longer if we need to assess twins or triplets. We will provide more information on this at the time of booking.

If you have these to hand, please do bring them with you in case we need to make an onward referral. We can, however, perform the scan without them.

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.

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 checking the well-being of your baby 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. If you would like to arrange filming, please let us know when you arrive, and we will do our best to accommodate this after your scan. Thank you for your understanding!

You can cancel your appointment up to 24 hours before your scheduled time. A refund will be issued minus the non-refundable payment processing fee, calculated as 1.40% of the booking amount plus 25p. This reflects the exact transaction cost incurred by us at the time of booking.

Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment, or failure to attend, will result in the deposit being retained in full (50% of the total cost). This covers reserved appointment time, staffing and administrative preparation.

Rescheduling:

Appointments may be rescheduled with more than 24 hours’ notice.  Rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice is treated as a cancelation, and the deposit will be retained in full.

By booking an appointment, you confirm that you understand and agree to these terms.

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 scan.

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.

We do our best to provide you with the clearest possible images during your scan, but sometimes certain factors can make this more challenging. A higher BMI can reduce image clarity due to the increased tissue depth, and the position of your baby, placenta, or internal structures may affect what we can see. Other factors, such as fibroids, previous abdominal surgery, excess bowel gas, or low amniotic fluid levels, can also impact the scan. While we always strive to capture the best images for you, every pregnancy and body is different, so image quality can vary. Rest assured; we will make every effort to get the best possible view for you.

Gallery

EXCELLENT
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Based on 227 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Grace White profile picture
Grace White
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
absolutely beautiful place! so recommend any other families that are due to have a baby to go to this place. the staff were so welcoming and I enjoyed seeing my baby boy 🩵
Posted on Google Google
Abigail Wackett profile picture
Abigail Wackett
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Emma is great and so lovely. Such a calm and special way to see you little baby for the first time.
Posted on Google Google
Saff Hamblen profile picture
Saff Hamblen
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Emma and her team are so incredibly warm and knowledgeable, making the whole experience so enjoyable and personalised. I wouldn’t recommend anywhere else to go for your private scans, thank you for making ours so special 💘
Posted on Google Google
Katie Swift profile picture
Katie Swift
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our first time visiting Little Peek, and we will definitely be returning for another reassurance scan later on! Such a lovely, calm atmosphere, staff lovely and friendly. Felt very welcomed. Emma was honestly so lovely and amazing, so reassuring during this scan at our 19 weeks of pregnancy, after a few concerns over the weekend that were clarified medically in other ways, but not visually. It was wonderful to see our baby girl again, happy & healthy, full of beans! Thank you so much for explaining everything to us in great detail, we honestly left feeling so happy & relaxed!
Posted on Google Google
Flo Sanni profile picture
Flo Sanni
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The little peek baby ultrasound team were amazing from the warm and friendly receptionist to our wonderful sonographer Emma. Emma was so friendly, reassuring and thorough. She provided me with information I didn’t know prior to the scan and gave me peace of mind. I absolutely could not recommend them more, wonderful experience.
Posted on Google Google
Kirstie Smith profile picture
Kirstie Smith
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommend! Emma was lovely, knew what she was talking about and was so reassuring 🫶🏻
Posted on Google Google
Hayley Carter profile picture
Hayley Carter
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Me and my partner are over the moon that we chose Little Peek for our baby scans. The service right from the front desk set a lovely, welcoming and calm environment which continued in the scan room. Emma was extremely patient and listened to every single worry I had about this pregnancy due to past experiences. I was reassured lots and Emma made sure she communicated through every step she was doing. Our appointments never felt rushed and to have someone so professional yet so connected to her clients needs and worries is an experience I never thought I’d be able to get. I cannot recommend Little Peek enough, especially Emma, as she made both scans feel very special❤️
Posted on Google Google
Faye profile picture
Faye
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is my second visit to Little Peek Baby Ultrasound and again I am beyond happy with the service provided. Everything was explained thoroughly in detail before the scan took place. The lady that greeted us at reception was really kind and welcoming. Emma who performed the scan never disappoints. She makes the scan feel super special just now it should, and explains everything that is going on. I would recommend Little Peek to anyone who is looking for early reassurance scans, gender scans, or simply just to see their baby more often than the 2 scans offered by the NHS. Extremely reasonable prices with a very calm, warm, welcoming atmosphere. Thank you so much Emma and team, you're all wonderful!
Posted on Google Google
Becky profile picture
Becky
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Emma & Mia were fantastic, so welcoming & friendly, we will definitely be back throughout Madi's pregnancy.

Why Choose a Private Baby Scan with Us?

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting journey, and we’re here to make it even more special for you. Here are some wonderful reasons to consider booking a private baby scan with us:

  1. Peace of Mind: Our private scans offer you extra reassurance between your routine NHS appointments. Whether you have concerns or simply want to see your baby more often, we’re here to provide that comforting glimpse.
  2. Bonding Moments: Experience the joy of bonding with your baby in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Our extended appointment times and advanced 3D/4D scans allow you to see your baby in incredible detail, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
  3. Early Gender Reveal: Can’t wait to find out if you’re having a boy or a girl? Our private scans can often reveal your baby’s gender earlier than NHS scans, adding to the excitement of your journey.
  4. Convenient Scheduling: We understand that life is busy. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to fit your schedule perfectly.
  5. Cherished Keepsakes: Take home beautiful photos, videos, and even recordings of your baby’s heartbeat. These keepsakes are perfect for sharing with family and friends or treasuring as part of your baby’s story.

We’re here to make your pregnancy journey as joyful and stress-free as possible. Book your private baby scan with us today and let’s create some magical moments together!

Do I still need to attend my NHS scans at 12 and 20 weeks?

Absolutely! While our private baby scans offer many wonderful benefits, it's important to remember that they are non-diagnostic and meant to complement, not replace, your routine NHS scans.

The NHS scans at 12 and 20 weeks are crucial for monitoring your baby's development and ensuring everything is progressing as it should. These scans are designed to check for specific health conditions and developmental milestones that are essential for both your baby's health and your peace of mind.

I am in the first trimester and experiencing pain and bleeding. Can I book an Early Peek Reassurance Scan with you?

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.

What makes the team at Little Peek Baby Ultrasound different from other Clinics?

Unfortunately, some practitioners claim to be sonographers without the appropriate formal qualifications. Although all our scans are non-diagnostic, Little Peek Baby Ultrasound believes it is vital that the person performing your scan has a postgraduate diploma in ultrasound and is trained within the NHS. This ensures they can recognise any potential problems that an unqualified practitioner may miss. That’s why we guarantee that you will only ever be scanned by a medical professional with proven ultrasound qualifications and extensive NHS diagnostic experience.

We recommend that you ask about the qualifications of the sonographer performing your scan to ensure they hold a PgC, Diploma, or MSc in medical ultrasound (obstetrics, all trimesters) from a CASE accredited university course.

What does it mean to be approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Its main role is to make sure providers are delivering a service that’s of the highest quality and adheres to all recommended safety standards. As a clinic, we need to be registered with the CQC and willing to undergo regular inspections with them. These visits usually take place every 2 to 3 years and are designed to ensure we are meeting all the regulations listed under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

What’s the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D scans?

2D scans provide flat, black-and-white images of your baby, showing basic outlines and internal structures. 3D scans offer more detailed, three-dimensional images, allowing you to see your baby’s facial features and other details. 4D scans add the element of time, creating a live video effect so you can watch your baby move in real-time.

How can I prepare for my scan?

Preparing for your scan is simple and straightforward. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before your scan can help improve the clarity of the images. A full bladder can also help with early pregnancy scans.
  2. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes that can be easily adjusted for the scan. This will help you feel more comfortable during the procedure.
  3. Remove any body jewellery: If you have any body jewellery such as a belly button piercing, please remove this prior to your scan. This is to ensure that the sonographer can move the ultrasound probe freely across your abdomen.
  4. Arrive on Time: Plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and relax before your scan. Please note that your allocated appointment time includes, filling in your paperwork, the scan, any questions and choosing your photos.
  5. Bring Your Hospital Notes: If you have any relevant medical notes or records, bring them along including any NHS pregnancy scan reports. This can help our sonographers provide the best care possible.
  6. Bring snacks: If your baby isn't posing well, a little sugar rush might help get them moving. We recommend bringing a sweet treat to encourage your baby to give us some great images.

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.

Can you provide midwifery advice?

Some of our sonographers are midwives, and although we are all happy to provide general midwifery advice, we are unable to offer midwifery care. We recommend that you speak to your maternity provider if you require any individual care information, but we are always happy to answer any of your general questions.

Can I bring anyone else to my scan?

Yes, absolutely! We believe that as many people as practically possible should be able to meet baby with you. You can bring up to 5 guests to your appointment. For very early scans, we recommend leaving the kids at home – but children are welcome to scans that take place after 12 weeks gestation.

What do I get to take home?

You can expect to receive two black and white ultrasound images after each scan. More images can be printed for a small fee. We do offer some additional extras to help you personalise your experience, including heartbeat bears and gender reveal cannons. More information on these add-ons can be found here.

What happens if I’m late?

We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you’re running late for your appointment, please give us a call as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate you, but please be aware that it may result in a shorter scan time or the need to reschedule your appointment.

Unfortunately, if we do need to reschedule your appointment you will forfeit your non-refundable deposit and full payment of the scan will be requested. A new deposit will be required to secure your next appointment.

What if the baby is in a suboptimal position and you are unable to reveal gender or obtain good quality 3D/4D images?

We have lots of tricks up our sleeve to encourage the baby to move. This may include lots of wiggling from you, a walk, eating something sweet, or drinking something hot or cold, for example. There may be times when your baby is committed to this suboptimal position, in which case you will be offered a free rescan to ensure that gender can be revealed, and quality images are obtained during your 4D scan at a later date.

We advise you not to plan any gender reveal parties on the same day as your scan. This is just in case we are unable to see the gender at the first scan due to fetal position. Please only book your gender scan from 16 weeks to give us the best opportunity to tell you if your little one is a girl or a boy! If you book before you are 16 weeks, we will not be able to offer you a free rescan.

Do you charge extra to scan twins?

No – you will pay the same price for a scan, regardless of how many babies are in utero. Appointments may take a little longer if we need to assess twins or triplets. We will provide more information on this at the time of booking.

Should I bring my hospital notes with me?

If you have these to hand, please do bring them with you in case we need to make an onward referral. We can, however, perform the scan without them.

Can you refer me to a midwife or ultrasound department?

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.

Can I take videos or photos during my scan?

Yes, you are welcome to take videos and photos during your scan. We understand how special these moments are, and we want you to be able to capture and share them with your loved ones. However, for your enjoyment and experience, we recommend focusing on the scan itself rather than recording. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the moment and enjoy the experience. Additionally, videos and photos are not permitted within the first few minutes of scanning to allow our sonographer time to appropriately check the well-being of your baby.

What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly ask for a £30 deposit for all appointments. You are welcome to change your appointment up to 48 hours before your scheduled time. However, if you cancel within 48 hours or do not attend, you will forfeit your deposit. If you would like to rebook following a late cancellation or do not attend, we will kindly ask that you pay the full price of the scan to secure your next appointment.

Why do I need to be at least 6 weeks pregnant before booking an Early Peek 2D reassurance scan?

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 scan.

What is a transvaginal scan?

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.

 

What factors can affect the quality of an ultrasound scan?

We do our best to provide you with the clearest possible images during your scan, but sometimes certain factors can make this more challenging. A higher BMI can reduce image clarity due to the increased tissue depth, and the position of your baby, placenta, or internal structures may affect what we can see. Other factors, such as fibroids, previous abdominal surgery, excess bowel gas, or low amniotic fluid levels, can also impact the scan. While we always strive to capture the best images for you, every pregnancy and body is different, so image quality can vary. Rest assured; we will make every effort to get the best possible view for you.

Book your pregnancy scan in Colchester today!

From private maternity scans to antenatal classes, we’re here to support you throughout your entire pregnancy. Get in touch with our experienced midwife sonographers and come meet us in our safe, comfortable Colchester ultrasound clinic today.
GET IN TOUCH
25 Head Street, Colchester CO11NH
Tel: 01206 982 222
Email us
crossarrow-leftarrow-right