Baby scans, clearly explained
Every scan through your pregnancy — what each one checks, when it happens and what to expect — written clearly and reviewed by our Clinical Governance Team. Powered by Window to the Womb, the UK's leading private baby-scan clinics.
Through the NHS
The 12-week dating scan
Your first NHS scan confirms your due date and checks how your pregnancy is progressing. Here's exactly what happens and what the sonographer is looking at.
Through the NHSThe 20-week anomaly scan
The mid-pregnancy scan is a detailed look at how your baby is developing. Here's what the sonographer checks and what to expect on the day.
Screening choices
Private scans
Early pregnancy & reassurance scans
If you're feeling anxious, or simply can't wait to see your baby, an early scan from around 7 weeks can offer real reassurance — long before your first NHS appointment.
Private scansGender scans
Can't wait until the 20-week scan — or your hospital won't tell you? A private gender scan can confirm your baby's sex from around 16 weeks, with a wellbeing check too.
Private scansFetal wellbeing scans
The gap between your 12 and 20-week scans can feel long. A wellbeing scan offers reassurance that your baby is developing well in between.
Private scansGrowth scans
Later in pregnancy, a growth scan checks your baby's size, position and the things that support them. Here's what it measures and when it's useful.
Private scans4D & HD baby scans
A 4D scan is the one for bonding — moving, lifelike images of your baby's face. Here's how to get the best from it and when to go.
Understanding scans
Your scans, saved in one place
Join The Parent Room free, book scans with your local Window to the Womb clinic, and keep every precious image safe.