On the NHS, most people are offered two routine scans: a dating scan at around 11–14 weeks and an anomaly scan at around 18–21 weeks. Private scans can fill the gaps, giving you reassurance, keepsakes or answers at the moments that matter to you.
Here’s how the scans we offer fit into your pregnancy. If you know the first day of your last period, our pregnancy calculator will show your exact dates for each one.
6–15 weeks: early reassurance and dating
The first weeks can feel like a long wait. An early scan confirms the pregnancy is in the womb, shows the heartbeat and gives you a due date.
- Dating Scan: confirms the pregnancy, heartbeat and how many babies, with a due date. £75.
- Early Peek Reassurance Scan: everything in the dating scan plus an ultrasound health check for you and your baby. £80.
Tip: at 6 weeks the heartbeat can be hard to see. Waiting until 7–8 weeks makes it more likely you’ll see it clearly.
10 weeks: early structural scan and NIPT
By 10 weeks your baby’s major structures have formed. Our 10 Week Scan gives an early structural review, and it’s the earliest point for NIPT, a blood test that screens for Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes with over 99% detection for Down’s syndrome. Many parents book both together.
From 6 or 15 weeks: finding out the gender
- From 6 weeks: the Early Gender Blood Test looks for your baby’s DNA in your blood.
- From 15 weeks: the Early Surprise Gender Scan lets you see it on screen, with a 4D sneak peek when baby cooperates.
Not sure which? Read our guide to gender scans vs gender blood tests.
18–21 weeks: anomaly scan
The Guardian Angel Anomaly Scan is a detailed 30-minute check of your baby’s brain, heart, spine, face, kidneys and limbs. Some parents book it as reassurance before or after their NHS anomaly scan.
20–34 weeks: 4D baby scans
4D scans show your baby’s face and movements in real time. Packages run from 20 to 34 weeks, and many parents find the clearest facial images come from about 26 to 32 weeks.
22–40 weeks: growth and presentation
- Growth & Presentation Scan: estimated fetal weight, growth measurements, presentation and placenta position.
- Position & Presentation Scan: is your baby head-down, breech or lying across?
Important: if you notice your baby moving less than usual, contact your maternity unit straight away. Don’t wait for a scan.
A quick summary
When | Scan |
|---|---|
6–15 weeks | Dating or Early Peek Reassurance Scan |
From 6 weeks | Early Gender Blood Test |
10–11 weeks | 10 Week Scan (+ NIPT from 10 weeks) |
15–35 weeks | Gender Scan |
18–21 weeks | Anomaly Scan |
20–34 weeks | 4D Scans |
22–40 weeks | Growth or Presentation Scan |
Private scans are elective and don’t replace your NHS care, so please keep attending all your NHS appointments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the earliest pregnancy scan I can have?
From 6 weeks. At 7–8 weeks the heartbeat is usually easier to see.
How many private scans can I have?
Ultrasound is considered safe and sonographers use the lowest output needed. Most parents choose one or two private scans alongside their NHS scans, at the stages that matter most to them.
