Category: Pregnancy & Fertility

Can I Get a Private Pregnancy Scan?

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When you find out you’re pregnant, it’s an exciting time. It can also, for some, be an anxious time with worries about the unborn baby consuming your thoughts. Whilst the NHS provides expert and essential antenatal care, many expectant parents look for additional reassurance and flexibility via private pregnancy scans.

Clinics like ours at The Surrey Park Clinic know that every pregnancy, and every patient is different. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of private pregnancy scans throughout various stages of pregnancy, taking individual needs into account.

So, what are the advantages to choosing a private scan?

  • Extra reassurance – It can feel like a long time if you’re waiting for a standard NHSappointment. Private clinics provide early scans giving expectant parents peace of mind during those early weeks.
  • Flexibility – Pregnancy doesn’t stop people having busy lives. Private clinics realise that busy schedules can make meeting appointment times in ‘business hours’ difficult and so offer extended hours and weekend appointments wherever possible, if needed.
  • Comprehensive scan packages – Some expectant parents like the option of havingmultiple scans and screenings to provide thorough monitoring throughout thepregnancy. Affordable package upgrades are also available, like The Surrey Park Clinic’s Harmony Package.

The Surrey Park Clinic Services

The Surrey Park Clinic offers a variety of pregnancy scans:

  • Early Pregnancy/Foetal Viability Scan (6–15+6 weeks) – This 30-minute scan confirms viability, estimates gestation and due date, and includes a full report with up to four pictures.
  • Gender Scan (16+ weeks) – A 30-minute appointment to find out your baby’s gender, including a full report and up to four pictures
  • Growth Scan (14–35+6 weeks) – This scan assesses foetal growth, estimates weight (from 24 weeks), and includes umbilical cord Doppler measurements if carried outafter 24 weeks. You can find out the gender upon request.
  • 3D/4D & Wellbeing Scan (26–32 weeks) – A 30-minute session with printed pictures, images on a USB stick, assessments of amniotic fluid and foetal movement. Again, you can find out the gender of your baby on request.
  • PrenatalSAFE Screening (10+ weeks) – A non-invasive test to analyse foetal DNA from the mother’s blood to assess risks of conditions like Down’s syndrome, Edwards’syndrome, and Patau syndrome. Results are generally available within 4–7 working days.

Booking and Appointments

Appointments at The Surrey Park Clinic are available six days a week, and you don’t have to wait long! We often have same-day availability. You won’t even need a referral – you can book online, or phone on 01483 454016 to make an appointment.

So that our sonographers can get the clearest images, it’s best to arrive with a full bladder, especially if it’s for an early pregnancy scan.

Private pregnancy scans can give much needed reassurance throughout your pregnancy, and The Surrey Park Clinic’s service offering is second to none. We’ll always provide personalised care, tailored to your needs. Whatever you’re looking for – early confirmation, gender determination, or just want extra support and monitoring, our team is ready to help you every step of the way.

How a Fertility Clinic Can Help You Get Pregnant

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If you’re having problems getting pregnant then you’re not alone, as up to 1 in 6 peopleglobally face fertility issues. Seeking professional assistance may be your next step towards parenthood, but if you’re unsure about the treatments available, this can be a daunting prospect.

So, can a fertility clinic help get you pregnant? If you are thinking of using a fertility clinic, they offer a range of services tailored to individual needs.

Understanding Fertility Challenges

Infertility can affect both men and women and some issues are quite often unknown until a couple have failed to conceive and then seek medical help. Women can suffer with ovulatory disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. These conditions can be painful and uncomfortable, and the patient may already be receiving medical attention. Men can experience low sperm count or poor sperm motility (which may not be known until investigated), or ejaculation problems. Age can also be an issue, asfertility can decline in women when they reach their mid-thirties.

Diagnostic Services

When you make an appointment at The Surrey Park Clinic, the first step is a thorough assessment. For women, this includes hormone profiling, ovulation tests, and ultrasound scans to assess reproductive health. For men, semen analysis and hormone tests are carried out. These tests help to identify if there are any underlying issues and help create the most appropriate treatment plan.

Personalised Fertility Treatments

There are a variety of fertility treatments available, each tailored to individual circumstances:

  • IVF (In-vitro fertilisation) – Where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory, with the resulting embryo being transferred to the uterus.
  • ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – This involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg and is ideal for cases where there are male fertility issues.
  • IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) – Prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus – this process is used for single ladies/same sex ladies/donor sperm/vaginismus/erectile disfunction and others.
  • FET (Frozen embryo transfer) – This is where embryos that have been previously frozen are transferred into the uterus. This offers far more flexibility in the timing of treatment.
  • PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) – This process screens embryos for genetic conditions, which helps couples who know there are hereditary conditions in their family, for recurrent miscarriage/age related quality of embryos/increased risk genetic condition with age.
  • Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation) – This option allows women to ‘future proof’their eggs for later use. This is a good option for women who are having medical treatments or procedures that may affect their reproductive health, or for those who wish to preserve their fertility until the right time in their lives to start a family.

Consultant Led Care

For patients who would prefer to see the same consultant throughout their treatment, Consultant-led care is key. Spending your appointment time and treatment duration with your consultant allows trust to build and gives continuity of care. The Surrey Park Clinic uses this approach to open direct communication channels, including personal contact numbers where patients can reach their consultant as needed. Our clinic’s nursing team and fertility co-ordinators provide extra support, making the treatment process as streamlined and stress-free as possible.

Pricing and Accessible Services

The financial aspect of fertility treatment is a consideration for anybody researching possibilities and must be factored into the final decision. But at The Surrey Park Clinic we offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs (services are priced excluding medication)which allows patients to plan their finances accordingly.

Taking the First Step

If you’re considering fertility treatment, The Surrey Park Clinic offers a free 15 minute telephone consultation with a Fertility Advisor where you can talk about individual circumstances in a private and supportive setting, go through possible treatment options, and raise any questions or concerns you may have.

Fertility clinics like ours play an essential role in helping people struggling with fertilityrealise their dreams of becoming parents. Our diagnostic services, personalised treatment plans, and patient centred approach are unmatched, and offer valuable support to people through their fertility challenges. Approaching a reputable fertility clinic is a step towards reaching your parenthood goals!

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How Much is a Private Pregnancy Scan?

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The excitement of pregnancy for expectant parents can be beyond measure, but so too can the worry about the development of the baby as the pregnancy progresses. Having access toinformation that can be reassuring is invaluable, and that’s why there are a range of private scans available designed to support expectant parents throughout their pregnancy journey.You can have your first scan from as early as six weeks, through to thirty-five weeks and six days. At The Surrey Park Clinic, pregnancy scans are conducted by a team of professional sonographers, with appointment availability six days a week, and sometimes the same day.

Early Pregnancy Scan (£99)

The Early Pregnancy Scan (viability scan) is available between six and thirteen weeks and six days of pregnancy. This scan aims to determine the viability of the pregnancy, gestational age, and an estimated due date. This service includes a full report with measurements and up to four printed images.

Gender Scan (£110)

For expectant parents who are eager to know the sex of their baby (or babies), a gender scan can be performed from sixteen to thirty two weeks. This appointment focuses on finding out the gender of the baby. Sometimes, the sonographer may be unable to determine the genderduring the initial scan, in which case a complimentary rescan will be offered on another day.This service includes a full report and up to four printed images.

Growth Scan (£150)

Growth Scans are designed to monitor the baby’s development and are available from fourteen weeks up to thirty-five weeks and six days of pregnancy. The appointment is to assess the growth measurements, and from twenty-four weeks onwards can also estimate the foetal weight and an umbilical cord Doppler measurement.

Gender determination can be requested from sixteen weeks onwards and the scan provides a comprehensive report and up to four printed images. This scan does not replace the twenty week anomaly scan which is offered by the NHS.

3D/4D & Wellbeing Scan (£160)

For a more detailed look at the baby, the 3D/4D and Wellbeing Scan is available between twenty-six and thirty-two weeks of pregnancy. This appointment offers three dimensional images and real-time four-dimensional videos, which provide a unique bonding opportunity. The scan includes up to four printed images, a USB stick with digital copies, an assessment of amniotic fluid and foetal movement, and gender determination if desired. A full report is also included.

PrenatalSAFE Screening (£450 – £1800)

At The Surrey Park Clinic, we offer various PrenatalSAFE screening tests from ten weeks of pregnancy. The screenings are DNA based blood tests and are more accurate than traditional screenings for conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau syndrome. The PrenatalSAFE 3 or 5 Screening includes and early pregnancy scan, a nurse consultation, and the blood test, with results usually available within 3-5 working days. There are additional options available, such as testing for DiGeorge syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies, at a higher price point.

Pregnancy Packages

The Surrey Park Clinic offers several pregnancy packages to provide comprehensive care and cost savings.

Pregnancy Plus Package (£190)

This package includes two scans – a thirty minute Early Pregnancy Scan (six to thirteen weeks and six days) and a 30 minute Gender Scan (sixteen to twenty seven weeks and six days). This gives a saving of £20 compared to booking these scans separately.

Pregnancy Complete Package (£629)

This package offers three scans – an Early Pregnancy Scan, a PrenatalSAFE 3 or 5 Screening with blood test (from ten weeks), and a 3D/4D Wellbeing Scan (twenty-six to thirty-two weeks). It gives a total saving of £80.

What to Expect During a Scan

During each of the above-mentioned scans, a professional sonographer will perform a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, discuss the findings with you, and provide a full report along with images. For most scans it’s advisable to attend with a full bladder as this will helpwith the quality of the ultrasound images. If you’re unsure, follow guidance provided by the clinic.

For those considering private pregnancy scans, The Surrey Park Clinic’s pricing structure is transparent, with options to suit different needs and budgets. The availability of combination packages also allows parents to access multiple scans at a discounted rate, ensuring continuous monitoring and reassurance throughout the pregnancy journey. By providingstate-of-the-art ultrasound technology, flexible booking options, and highly trained staff, The Surrey Park Clinic is the perfect choice for expectant parents seeking expert care in a private setting. You can book an appointment here.

How Do Fertility Clinics Work?

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Not every couple who want children are lucky enough to fall pregnant straight away. There are also people who are not part of a couple, who wish to take on the parental role solo, which can also bring its challenges. It can be a heartbreaking time for those wanting to start a family, but are unable to conceive naturally. Fertility clinics are there to assist these people, and they offer a range of services from initial assessments to reproductive treatments, all made to fit the needs of each patient.

At The Surrey Park Clinic, we are committed to helping couples (and individuals) to achieve a healthy pregnancy and our appointments and treatments are personalised and consultant led, making sure that each patient get the consistent and compassionate care they deservethroughout their fertility journey.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step begins with an initial consultation, which is a 45 minute session where detailsabout the patient’s medical and fertility history are discussed. Patients are asked to complete a detailed questionnaire before the appointment so that the consultant can learn essential background information. This approach allows the consultant to understand the patient’s circumstances and needs, and tailor any further care and treatment accordingly.

A follow-up appointment can be made after the initial consultation to discuss the findings of any investigations, and to talk about potential treatment options. This appointment takes approximately 30 minutes.

Fertility Investigations

Here at The Surrey Park Clinic, we offer a range of fertility investigations so that we can get a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s reproductive health. These investigations may include blood tests to determine hormone levels such as AMH, LH, FSH, TSH and Oestradiol. A baseline ultrasound scan can also be done to evaluate the reproductive organs. In the case of male patients, a semen analysis is available to assess sperm quality and motility.

Treatments

The clinic’s specialist fertility team will recommend treatment plans based on the results of the investigations. These include:

In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – this involves combining a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg in laboratory conditions to facilitate fertilisation.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – A specialised procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, often used when sperm quality is suboptimal.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – In this treatment, prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a fine catheter to achieve fertilisation.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) – This involves thawing one or more embryos that were previously frozen during a fresh treatment cycle and transferring them to the uterus.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) – A specialised treatment for couples who carry inherited genetic defects, allowing for the selection of embryos without specific genetic conditions.

Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation) – An option for women who wish to preserve their fertility for future use, often considered by those not yet ready to start a family or undergoing medical treatments that may impact fertility.

Consultant Led Care

The Surrey Park Clinic is proud of its consultant-led approach and continuity of care! Patients consistently see the same consultant throughout their treatment. Patients receive their consultant’s direct contact number when they start treatment, allowing communication at any time. After each scan and blood test, the consultant personally contacts the patient to discussprogress and next steps, providing reassurance and support.

Transparent Pricing

The Surrey Park Clinic is committed to transparency in its pricing. There are no hidden costs, unless additional medication is needed. This approach ensures that patients know all of the financial aspects of their treatment, giving them the ability to plan their finances accordingly.

Testimonials

The clinic’s dedication to personalised care is shown in the numerous patient testimonials we receive, praising both the clinic, and the staff. You can view our testimonials on our website.

Fertility clinics such as ours offer comprehensive services to assist patients in their journey towards parenthood. From their initial contact to first assessments, to advanced treatments, the clinic’s consultant-led tailored approach ensures that patients receive premium, consistent, compassionate, and effective care based on their unique needs.

When is My First Pregnancy Scan?

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The initial ultrasound scan during pregnancy is an exciting moment for expectant parents. Also commonly referred to as an ‘early pregnancy scan’ or ‘viability scan’ these ultrasounds can be performed from as early as 6 weeks and serve multiple purposes. They are able to confirm the pregnancy is in the correct location, check the heart beat is present , and how many babies there are.

Purpose of the First Scan

The objectives of the initial scan are to:

  • Confirm Viability – The scan shows the presence of baby’s heartbeat, which confirms a viable pregnancy.
  • Estimate Gestational Age – Measurements are taken during the scan to work out how many weeks pregnant you are.
  • Determine Multiple Pregnancies – If you are carrying more than 1 baby, this scan will identify the number.

What to Expect During the Scan

During the appointment a sonographer will do the ultrasound scan in a dimly lit room so that they can get clear images. Depending on how far along in the pregnancy you are, the scan may be performed across your abdomen, or possibly vaginally if very early ( 6-8 weeks). A special gel is applied to your abdomen to help pick up the transmission of sound waves. The sonographer moves the transducer device over your tummy, and transmitted images of your baby can be viewed on a screen. The procedure is painless and will last approximately 20 minutes.

How to Prepare

Scans across the abdomen normally require a full bladder as this as this enhances the clarity of the ultrasound images. However, the necessity of a full bladder depends on the type of scan, and the stage of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will advise you or give you specific instructions.

The Surrey Park Clinic’s Pregnancy Scan Services

Here at The Surrey Park Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of pregnancy scans with highly experienced Sonographers. These are tailored to different stages of pregnancy. They include:

  • Early Pregnancy Scan – Available from 6 weeks – 13 weeks and 6 days, this 30 minuteappointment will determine viability, date gestation age, and provide an approximate due date. The package includes a full report with measurements, and up to four pictures.
  • Gender Scan – This scan can be performed from 16 weeks onwards and can reveal the baby’s gender. The session includes a full report and up to four pictures.
  • Growth Scan – This ultrasound is carried out between 14 weeks and 35 weeks and 6 days and assesses the baby’s growth, fluid around the baby, estimates its weight (from 24 weeks onwards), and measures the umbilical cord Doppler (after 24 weeks). The appointment includes a full report and up to four pictures.
  • 3D/4D & Wellbeing Scan – This scan is available from 26 to 32 weeks and provides detailed images of the baby, assesses amniotic fluid, and monitors foetal movements. The session includes a full report, up to four printed pictures, and images on a USB stick.

Booking and Appointments

The Surrey Park Clinic operates six days a week, and offers flexible appointment times, often with same-day availability. You can contact the clinic directly or book online through our website. For those planning to have multiple scans during pregnancy, discounted scan packages are available.

Who Can Come with You?

To minimise the number of people on site, the clinic requests that you bring only one other adult with you. Children are not permitted in the clinic, so childcare will need to be arranged accordingly.

Additional Considerations

Ultrasound scans are a valuable tool in monitoring pregnancy, so it’s important to understand that they may detect certain health conditions. It is a choice whether to have screening and your healthcare provider can discuss your options with you. If any concerns arise during a scan, the sonographer may refer you to a specialist for further investigation or evaluation.

The first scan is a huge milestone for expectant parents that provides essential information about your baby’s development and helps establish a timeline for your pregnancy. The Surrey Park Clinic ensures you receive personalised care and reassurance during this special time.

How Early Can You Have a Pregnancy Scan?

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When you first learn that you’re pregnant, it’s natural that you’d like to confirm the pregnancy as soon as possible and get some reassurance that everything is progressing as it should. One of the most reliable and reassuring ways to do this is by having a pregnancy scan. But how early can you have one, and what should you expect?

Early Pregnancy Scans Starting from 6 weeks

At the Surrey Park Clinic, we provide a variety of pregnancy scans and scan packages, starting as early as 6 weeks and continuing through to 35 weeks and 6 days. Early scans are critical in confirming pregnancy, checking the health and development of your baby, and providing you with peace of mind so that you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

Our clinic prides itself on offering high quality care. Our scans are performed by a dedicated team of professional and experienced sonographers who understand the emotional and physical needs of expectant mothers. The clinic operates six days per week often with the convenience of appointments on the same day, making it easier for you to find a time that suits you.

What Can You Expect During a Pregnancy Scan?

When you arrive to have your scan, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnostic scan that lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. This time will allow your sonographers to conduct a thorough examination and make sure that all aspect of your pregnancy are progressing as they should. The scan will also include a detailed report that explains the findings, giving you a clear understanding of your baby’s development at that stage. You’ll also receive up to four images from the scan which you can take home as a keepsake.

Do You Need a Full Bladder for the Scan?

A common question that most expectant mothers have is whether or not they need a full bladder when attending a scan. The answer to this can depend on the type of scan being carried out. For some early pregnancy scans, a full bladder helps the quality of images by pushing up the uterus making it easier to see the developing baby. Generally it’s recommended to arrive for your appointment with a full bladder. During the scan, it it’s determined that a full bladder isn’t necessary, then you’ll be given the opportunity to empty it before proceeding.

What If You Need to Cancel Your Appointment?

We understand that that sometimes you may need to cancel your appointment. Life can be unpredictable! If you find you need to cancel and make an alternative appointment, we would need 48 hours notice before your scheduled visit in order to give you a full refund.  We also know that unexpected circumstances can arise, so if you need to cancel within 48 hours, you can call us directly and we’ll do our best to accommodate your situation and assist in rescheduling. We can also assist you with any other concerns you may have.

What If You Have Booked a Scan Package but Don’t Need All the Scans?

Pregnancy can be a journey into the unknown, and unfortunately, not all pregnancies go to full term. Here at The Surrey Park Clinic, we understand that it can be extremely difficult when a pregnancy doesn’t progress as you’d hoped or planned. If you’ve purchased a scan package but don’t require all of the scans due to the pregnancy not continuing, we’ll refund you for the unused scans. This way you only pay for the services that you’ve used, and we hope this provides a little relief during what can be a challenging and distressing time.

Bringing a Companion to Your Scan

We would ask that you only bring one other adult with you to your appointment. It can be your partner or another support person. This minimises the number of people on site and helps to ensure a safe environment for everyone. We understand that childcare can be an issue, but at this time we do not allow children into the clinic, so planning accordingly will ensure that your appointment can go ahead without any added stress.

The Importance of Early Pregnancy Scans

An early pregnancy scan is usually performed between 8 and 10 weeks and is the first time you’ll get to see your baby. During this scan, the sonographer will confirm the presence of a gestational sac, check for a heartbeat and ensure that the pregnancy is developing as expected. This scan can be incredibly reassuring, especially if you have any concerns.

A 6 week scan is crucial for women who have experienced previous pregnancy complications, such as miscarriages, or for women who have had fertility treatments. At this early stage, the scan confirms whether the pregnancy is in the right location (inside the uterus) and determines whether it’s progressing normally. It’s also an opportunity to check for multiple pregnancies which can be vital information as you prepare for the months ahead.

Mid Pregnancy and Later Scans

You can have additional scans to monitor your baby’s growth and development. These scans can provide valuable information about the anatomy of the baby, its growth rate and position in the womb. They also offer the perfect opportunity to bond with your baby, as you can see more detailed images, especially after 26 weeks when you can get a 3D or 4D scan.

By 12 weeks a scan can be done to perform the nuchal translucency test, which asses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. At around 20 weeks, the anatomy scan provides a thorough check of the baby’s organs and limbs, and can generally reveal the gender of the baby if you wish to know. Later in the pregnancy growth scans can be performed to ensure that your baby is growing at a healthy rate, and to check the position of the placenta and the baby.

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, and each scan is a milestone that offers valuable insights and reassurance into your baby’s development. At the Surrey Park Clinic we are committed to providing you with the highest quality and standard of care throughout your pregnancy. From early confirmation at 6 weeks to more detailed scans later on, our professional and experienced team are here to support you every step of the way. We strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible, providing you with all the information you need. With flexible scheduling, comprehensive services and a caring and compassionate team, we’ll give you the care you deserve during this special time.