Frequently Asked Pregnancy Questions

Expectant mums are asked to attend their dating scan at around 12-week. You will be asked to attend this scan with a full bladder.

The sonographer will then place gel onto your abdomen. Using the transducer, they will move this over the stomach area to get a clear scan image of your baby. Various checks and measurements are made and once these are completed they will confirm the presence of a heartbeat and provide you with an estimated due date.

The 18-20 week scan, known as the Anomaly Scan, is the most important scan throughout pregnancy. This is when you will be able to find out your baby’s gender (this is hospital dependent), and the doctor will do a thorough check on your baby to ensure they are growing well and healthy.

Pregnancy scans are increasingly accurate from 6 weeks onwards. Before 6 weeks, the pregnancy may not provide a clear enough image due to being too small.

It is always ideal to be aware of previous pregnancies. This can help our sonographers when explaining things to you during your appointments.

To book a scan on your own, you must be 18 years +. If you are below the age of 18, you must be accompanied by an adult to all scan appointments.

Ideally, we ask you to wear comfortable, 2-piece clothing. This makes it easier for our sonographers to perform the ultrasound scan without you feeling uncomfortable.

Fertility Scans are offered as part of our Ultrasound Care clinic. You can book these through Peek A Baby or via Ultrasound Care. 

Yes! You can refer self-refer for your pregnancy scans. Ensure when you do this that staff at your chosen scanning facility are all qualified.

At Peek A Baby, all staff are fully trained and qualified to the highest standards within the industry to be sure we are giving all patients the best care possible along their pregnancy journey.

Here at Peek A Baby, we want your scan experience to be calm and enjoyable. In our experience, a happy mum leads to a happy baby!

Find out more about what happens at a Peek A Baby Scan here...

The need for a full bladder or not is dependent upon the scan you are here for. Find out more here...

The need for notes is dependent upon the scan you are attending. Find out more here...

Mum is welcome to bring up to 5 guests and children of any age with her to the scan. Find out more here on who you can bring with you...

The duration of your scan is based on the type of scan you are attending and what the sonographer is looking for. For more information, see here...

There are a few bits of advice we can give to mums before their scan, but ultimately, baby has a mind of their own and we have no control. See our tips here...

Peek A Baby scans are an additional to hospital scans, not a replacement! Read more on this here...

Within reason , Ultrasound Scans are safe for both mum and baby. Read more on our ultrasound safety here...

There is very little pain in an ultrasound scan, but mums may feel a little uncomfortable. Find out more here...

The NHS offer 2 scans during pregnancy based on individual circumstances. Read more about pregnancy scans here...

There is no set number of ultrasound scans during pregnancy. Find out more information here...

There are three options for this scenario, but yes! This is dependent upon the size of the sac. Read more here...

From 6 weeks, you can come to Peek A Baby for an Early Pregnancy Reassurance Scan. Find out more here...