Which pregnancy ultrasound scans does the NHS offer, and how to book extra scans?

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Routine NHS scans

In England, at least two ultrasound scans are usually offered: at 11–14 weeks and 18–21 weeks. The first helps establish dates and may form part of chosen screening; the second checks development and specified physical conditions. The NHS explains timing and content ↗.

Ultrasound cannot detect every condition, and a normal scan does not guarantee the absence of every problem. Further scans depend on clinical need rather than automatic monthly scheduling.

Getting an appointment

Start maternity care through self-referral or the local service. At booking, ask how scan invitations arrive and whom to contact if no date is arranged. The NHS explains antenatal care ↗.

Tell the service if the relevant gestational window is approaching. Bring dated overseas reports. Do not assume a private scan automatically replaced an offered NHS examination; agree this with your midwife.

Extra or private scans

Explain the purpose: a clinical question, additional information or keepsake images. Ask who performs and interprets the scan, whether a medical report is provided and what happens if a concern is found.

In England, check applicable diagnostic-service registration through the CQC ↗. Compare the complete service rather than photo numbers. Clarify cost, repeat arrangements for incomplete views, results sharing and gestational limits.

Preparation and warning symptoms

Follow the particular service's bladder-preparation instructions. Ask ahead about companions, children, interpreters and accessibility because department rules differ.

Do not wait for a commercial reassurance scan with pain or bleeding. Early pregnancy may require an assessment service; the NHS describes ectopic-pregnancy symptoms ↗. Severe pain or fainting needs emergency help. Later concerning changes should go to your maternity triage service using the plan you were given.