First trimester · 11 to 13 weeks · Sevenoaks, Kent
Nuchal Scan (11–13 Weeks)
More than dating and Down syndrome screening. A consultant-led scan that dates your pregnancy, checks your baby’s early development and assesses the chance of genetic conditions and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.
- 1-hour consultant-led appointment
- Detailed early anatomy assessment
- Insured and self-pay welcome
Medically reviewed by Professor Ranjit Akolekar, MBBS, MD (Res), MRCOG, Consultant in Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics · Last reviewed October 2026
Nuchal scan from £250
One of the most important appointments in early pregnancy. Your nuchal scan includes:
- 1-hour consultant-led appointment
- Detailed early anatomy assessment
- Screening for Down syndrome and pre-eclampsia
- Printed and electronic report and images
© The Pregnancy Clinic
What your nuchal scan includes
A comprehensive early assessment of you and your baby.
Dating and due date
Accurate measurement and due date, vital for reliable genetic screening, growth checks and planning birth.
Number of babies
One baby or more and, for twins, whether they share a placenta (monochorionic) or not (dichorionic).
Early anatomy
A detailed check of the brain, spine, heart, abdomen and limbs to identify or rule out most major defects.
Genetic screening
Assesses the chance of Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes, using nuchal translucency and, if you choose, a blood test.
Pre-eclampsia and growth
Optional screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, so prevention can start early.
Placenta and pregnancy
Early assessment of the placenta and the overall health of your pregnancy.
Choose your nuchal scan
Clear prices, with every scan performed by a consultant.
| Option | What is included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nuchal scan11–13 weeks | Detailed scan, early anatomy, dating, nuchal translucency, written report and images | £250 |
| Nuchal scan + blood test11–13 weeksCombined screening | Nuchal scan plus hCG and PAPP-A blood test for a personalised genetic risk, with results within 24 working hours | £350 |
| Pre-eclampsia screening package11–13 and 20–22 weeks · 2 visits | Nuchal scan with pre-eclampsia and growth screening, then your anatomy scan at 20–22 weeks. Save £150 | £400 |
| Add NIPTFrom 10 weeks | Add the most accurate screening test for Down syndrome and save £75 compared with booking separately | See prices |
Twin pregnancy: +£100 per scan. Insured and self-pay patients welcome. See all pregnancy scan prices →
Combined screening or NIPT?
Both screen for genetic conditions; the nuchal scan is recommended either way.
| Combined screening | NIPT | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Nuchal scan with a blood test (hCG and PAPP-A), combined with your age | A blood test analysing placental DNA in your bloodstream |
| When | 11–13 weeks | From 10 weeks |
| Detects Down syndrome | Around 85–90% | More than 99% |
| False-positive rate | Around 2–3% | Around 0.04–0.1% |
| Screens for | Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes | Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes, with optional wider panels |
| Results | Within 24 working hours | Usually 5–7 days (Standard) |
| Price | £350 including your nuchal scan | From £375, or save £75 with a scan |
Neither combined screening for trisomies nor NIPT checks your baby’s anatomy, placenta or umbilical cord.
A detailed ultrasound scan therefore remains essential to assess your baby’s structure and development,
and to identify or rule out major problems.
Your nuchal scan appointment
One unhurried hour with your consultant.
Before your scan
No need for a full bladder. Bring any previous scan reports, and your embryo transfer date if you had IVF.
During your scan
A detailed scan following Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) recommendations, explained as we go.
After your scan
A clear explanation of your scan findings, and a personalised plan for the rest of your pregnancy.
Every nuchal scan includes
- A 1-hour appointment with a consultant
- Scanning and measurements based on FMF recommendations
- A printed and electronic report
- Printed scan images and digital images sent to your phone
- Combined screening results within 24 working hours, if chosen
- A copy of your report for your GP or midwife, if you give us their email
If your result shows a higher chance
Expert, unhurried support from a fetal medicine specialist.
A higher-chance result is not a diagnosis. Most babies in this group are healthy. Your consultant will explain what the result means for you and talk through your options, so you can decide what is right for your family.
- A highly accurate blood test (NIPT) with no risk to the pregnancy
- Diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis
- An early detailed scan of your baby’s heart and anatomy
- Coordination with your NHS fetal medicine team, where appropriate
Your scan journey
Where the nuchal scan fits in your pregnancy.
Prefer everything planned for you? See our scan packages →
Why families trust us
Consultant-led care, recommended by our patients.
Led by Professor Ranjit Akolekar, Consultant in Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, with over 25 years’ experience in high-risk pregnancy and more than 250 published studies. Read more →
What our patients say
Ready to book your nuchal scan?
Health insurance and self-pay accepted · No GP referral needed
Nuchal scan: your questions answered
When is the nuchal scan done?
Between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy. This is when the nuchal translucency can be measured accurately and many of your baby’s major structures can already be assessed.
How long is the appointment, and what will I receive?
The appointment lasts 1 hour. You will receive a printed and electronic report, printed scan images and digital images sent to your phone, and a full explanation from your consultant.
Do I need a full bladder?
No. The nuchal scan is usually performed through the tummy and a full bladder is not needed. Occasionally an internal scan is recommended for clearer views, and this will always be discussed with you first.
What is the difference between the nuchal scan and combined screening?
The nuchal scan (£250) is a detailed assessment of your baby’s development, including nuchal translucency. Combined screening (£350) adds a blood test for hCG and PAPP-A, giving you a personalised risk for Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes, with results within 24 working hours.
Should I choose combined screening or NIPT?
NIPT is more accurate, detecting more than 99% of babies with Down syndrome compared with around 85–90% for combined screening, and with far fewer false-positive results. Combined screening is quicker and lower cost. Your consultant can help you decide, and you can add NIPT to your scan and save £75 compared with booking separately.
My NIPT was low risk. Do I still need a nuchal scan?
Yes. NIPT does not check your baby’s anatomy, the placenta or your risk of pre-eclampsia and growth restriction. The nuchal scan assesses all of these, so NIPT and the scan work best together.
Can I be screened for pre-eclampsia at my nuchal scan?
Yes. Our pre-eclampsia screening package (£400) combines your history, blood pressure, a Doppler assessment of blood flow to the placenta and a blood test at 11–13 weeks, followed by your anatomy scan at 20–22 weeks. Women at high risk benefit from starting low-dose aspirin early.
What happens if my result shows a higher chance?
Your consultant will explain what it means and discuss your options, which may include NIPT, CVS or amniocentesis, or an early detailed scan. A higher-chance result is not a diagnosis, and most babies in this group are healthy.
Can you perform the nuchal scan for twins?
Yes. We assess whether the twins share a placenta (monochorionic) or each have their own (dichorionic), which is important for planning their care, and assess each baby individually. Twin pregnancies are an additional £100 per scan.
What should I do if I have an urgent concern?
We provide planned appointments only. If you have pain, bleeding, contractions, leakage of fluid or any other urgent concern, please contact your local NHS maternity unit or Early Pregnancy Unit, NHS 111 or your GP, or attend A&E. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
More answers in our nuchal scan FAQs.
Have a question? Ask us
Send us a message and our team will reply during clinic hours. No booking or deposit needed.
Prefer to speak to us?
Our patient care team is happy to answer your questions and help you choose the right appointment.
01732 647072Call us07572 929888Message us on WhatsAppcare@thepregnancyclinic.comEmail our care teamOpening hoursTuesday 9am–8pm · Thursday 9am–5pm · Saturday 9am–7pm. Other days on request.
Find usThe Highland Suite, Great Hollanden Business Centre, Mill Lane, Underriver, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0SQ
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