Before opting for private scans, discuss it with your midwife or GP. They can provide advice based on your specific medical history and the progress of your pregnancy.
Routine Scans in Pregnancy Offered by the NHS
For expectant mothers, undergoing routine scans is crucial to ensuring their baby’s healthy development and growth. The NHS typically schedules the initial scan for pregnant women between 11 and 13 weeks plus four days. This first-trimester anomaly scan is pivotal for assessing the baby’s development and also plays a role in estimating the expected delivery date.
A second scan is generally arranged during the second trimester, falling between the 18th and 23rd week. This scan is significant as it often lets parents determine the baby’s gender.
Further along in the pregnancy, usually during the third trimester and after the 28th week (though sometimes later), a third ultrasound scan is conducted. Commonly known as the growth scan, it typically occurs between the 28th and 32nd weeks. This scan focuses on monitoring the ongoing growth and well-being of the baby.
Opting for Private Ultrasound Scans During Pregnancy
Many expectant mothers choose to supplement NHS-provided scans with private ultrasound services. These services at private clinics offer a more detailed glimpse of the developing baby, often employing advanced imaging techniques that go beyond what NHS scans provide.
The decision to undergo private scanning often stems from a desire for more comprehensive information about the pregnancy. Some women, particularly those concerned about their pregnancy, can find reassurance in these additional scans. These scans can offer an earlier identification of the baby’s gender, with NHS scans, the gender isn’t revealed until later – between 18 to 23 weeks. In some instances, an NHS scan might not be able to ascertain the baby’s gender due to the baby’s position, which can be another reason for opting for a private scan.
Souvenir scans
Private clinics also offer options like 3D and 4D scans, which can show the baby’s movements in the womb. These scans have become increasingly popular for expectant parents and families to connect with the unborn baby, capturing early images and movements.
However, unlike medical ultrasounds, which are performed to monitor the health and development of the fetus, souvenir scans are intended solely for creating mementos.
While ultrasound is generally considered safe, the UK’s Royal College of Obstetricians, Gynaecologists, and other medical bodies advise caution, recommending that ultrasound scans be done only for medical reasons and by trained health professionals.
A number of private scanning clinics need improvement
In the UK, private scanning clinics conduct hundreds of thousands of scans annually. However, in recent reports, The Society of Radiographers has pointed out several inadequacies in these clinics, emphasising the need for higher professional standards. A number have been rated as “inadequate” or “needing improvement” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
One of the main concerns is that many private clinics operate with staff who are not qualified to perform the scans effectively. Recent reports highlighted that nearly a third of private scanning clinics fail to meet the required care standards set by the medical watchdog. Some of these clinics have even failed to identify significant health issues, raising serious concerns about the quality of care, although stopping short of medical negligence.
In response, the CQC has developed guidelines for pregnant women considering private baby scans. This guidance aims to ensure that women are making informed decisions about these scans and are aware of the potential risks and limitations. Key points from the CQC guidelines include:
- Understand the purpose of private scans. They are typically non-medical and are not a substitute for the routine antenatal scans offered by the NHS.
- Ensure that the private clinic is registered with the CQC. Registration with the CQC means the clinic meets certain safety and quality standards.
- Ask about the qualifications and experience of the individuals performing the scans. It’s essential that appropriately trained and competent professionals carry out scans.
- While ultrasounds are generally safe, be aware of the potential risks and the limitations of what the scan can tell you.
- Ensure you receive clear, accurate information from the clinic about what the scan involves and what it can and cannot tell you about your baby’s health and development.
- Understand the difference between medical scans (for health and diagnostic purposes) and souvenir scans (for personal keepsakes). Medical issues, if suspected, should be followed up with a healthcare professional.
- Know how to provide feedback or file a complaint if you are not satisfied with the service received.
Pregnant women considering private baby scans should always discuss it with their midwife or GP. Health professionals can provide additional advice and help expectant mothers understand how these scans fit into the broader picture of prenatal care.