Pregnancy ultrasound should be selected by gestational stage, clinical question and the clinic’s confirmed pregnancy-scan protocol. It supports—but does not replace—NHS antenatal, maternity-triage or emergency care.
Use the examination finder to search the currently listed scan options by symptom, body area or preparation need. The clinic team should confirm the most appropriate examination, preparation and booking pathway before an appointment is made.
An ultrasound scan answers a specific imaging question. It does not replace emergency assessment, urgent maternity care, urgent breast assessment or a wider clinical review where those are needed.
Examination finder
Find the right ultrasound scan
Search by scan category, body area, clinical intent, symptom or preparation need. If you are unsure, book a GP consultation and we will guide you.
Pregnancy ultrasound · Pregnancy · New
Early Pregnancy Scan
early pregnancy · pregnancy scan · viability
Intent: Pregnancy care
No special preparationBook this scanPregnancy ultrasound · Pregnancy · New
Dating & Viability Scan
dating scan · viability · due date
Intent: Pregnancy care
No special preparationBook this scanPregnancy ultrasound · Pregnancy · New
Pregnancy Growth Scan
growth scan · wellbeing · fetal growth
Intent: Pregnancy care
No special preparationBook this scanPregnancy ultrasound · Pregnancy · New
Pregnancy Gender Scan
gender scan · fetal sex · pregnancy scan
Intent: Pregnancy care
No special preparationBook this scan
Written & reviewed by
Victoria Medical Ultrasound Pathway TeamPatient information subject to ultrasound and clinical pathway review · Reviewed by Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763
Clinical review date: 22 August 2026
View full profileHow to choose the appropriate examination
The best scan depends on the body area, symptoms, pregnancy status, prior results and the clinical question. If you are unsure, start with a private GP or speak to the clinic team before booking.
| Concern or starting point | Possible route | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| A planned reassurance or pregnancy imaging request | Confirm the appropriate pregnancy-scan pathway | The clinic must confirm the gestational window and examination scope before booking. |
| Pain, bleeding or concern in early pregnancy | Urgent maternity or NHS route where indicated | Routine scanning must not delay assessment of possible ectopic pregnancy or other urgent concerns. |
| Concern about growth or wellbeing | Antenatal or maternity pathway | The right route depends on gestation, symptoms and existing maternity care. |
Preparation and appointment planning
This is the retained canonical preparation guide for pregnancy ultrasound. Preparation, the required information and the appointment type depend on gestational stage and the approved protocol. Before booking, have your estimated dates, maternity details, relevant test or previous scan results and current symptoms available. The clinic will confirm the appropriate examination and any bladder or other instruction; keep all routine NHS antenatal and screening appointments.
Preparation varies by examination. Confirm the current instructions with the clinic when booking, and bring relevant referral letters, previous reports or test results where available.
When to use an urgent pathway instead
Pain, heavy bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, severe headache, visual disturbance, reduced movements or any acute pregnancy concern needs the appropriate urgent maternity or emergency route.
A routine private scan should never delay emergency or specialist urgent assessment. If you are unsure how urgent a symptom is, use NHS 111 or the appropriate emergency service.
Currently listed examinations in this category
These direct pages provide examination-specific preparation and booking guidance. Further pages are added only after the exact bookable protocol and clinical pathway are confirmed.
Early Pregnancy Scan
A gestation-aware route with urgent maternity safety guidance.
Dating & Viability Scan
A focused pathway for an appropriate dating or viability question.
Pregnancy Growth Scan
A gestation-specific growth and wellbeing imaging pathway.
Pregnancy Gender Scan
A gestation-aware information scan with clear limits and maternity-safety guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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