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FAQs

ULTRASOUND SCANS
How early can I get a private baby scan?

We can usually detect a pregnancy from around 6 weeks after your last menstrual period. Early scans may require a transvaginal probe for clearer images during the very early weeks, but you can opt for a transabdominal scan from about 8 weeks onward.

No, referral is not needed, but results can be shared with your GP or maternity care provider.

Yes, ultrasound scans are considered safe for both mother and baby. research suggests there are no known risks when scans are performed by qualified professional following BMUS guidelines. We operate under teh Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our sonographers are qualified, ensuring your scan is performed safely and responsibly.

For the clearest 4D images we recommend booking between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, when your baby’s facial features are well‑developed and there is still plenty of room to move. Earlier scans may show less detail and later scans may be restricted by your baby’s size and position.

2D is a flat, cross‑sectional black‑and‑white image, used for measuring growth. A  3D scan adds depth so you can see features of your baby such as its face, hands and feet, in three dimensions, as a still image. A 4D scan is essentially a moving 3D scan, allowing you to watch your baby yawn, stretch or suck their thumb in real time.

Our Wellbeing Gender Scan can usually determine your baby’s sex from around 16 weeks of pregnancy. We only confirm gender when we can see fully developed genitalia to ensure accuracy. If your baby is shy on the day, we’ll invite you back at no extra charge.

Please arrive about 10 minutes early to complete a consent form. Our sonographer will confirm your details and discuss any concerns before performing a transabdominal scan (occasionally transvaginal for early pregnancy). Wearing comfortable, loose clothing is recommended to allow easy access to your abdomen. The scan appointment typically lasts 15 minutes and includes wellbeing checks, measurements and time to see your baby. You’ll receive printed images and a report afterwards.

Yes. We know sharing the experience is important. Our policy accommodates up to 2 guests, and children are welcome but may need to wait outside during initial wellbeing checks. policy may change during Public Health restrictions.

It is not uncommon for babies to be shy, We may ask you to walk around or gently change the position to encourage movement. If we can't capture the necessary images for either a gender scan or a 4D scan, we offer one free rescan on another date as advised by the sonographer.

IYes. We encourage you to let us know when booking so we can allocate extra time for twins so we have enough time for both babies. A small surcharge applies.

Yes. You can reschedule your appointment directly online, free of charge up to 48 hours before your appointment. No changes or cancellations are allowed with less than 48 hours’ notice, resulting in a small fee (deposit retention) to cover clinic costs. To reschedule or cancel, call us or manage your appointment online.

Yes. Private scans complement but do not replace routine NHS dating and anomaly scans. Always attend all NHS appointments.

    After your scan you will receive printed pictures and a report. We also provide a secure link to download your images and share them with family for a small fee. Digital download is included for 4D scan packages. If you want us to send your report to your GP or midwife, just let us know.

Our sonographers follow strict protocols. If we detect anything concerning, we will discuss it sensitively, offer immediate support and refer you to your NHS early pregnancy unit or midwife for further investigation and management. With your consent, we can forward the scan images and report to your healthcare team so you receive timely care.

Yes. For early pregnancy scans (up to around 16 weeks), it is typically recommended to have a full bladder to help get clearer images. To prepare, you should drink about 2 to 3 glasses (around 500 ml to 1 litre) of water about an hour before the scan and avoid urinating until after the scan is done. Eating before the scan is generally allowed and does not interfere with the ultrasound images or procedure. You do not need to fast.

For most baby scans, especially early pregnancy or dating scans, it is actually recommended that you have a full bladder before the scan, as this helps improve the quality of the ultrasound images. You are usually advised to drink water about an hour before the scan and avoid emptying your bladder right before it. After about 16 weeks, you can empty your bladder before the scan if you prefer.

Yes. Don’t delay in seeking a scan if you have bleeding. It is safe, helpful, and important for assessing the situation, check the baby's heartbeat, determine if the pregnancy is progressing normally, and rule out conditions like ectopic pregnancy that require urgent management. Bleeding in early pregnancy can be concerning, but many women with spotting or light bleeding go on to have healthy pregnancies.

NIPT
Is NIPT the same as NHS combined test?

No. The NHS Combined Test and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) are both prenatal screening tests, but they differ significantly in method, accuracy, and timing. NHS Combined Test uses ultrasound plus blood markers and factors such as maternal age to statistically estimate risk, while NIPT is a newer, more accurate blood test analysing fetal DNA that gives a more precise risk estimate. NIPT is generally offered under the NHS after a high-risk combined test result, or can be accessed privately earlier. NIPT reduces the number of unnecessary invasive diagnostics tests due to a lower false positive rate.

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) primarily screens for common fetal chromosomal abnormalities that typically arise as new genetic errors happening during the development of the foetus, rather than inherited mutations that run in families.

For information about the inheritance of single-gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome and other familial disorders, Carrier Screening or Single Gene screening may be suitable. You can find information about these screening tests under the Genetic Screenings sections of our website, or please contact the clinic.

GENERAL QUESTIONS
Is there parking?

Yes, you can park on the road for free before 9:30am and 4:30 pm during week days and on weekends, while a pay and display system operates during working hours.

Our clinic is 5 minutes walk from Balham station and Tooting Bec station on the Overground and Northern line. There are several bus routes, please check TfL journey planner to find the most convenient line.

The clinic is hosted in a Victorian building with narrower entrance door, which is accessible for slim wheelchairs, through a small doorstep. Please note that toilets are however only ambulant disabled toilets.