Pregnancy location
Confirmation that the pregnancy is seen within the uterus when it is possible to demonstrate this clearly on ultrasound.
Private pregnancy ultrasound • 8–22 weeks
Dating + viability assessmentA private pregnancy ultrasound to estimate gestational age and your expected due date, confirm fetal heartbeat, assess pregnancy location, and check whether you are expecting one baby or more than one.
Direct answer
A dating ultrasound estimates how far along the pregnancy is by measuring the embryo or fetus and comparing those measurements with expected development for gestational age. The scan also provides an estimated due date and assesses key early pregnancy features.
PrivateSono’s dating scan includes pregnancy location, fetal heartbeat, the number of babies, pregnancy measurements for dating, and assessment of the ovaries and pelvic area, followed by an obstetric ultrasound report.
What is included
Confirmation that the pregnancy is seen within the uterus when it is possible to demonstrate this clearly on ultrasound.
Assessment and documentation of fetal cardiac activity appropriate to the gestational stage.
Assessment of whether one baby or more than one baby is seen, with further details documented when appropriate.
Pregnancy measurements are used to estimate gestational age and provide an ultrasound-based expected due date.
The ovaries and visible pelvic structures are reviewed for relevant findings such as cysts or other abnormalities.
A clinical ultrasound report records the pregnancy measurements and findings from the examination.
Why book
Dating vs other scans
Focuses on gestational age, expected due date, viability, pregnancy location and number of fetuses.
A dating scan does not perform chromosome screening. NIPT and other antenatal screening tests have different purposes and timing.
The detailed mid-pregnancy anomaly scan assesses fetal anatomy far more comprehensively and should not be replaced by a dating scan.
Before you arrive
For a transabdominal dating scan, PrivateSono advises drinking approximately one litre of water around one hour before the appointment.
A full bladder can improve the acoustic window for an abdominal early pregnancy scan.
A transvaginal scan may occasionally be recommended if the abdominal views are not sufficient. This will be discussed with you first.
Bring your last menstrual period date, IVF/embryo transfer dates if relevant, previous pregnancy scans and maternity information.
Your appointment
The sonographer reviews your dates, symptoms, previous pregnancies and any earlier ultrasound results.
The scan is usually transabdominal after around 10 weeks. Earlier examinations may occasionally need transvaginal views for better detail.
Appropriate pregnancy measurements are taken, fetal cardiac activity is assessed and the pregnancy is checked for single or multiple fetuses.
The findings are explained and documented in an obstetric ultrasound report, including the ultrasound-based dating estimate.
Book online
Use the dedicated PrivateSono booking page to choose your clinic, date and appointment time.
Open the dedicated 8–22 week Dating Scan calendar.
Open booking calendar Call the clinicPrivateSono
A focused private obstetric ultrasound for parents who want timely information about gestational age, fetal heartbeat, pregnancy location and expected due date.
Book Dating Scan →Dedicated dating and viability service across early and mid-pregnancy.
A focused appointment with measurements, explanation and reporting.
Internal ultrasound is used only when needed, discussed and consented.
Private appointments available in Central London and St Albans.
Clinic locations
Questions answered
Clear answers about timing, preparation, transvaginal scanning, due-date estimates and what the scan includes.
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377A dating scan is an ultrasound used to estimate gestational age and the expected due date by measuring the pregnancy. It also assesses pregnancy location, fetal heartbeat and whether there is one baby or more than one.
PrivateSono currently offers the Dating and Viability Ultrasound from 8 to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
The current PrivateSono price is £149. Check the dedicated booking page for the latest price and availability before confirming.
The scan includes confirmation of an intrauterine pregnancy, assessment of fetal heartbeat, assessment for single or multiple pregnancy, pregnancy measurements for gestational age and estimated due date, review of the ovaries and pelvic area, and an obstetric ultrasound report.
PrivateSono currently advises that the dating scan usually takes around 20 minutes, although appointment length can vary depending on fetal position and clinical findings.
For an abdominal dating scan, PrivateSono advises drinking about one litre of water around one hour before the appointment and keeping the bladder comfortably full until the scan.
After around 10 weeks, the scan is usually transabdominal. Before 10 weeks, a transvaginal scan may sometimes be recommended if clearer views are needed. An internal scan is only performed after discussion and consent.
The scan provides an estimated due date based on ultrasound measurements. Dating is an estimate rather than an exact prediction of the day labour will begin.
No. A dating scan is primarily for gestational age, viability and basic early assessment. It does not replace the detailed mid-pregnancy anomaly scan that evaluates fetal anatomy in much greater detail.
Pain or bleeding in pregnancy may need urgent clinical assessment depending on severity, gestation and associated symptoms. Severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, collapse or feeling acutely unwell should not wait for a routine dating appointment.
Available 8–22 weeks
Pregnancy dating, viability, fetal heartbeat and expected due-date assessment with an obstetric ultrasound report.