Pregnancy FAQs

It confirms that the pregnancy is in the womb, checks for a heartbeat and shows how many babies there are.

It also assesses early development and dates the pregnancy, giving reassurance and helping to guide your ongoing care.

Early pregnancy scan · £125 →

Anyone who would like reassurance after a positive pregnancy test.

It is particularly helpful if you have had bleeding or pain, a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, conceived after fertility treatment, or are unsure of your dates.

For most women, booking from 7 weeks gives clear reassurance from a single visit.

• 5–6 weeks: a small pregnancy sac and often a yolk sac. It is often too early to see a heartbeat, which can be entirely normal.
• From 6½–7 weeks: the baby (fetal pole) is usually visible and a heartbeat can typically be seen.
• 7–10 weeks: a heartbeat should be clearly seen, early development can be assessed and the number of babies confirmed.

If the scan is performed earlier, a follow-up scan may be recommended.

This is taken into account when your scan is interpreted.

In early pregnancy, development does not always match the date of your last period, and this can be entirely normal. If the pregnancy looks earlier than expected, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem; a follow-up scan may be recommended to give a clearer picture.

Usually through the tummy first, with an internal (transvaginal) scan if clearer views are needed.

An internal scan is safe, commonly used and only performed with your understanding and consent.

Not always. After 7–8 weeks, a scan through the tummy is often enough.

If the views are limited, for example because of the position of the womb or because the pregnancy is very early, an internal scan gives the clearest and most accurate images. It is very common, safe and usually well tolerated.

A moderately full bladder helps, but you do not need to be uncomfortable.

You may be asked to empty your bladder during the appointment if an internal scan is needed.

Your consultant explains everything seen on the screen and answers all your questions.

You can expect clear information about:

• Whether the pregnancy is in the womb
• Whether a heartbeat is seen
• Your estimated stage of pregnancy and due date
• Whether there is one baby or more
• Any findings that may need follow-up

The findings are interpreted carefully, in the context of how far along the pregnancy is.

• Before 7 weeks, it is common not to see a heartbeat, and this does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
• If the pregnancy looks earlier than expected, or the findings are inconclusive, a repeat scan is usually recommended after 7–14 days.
• If the findings meet established criteria for a pregnancy that is not developing, this will be discussed with you sensitively and clearly.

You will be fully supported throughout, and where appropriate we will liaise with NHS early pregnancy services.

No. This is assessed later, at the 11–13 week nuchal scan.

NIPT, a blood test for common genetic conditions, can be offered from 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Nuchal scan →

Yes, if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant.

Testing earlier increases the chance of an inconclusive result. A test for the baby’s sex alone may be possible from 7 weeks.

NIPT →

Light bleeding or spotting is common in early pregnancy and does not always mean there is a problem.

An early pregnancy scan can clarify what is happening and give reassurance or guide further care. If you have ongoing or heavy bleeding, pain or feel unwell, please seek urgent assessment through your local NHS Early Pregnancy Unit or maternity unit, NHS 111 or A&E.

Yes. Twins or more can usually be seen at an early pregnancy scan.

If more than one baby is seen, we explain the type of twin pregnancy and what it means for your care.

The 11–13 week nuchal scan is a comprehensive early assessment of your baby’s development.

• Confirms the number of babies
• Dates the pregnancy and estimates your due date
• Assesses early development and well-being
• Screens for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
• Identifies, or confidently excludes, major birth defects detectable at this stage
• Can be combined with screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction

Nuchal scan · £250 →

It depends on how you conceived.

• Natural conception: dating is based on your baby’s crown–rump length (CRL) at the nuchal scan. This is more reliable than your last period, as ovulation and cycle length vary.
• IVF or assisted conception: dating is based on the known date of fertilisation or embryo transfer, which is more accurate than scan measurements.

Accurate dating matters for planning screening, monitoring growth and timing delivery if needed.

IVF pregnancy care →

In most cases, no. Once set in early pregnancy, your due date should stay fixed.

Later scans assess your baby’s growth against this original date. Differences in size later in pregnancy usually reflect variation in growth, not wrong dating, and changing the due date can make growth assessment unreliable. An exception may be made only if the original dating scan was technically poor or performed outside the recommended window.

Combined screening is a personalised risk assessment for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13.

It combines:

• Your age and other maternal factors
• Ultrasound measurements: crown–rump length and nuchal translucency (the fluid space behind the baby’s neck)
• A blood test measuring two placental proteins: free β-hCG and PAPP-A

Nuchal scan + blood test · £350 →

It detects around 85–90% of babies with Down syndrome, depending on the expertise of the person scanning.

• False-positive rate: around 2–3% (healthy pregnancies classed as higher chance)
• False-negative rate: around 10–15% (affected pregnancies classed as lower chance)

It is a screening test, not a diagnostic test, and results should always be discussed with a specialist. NIPT is more accurate for these conditions.

NIPT →

It is a systematic check of your baby’s developing structures at 11–13 weeks.

Modern high-resolution ultrasound allows experienced specialists to assess the brain, skull, spine, abdominal wall, stomach, bladder, limbs and early heart structure. This gives earlier reassurance for most pregnancies, and earlier counselling and planning when a concern is found.

As your baby continues to develop, the detailed anatomy scan at around 20 weeks remains essential; the two scans complement each other.

Many major structures have already formed by 11–13 weeks, so serious abnormalities can often be ruled out.

• The skull and brain
• The spine, including open spina bifida
• The heart (major structural defects)
• The abdominal wall
• The limbs

Not every condition can be excluded this early, but the scan gives valuable reassurance and identifies pregnancies that may benefit from further assessment.

Yes. Screening for pre-eclampsia can be done at your nuchal scan visit.

It combines your medical and pregnancy history, blood pressure, a Doppler assessment of blood flow to the placenta and a blood test (PAPP-A). There is strong evidence that women found to be at high risk benefit from starting low-dose aspirin early, which can reduce the risk or delay the onset of pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia screening package · £400 →

Yes. NIPT and the nuchal scan assess different, complementary aspects of your pregnancy.

NIPT is highly accurate for common genetic conditions, but it does not assess:

• Your baby’s anatomy and development
• Major structural birth defects
• How the placenta is developing and working
• The risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction

The nuchal scan gives a comprehensive early evaluation of both baby and placenta, so complications can be identified early and the right care planned.

No. The nuchal scan is usually done through the tummy and a full bladder is not needed.

Occasionally an internal scan is recommended for clearer views; this will always be discussed with you first.

It is a detailed assessment of both your baby and the placenta at 20–22 weeks, sometimes called the anomaly scan.

• Your baby’s growth and well-being
• A detailed examination of your baby’s anatomy
• Ultrasound markers associated with genetic conditions
• Amniotic fluid volume
• Where the placenta lies in relation to the cervix (neck of the womb)
• After a previous caesarean, the relationship between the placenta and the scar
• Where the cord inserts into the placenta, and screening for vasa praevia
• Uterine artery Doppler to assess placental function

Detailed anatomy scan · £300 →

No. At The Pregnancy Clinic, it is a holistic assessment of the whole pregnancy.

Checking your baby’s anatomy is important, but many conditions that affect pregnancy outcome are not anatomical and would be missed by a checklist alone. A healthy pregnancy needs a healthy placenta too.

Our scan therefore also assesses the placenta’s position, appearance and signs of placental insufficiency, the umbilical cord (including vasa praevia) and, through cervical length, the risk of preterm birth.

Soft markers are subtle ultrasound findings that are usually normal variations, not abnormalities.

Most have no effect on the baby’s health. Some can be linked to genetic conditions, particularly if more than one is seen or there are other risk factors. When no soft markers are seen and the anatomy appears normal, this is very reassuring.

If a marker is found, a fetal medicine specialist can explain it in the context of the rest of the scan, previous screening and your individual risk, and advise whether anything further is needed.

Second opinion consultation + scan · £350 →

No. Even in expert hands, the anatomy scan identifies most, but not all, abnormalities.

Accuracy depends on the equipment and, crucially, on the expertise of the person scanning. Some organs continue to develop after 20 weeks, so certain conditions only become apparent later in pregnancy.

A third-trimester review gives additional reassurance and allows any later-emerging condition to be identified in time to plan care.

Growth & Doppler scan →

Amniotic fluid gives important information about your baby’s kidneys, well-being and placental function.

The fluid is mainly your baby’s urine, which is produced, swallowed and absorbed in a continuous cycle.

• Normal volume suggests normal kidney function and well-being.
• Reduced fluid can suggest reduced placental function or, less commonly, a kidney problem. It can also occur if the waters have broken early, which is sometimes subtle.
• Excess fluid can be associated with certain conditions in the mother or baby.

To identify a low-lying placenta early, so the rest of the pregnancy and birth can be planned safely.

• If the placental edge is within 20 mm of the cervix at 20 weeks, it is described as low-lying.
• This is relatively common; in around 90% of cases the placenta moves up as the womb grows.
• If it remains within 20 mm of, or covers, the cervix later in pregnancy, it is called placenta praevia.

Placenta praevia carries a risk of bleeding and usually requires delivery by caesarean section.

Checking where the cord joins the placenta can reliably confirm or exclude vasa praevia, a rare but serious condition.

The cord normally inserts into the centre of the placenta, but it may insert at the edge (marginal) or into the membranes (velamentous). When a velamentous insertion is low in the womb, unprotected fetal blood vessels can cross near the cervix; this is vasa praevia.

• These vessels can rupture during labour or when the waters break.
• Undiagnosed, it carries serious risk to the baby.
• When diagnosed in pregnancy, careful monitoring and planned delivery lead to excellent outcomes.

Why this matters in IVF pregnancies →

It is when the placenta attaches too deeply into the wall of the womb and does not separate normally after birth.

This can cause severe, life-threatening bleeding at delivery. The strongest risk factor is a previous caesarean, especially when the placenta lies over the scar. We check this carefully, and if it is suspected, early referral to a specialist maternity centre is essential.

It measures blood flow to the placenta, to assess how well the placenta is working.

The uterine arteries carry blood from mother to placenta. Increased resistance to flow is associated with placental insufficiency, which raises the risk of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. We include it routinely in the anatomy scan.

It assesses your baby’s growth, well-being and placental function in later pregnancy.

• Estimated fetal weight and growth over time
• Placental blood flow using Doppler
• Amniotic fluid volume
• A review of your baby’s anatomy, where appropriate
• Your baby’s position (head-down or breech)
• The position of the placenta

Growth & Doppler scan · £250 →

Mainly two factors: parental build and genetics, and how well the placenta is working.

At 20 weeks most babies are a similar size, so weight at the anatomy scan does not reliably predict birthweight. Growth assessed in the third trimester, especially nearer term, is a much better guide. Reduced placental function can limit growth, while conditions such as diabetes can increase it.

To identify babies who are smaller or larger than expected, as they are more likely to need closer monitoring.

Early identification allows appropriate surveillance, timely referral where needed and a personalised plan for the rest of your pregnancy and birth.

Most small (below the 10th centile) or large (above the 90th centile) babies are healthy.

• Many small babies are simply constitutionally small and need reassurance rather than intervention.
• Some smaller babies have lower reserves and benefit from extra monitoring and delivery planning.
• Babies with more significant growth restriction may need specialist input and a tailored plan.

Most larger babies are also healthy. Closer monitoring is recommended with diabetes, and if your baby is large without diabetes, discussing delivery options helps you make an informed decision.

Fluid levels reflect your baby’s well-being and how well the placenta is working.

• Normal levels are generally reassuring.
• Reduced fluid may suggest placental insufficiency or leaking waters.
• Increased fluid is often a normal variation, but can occasionally be linked to diabetes, infection or, less commonly, birth defects.

Any variation is interpreted alongside the other findings and the overall clinical picture.

Doppler measures blood flow in key vessels, showing how well the placenta is working and how your baby is adapting.

• Umbilical artery: resistance to blood flow across the placenta
• Middle cerebral artery (brain): signs of adaptation to reduced oxygen supply
• Ductus venosus (near the heart): assessed in selected cases to reflect heart function

Doppler findings are particularly valuable in the third trimester and can influence monitoring and the timing of delivery.

At around 36 weeks.

Breech is common earlier in the third trimester, but by 36 weeks most babies have turned head-down. If your baby is still breech at 36 weeks, the scan is an opportunity to discuss your options and plan delivery.

From 26–28 weeks onwards; if you have only one, the best time is 35–37 weeks.

• With additional risk factors, scans may be recommended every 2–3 weeks.
• Without risk factors, scans can be every 4 weeks.

Late pregnancy review (36–40 weeks) · £300 →

Yes. Your baby keeps growing and developing after 20 weeks, and a 36-week scan gives a final, comprehensive check before birth.

• Growth: identifies babies who are smaller or larger than expected, so delivery can be planned.
• Blood flow: early changes, including in the baby’s brain, can occur even when size appears normal.
• Anatomy: some findings only become apparent as organs mature, and may affect newborn care.
• Position: confirms whether your baby is head-down or breech.
• Fluid: both reduced and excess fluid may need closer monitoring.

Together, this helps ensure the right plan is in place for labour, birth and your baby’s care afterwards.

NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) is a blood test that screens for certain genetic conditions in your baby, with no risk to the pregnancy.

It analyses fragments of placental DNA in your bloodstream. It is most often used to screen for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), detecting more than 99% of babies with Down syndrome. More advanced tests can also screen for some microdeletions and, in some panels, rarer single-gene conditions.

NIPT is a screening test, so a high-chance result may need confirmation with further testing.

NIPT at The Pregnancy Clinic →

Every NIPT screens for the common trisomies; wider panels add sex chromosome conditions, microdeletions and, in some tests, single-gene conditions.

Trisomies: Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).

Sex chromosome conditions: Turner syndrome (Monosomy X), Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), Jacobs syndrome (XYY) and Triple X syndrome (XXX).

Microdeletions (a small missing section of a chromosome), in expanded panels, for example:

• 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome)
• 5p deletion (Cri-du-chat syndrome)
• 4p deletion (Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome)
• 1p36 deletion syndrome
• 15q11.2 deletion (Prader–Willi / Angelman syndromes)
• 11q deletion (Jacobsen syndrome)

We offer the full range of NIPT options. Pre-test counselling helps choose the right test for you, and post-test counselling explains your results and any next steps.

Compare NIPT tests and prices →

NIPT is the most accurate screening test available for the common chromosomal conditions.

• Detects more than 99% of babies with Down syndrome, with a false-negative rate below 1%
• False-positive rate of around 0.1–0.3%
• By comparison, first-trimester combined screening detects about 85–90%, so around 10–15% may be missed

It is also very effective for sex chromosome conditions, with detection generally above 95–99%. Accuracy for microdeletions and single-gene conditions is less well established. Any high-chance result usually needs a diagnostic test to confirm it.

No. NIPT screens for a limited number of conditions, and there are hundreds of rarer genetic conditions it does not assess.

This is why detailed scans remain essential. The nuchal scan at 12 weeks and the anatomy scan at 20 weeks assess your baby’s anatomy and development, and can identify findings linked to a much wider range of conditions.

If a scan raises concern, diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), with advanced analysis such as chromosomal microarray or exome sequencing, can assess far more conditions.

Nuchal scan →

No. NIPT is a screening test: it estimates the chance of certain conditions but does not give a definite diagnosis.

• A low-chance result is very reassuring, but does not completely exclude the conditions screened for.
• A high-chance result does not confirm the condition; it needs confirmation with CVS or amniocentesis, which test the baby’s genetic material directly.

Its limitations are greater for microdeletions and rarer genetic changes. NIPT complements detailed ultrasound rather than replacing it.

It ensures you choose the right test and that your results are interpreted correctly for your pregnancy.

At The Pregnancy Clinic, every NIPT includes consultation with a fetal medicine specialist before and after the test.

Before the test, we discuss:

• Whether NIPT is right for you, given your history and scan findings
• Which NIPT panel is most suitable
• What the test can and cannot detect
• How it fits alongside your scans

After the test, we explain:

• What a low-chance result means
• What a high-chance result means, and the role of CVS or amniocentesis
• How your result fits with your scan findings and overall risk

Yes. NIPT does not assess how your baby is developing or how the placenta is working.

Many important conditions affecting the brain, heart, spine and other organs are found only on detailed ultrasound. The nuchal scan at 12 weeks and the anatomy scan at 20 weeks remain essential parts of your care, and NIPT and scans work best together.

Pregnancy scan prices →

From 10 weeks of pregnancy, when there is enough placental DNA in your blood for a reliable result.

A scan beforehand confirms your stage of pregnancy and that your baby is developing as expected. Testing too early can lead to an inconclusive result. A test for the baby’s sex alone may be possible from around 7 weeks, depending on the test.

Usually 5–7 days for Standard and Standard Plus NIPT, and 10–14 days for Advanced and Comprehensive (KNOVA) NIPT.

We contact you as soon as your results are ready and explain what they mean.

NIPT prices →

This happens in around 3–4% of tests, most often because there is too little placental DNA (fetal fraction) in the sample.

Causes include testing too early, naturally low fetal fraction, higher maternal weight or technical factors. A failed result does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the pregnancy. If it happens:

• The test can often be repeated later in pregnancy
• Your consultant may discuss other screening options
• In some situations, a diagnostic test may be considered

Every result is reviewed and explained by a consultant in fetal and maternal medicine.

Your result is interpreted alongside your scan findings, stage of pregnancy and overall screening. If it shows a higher chance or is inconclusive, your consultant explains the possible reasons and next steps, which may include a repeat test, CVS or amniocentesis.

It helps you prepare for pregnancy in the safest, most informed way, reducing risks before you conceive.

• Understand and reduce risks based on your medical, pregnancy and family history
• Make sure your medications and supplements are safe for pregnancy
• Agree a personalised plan for conception, early pregnancy care and screening
• Gain reassurance and clarity about your next steps

Pre-conception consultation · £250 →

Anyone planning a pregnancy, and particularly if you have a medical condition or a previous complication.

• Planning your first pregnancy and would like guidance
• Recurrent miscarriage
• A previous baby with a birth defect or genetic condition
• Pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy
• A previous preterm birth or cervical surgery
• A medical condition such as diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune, heart or neurological condition
• Long-term medication that may need review before pregnancy

A comprehensive review of your health and history, ending with a personalised plan and a written summary.

• Your medical, surgical, gynaecological and pregnancy history
• Family history, including inherited conditions
• Previous complications, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction
• A medication review
• An individual assessment of pregnancy risks
• Advice on nutrition, weight and lifestyle
• Supplements, including folic acid and vitamin D
• Planning blood tests, genetic screening, scans or referrals where appropriate

Our pre-conception care can be tailored to specific histories that may affect a future pregnancy.

• Recurrent miscarriage: review of previous investigations and a plan for early pregnancy monitoring.
• Previous birth defect or genetic condition: recurrence risks, screening and diagnostic options, and monitoring in future pregnancies.
• Pre-eclampsia prevention: risk assessment, evidence-based prevention and planned surveillance.
• Preterm birth and cervical insufficiency: surveillance and preventive treatments such as progesterone or cervical cerclage, where appropriate.
• Medical conditions: optimising medications and coordinating care for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or high blood pressure.

For consultant-led care with time to listen, explain and plan, in a calm setting in Sevenoaks, Kent.

• One-to-one, consultant-led care with continuity
• Proactive screening and risk assessment for pregnancy complications
• High standards of ultrasound assessment for baby and placenta
• Early, evidence-based management of any concerns
• Trusted by families across Kent, London and the South East

Private antenatal care →

Women who value continuity, expertise and a proactive approach to their pregnancy.

It is often chosen by those who would like more time for discussion and detailed assessment, recognise that complications can arise by chance even in healthy pregnancies, or have a history that calls for extra expertise, such as IVF or a previous complication.

IVF pregnancy care →

Consultant-led consultations, detailed scans and tailored investigations throughout pregnancy.

• Consultations: at key stages, with the same consultant and ongoing review of all results.
• Scans: consultant-performed, screening for genetic conditions and birth defects, and monitoring the placenta, growth and complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, placenta praevia and vasa praevia.
• Investigations: blood and urine tests tailored to your pregnancy, with clear explanation of results.

There are three packages, from £2,500.

Compare antenatal packages →

A structured programme of screening and monitoring for conditions that can affect mother or baby.

• Genetic conditions: Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes, with the option of NIPT.
• Structural birth defects: early anatomy assessment and a detailed anatomy scan at around 20 weeks.
• Growth and placental function: small or large babies and placental insufficiency, using growth, fluid and Doppler assessment.
• Maternal complications: pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, anaemia, preterm birth risk, placenta praevia and vasa praevia.

When a risk is identified, the focus is on early detection, prevention and timely treatment.

No. We provide planned private antenatal care; we do not provide labour or delivery care.

Most of our patients give birth within NHS maternity services, and we can refer you to a private obstetrician of your choice if you prefer.

Anyone who would like a thorough review after birth, particularly after a complicated pregnancy or delivery.

• Pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes
• Preterm birth, fetal growth restriction or stillbirth
• An emergency or assisted delivery, or a caesarean section
• A pre-existing medical condition or recurrent complications
• Planning another pregnancy
• Wanting a consultant review beyond routine postnatal checks

Postnatal consultation · £250 →

A consultant review from 6 weeks after birth, covering your recovery, what happened and your future health.

• Review: your pregnancy, birth and recovery, blood pressure, relevant investigations, medications and contraception.
• Debrief: a clear explanation of events, and time to ask questions, including after a difficult or traumatic experience.
• Investigations and referral: where clinically indicated, for example to urogynaecology or endocrinology.
• Future pregnancies: your recurrence risks and a plan to reduce them.
• Long-term health: cardiovascular and metabolic risk, lifestyle advice and follow-up with your GP.