Does a possible concern mean there is definitely a problem?

No. A scan finding may need clarification. The clinician should explain the degree of certainty and the follow-up route.

Will I always need another scan?

Not always. Further imaging or specialist review depends on the particular finding and your pregnancy stage.

Who should receive my results?

Ask how the result will be shared with your maternity team or usual clinician, and keep a copy of any report provided.

What if I feel unwell after the scan?

Use maternity services, NHS 111 or 999 as appropriate. Do not wait for routine follow-up if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

What Happens If a Pregnancy Scan Finds a Concern?

A clear guide to what an unexpected scan finding may mean, what questions to ask and when maternity or emergency care is the right next step.

For a results discussion· Bring your maternity notes, any previous scan reports and a written list of questions. Ask who will arrange follow-up and what symptoms should prompt earlier contact.

A possible scan concern is not always a diagnosis. The appropriate next step depends on the finding, gestational stage, symptoms and your maternity-care pathway. The clinician should explain what was seen, what is uncertain, whether follow-up imaging or specialist assessment may be needed and how information will be shared with the relevant maternity team.

Hearing that a scan has found something unexpected can be unsettling. I aim to make the next step clear rather than leave you with unsupported conclusions: what the image may show, what it cannot show, what follow-up is recommended and which team should coordinate care.

This guide cannot interpret an individual scan. If you are pregnant and feel acutely unwell, have bleeding, severe pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, reduced movements later in pregnancy or another urgent concern, use maternity or emergency services rather than waiting for a routine scan discussion.

Written & reviewed by

Victoria Medical Clinical Team

GMC-registered physicians and specialist consultants

The first conversation

A clinician should explain the finding in plain language and distinguish what is known from what needs further assessment. Depending on the situation, next steps may include a repeat scan, referral to a maternity or fetal-medicine team, discussion with your usual maternity provider or a different type of assessment.

Do not treat a routine private scan as a substitute for your NHS antenatal or maternity pathway.

pregnancy ultrasound scan options dating and viability scan information

Questions that can help

Ask what was seen, how certain the finding is, whether it could explain any symptoms, what further assessment is recommended, who will arrange it, how results will be communicated and when you should seek help sooner.

When to seek urgent help

Contact your maternity unit or use NHS 111 for urgent advice if you are worried and it is not life-threatening. Call 999 for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, severe pain with faintness or another life-threatening emergency. Do not wait for a routine scan appointment when symptoms are acute.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

[1]Khalil A et al. ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): role of ultrasound in twin pregnancy. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2025. DOI: 10.1002/uog.29166.

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