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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.