Pregnancy location
Assessment of whether the gestational sac and pregnancy appear to be located within the uterus.
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Book Early Pregnancy Scan
Book Early Scan — £149
Pregnancy ultrasound · 6–11 weeks · London & St Albans
Early Pregnancy Scan
A calm, sonographer-led early pregnancy ultrasound from 6–11 weeks to assess pregnancy location, heartbeat and viability when developmentally appropriate, estimate dates and provide clear guidance when symptoms or uncertainty are causing concern.
- 6–11 weeks
- Images + medical report
- No GP referral required
£149Current scan price
6–11 weeksFirst-trimester assessment
HeartbeatWhen developmentally appropriate
DatingPregnancy measurements
Report includedImages + written findings
What does an Early Pregnancy Scan check?
The scan aims to confirm where the pregnancy is located, assess early viability and heartbeat when appropriate for the gestational age, check for a single or multiple pregnancy and measure the pregnancy for dating. It can also assess the uterus, ovaries and surrounding pelvis when pain or bleeding is present. If the scan is too early to give a definite answer, repeat ultrasound and/or blood tests may be safer than making an immediate diagnosis.
What is included
A focused first-trimester ultrasound with clear reporting
The examination is designed to answer the most common questions in early pregnancy without over-interpreting findings that may simply be too early to assess.
Heartbeat & viability
Fetal cardiac activity is assessed when the embryo is visible and the pregnancy is sufficiently developed.
Dating measurements
Crown-rump length or other appropriate early measurements are used to estimate gestational age and likely due date.
Single or multiple pregnancy
Checks whether one or more gestational sacs or embryos are visible and documents chorionicity where assessable.
Uterus & ovaries
Relevant uterine, adnexal and ovarian appearances are assessed, including visible cysts or other findings.
Report & images
The sonographer explains the findings and provides a written medical report with ultrasound images.
Reasons to book
Why patients choose an early scan
Some patients want reassurance before routine NHS appointments, while others need clarification because of symptoms, uncertain dates or a previous pregnancy history.
Reassurance
Confirmation that the pregnancy is visible and appears appropriate for the current gestational age.
Uncertain dates
Useful when cycles are irregular, the last menstrual period is uncertain or conception timing is unclear.
Bleeding or spotting
Ultrasound can assess pregnancy location, viability and visible causes, while significant bleeding still requires clinical review.
Pelvic pain or cramps
Early ultrasound may help assess pregnancy location, ovaries and adnexa, but severe pain requires urgent medical assessment.
Previous miscarriage
An early scan may provide earlier information for patients with a previous pregnancy loss.
Previous ectopic pregnancy
Early location assessment can be particularly important, although uncertain findings require appropriate clinical follow-up.
IVF or assisted conception
Pregnancy measurements can be interpreted alongside known embryo-transfer or conception dates.
Multiple pregnancy concern
Ultrasound can identify multiple gestational sacs or embryos when visible for the gestational age.
Very early pregnancy
Sometimes the safest answer is “too early to be certain”
Ovulation, implantation and menstrual dates can vary. A single early scan should not be used to make a diagnosis of miscarriage when the ultrasound criteria are not definitive.
No heartbeat yet
If an embryo is very small, absence of visible cardiac activity may simply mean the pregnancy is earlier than expected.
Pregnancy not yet located
If no definite intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy is seen, the finding may be managed as a pregnancy of unknown location.
Repeat ultrasound
NICE recommends repeat scanning at an appropriate minimum interval for specific uncertain viability findings before making a diagnosis.
Serial hCG blood tests
Where pregnancy location is uncertain, two serum hCG measurements around 48 hours apart may form part of the clinical pathway.
Early Pregnancy Unit
Symptoms or uncertain findings may require NHS Early Pregnancy Unit or gynaecology assessment rather than private ultrasound follow-up alone.
Clear safety advice
Your report should explain when routine follow-up is reasonable and when urgent medical care is needed.
Urgent early-pregnancy symptoms
Do not wait for a routine private scan if you are acutely unwell
Possible ectopic pregnancy or significant bleeding may require emergency assessment.
Severe one-sided pelvic pain
Especially sudden or worsening pain, with or without vaginal bleeding.
Shoulder-tip pain
This can be associated with internal bleeding and requires urgent assessment when occurring with early-pregnancy symptoms.
Fainting, collapse or severe dizziness
Call 999 or attend A&E if you feel faint, collapse or become acutely unwell.
Heavy bleeding
Heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pain, fever or significant weakness should be medically assessed urgently.
Before your appointment
How to prepare for an Early Pregnancy Scan
Preparation depends on whether the examination begins transabdominally or requires transvaginal imaging.
Know your dates
Bring the first day of your last menstrual period, your usual cycle length or assisted-conception dates.
Full bladder if advised
A comfortably full bladder can improve the transabdominal view in early pregnancy.
Empty bladder for TVS
If a transvaginal scan is recommended and you consent, you will normally empty your bladder first.
Bring previous results
Bring previous scan reports, hCG results, fertility-treatment information or Early Pregnancy Unit correspondence if relevant.
Tell us about symptoms
Report bleeding, pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or a history of ectopic pregnancy before the scan.
Support person
You may wish to bring a partner, friend or family member according to current clinic policy and room capacity.
Your appointment
What happens during the scan?
The appointment is designed to be calm, private and clear, with the scan approach explained before it is performed.
- 1
Pregnancy history
The sonographer reviews your dates, symptoms, previous pregnancy history and any fertility treatment or blood-test information.
- 2
Ultrasound assessment
A transabdominal scan may be attempted first. Transvaginal imaging may be recommended for clearer early detail and is performed only with consent.
- 3
Measurements & observations
Pregnancy location, gestational sac, embryo, heartbeat when appropriate, measurements, number of pregnancies and relevant pelvic structures are assessed.
- 4
Explanation & report
The sonographer explains the findings and provides a written medical report and images, with follow-up guidance when needed.
Clinic locations
Early Pregnancy Scan in London and St Albans
Book directly without a routine GP referral and choose the location and appointment that suits you.
●
Central London
27 Welbeck Street
London, W1G 8EN — close to Harley Street, Marylebone and Mayfair.
Book Central London●
St Albans
54–56 Victoria Street
St Albans, AL1 3HZ — convenient for Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Book St AlbansPatient questions
Early Pregnancy Scan FAQs
Answers about heartbeat timing, pregnancy location, ectopic pregnancy, transvaginal scanning, uncertain viability and follow-up.
Need help before booking? Call 020 7101 3377What is an Early Pregnancy Scan?
An Early Pregnancy Scan is a first-trimester ultrasound, offered by PrivateSono from 6 to 11 weeks. It assesses pregnancy location, early viability and heartbeat when developmentally appropriate, measures the pregnancy to estimate gestational age, checks for single or multiple pregnancy and can assess visible causes of pain or bleeding.
How much does the Early Pregnancy Scan cost?
PrivateSono currently lists the Early Pregnancy Scan at £149. The service includes the ultrasound assessment, explanation of the findings, ultrasound images and a written medical report.
When can I have an Early Pregnancy Scan?
The PrivateSono service is designed for 6 to 11 weeks of pregnancy. If you are unsure of your dates, the sonographer will use your last menstrual period or assisted-conception dates together with ultrasound measurements to guide the assessment.
Can a heartbeat always be seen at 6 weeks?
No. A heartbeat may be visible around 6 weeks, but visibility depends on the true gestational age, ovulation or implantation timing, scan approach and image quality. If the pregnancy is too early to make a reliable assessment, a repeat scan may be recommended rather than making a diagnosis from one very early scan.
Can the scan confirm the pregnancy is inside the uterus?
The scan aims to identify the location of the pregnancy and confirm an intrauterine pregnancy when visible. If the pregnancy cannot yet be located, the result may be described as a pregnancy of unknown location and further clinical assessment, repeat ultrasound or serial hCG blood tests may be required.
Can an Early Pregnancy Scan rule out ectopic pregnancy?
A clearly demonstrated intrauterine pregnancy substantially changes the assessment, but a very early scan may occasionally be inconclusive. If the pregnancy location is uncertain or symptoms raise concern, urgent Early Pregnancy Unit or gynaecology assessment and follow-up may be recommended.
Will the scan tell me my due date?
Where an embryo is visible, crown-rump length can be measured to estimate gestational age and an expected due date. Dating is most reliable when measurements are interpreted together with known menstrual or assisted-conception dates.
Is the scan abdominal or transvaginal?
Both approaches can be used. Transabdominal ultrasound is performed over the lower abdomen and usually benefits from a full bladder. In very early pregnancy, particularly around 6 to 8 weeks, transvaginal ultrasound may provide clearer detail. It is performed only after explanation and consent.
What should I do if I have pain or bleeding?
Mild symptoms can be assessed by ultrasound, but severe one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, collapse, fever or feeling acutely unwell requires urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine private scan.
What happens if the scan is too early to confirm viability?
A single early scan cannot always determine viability with certainty. Current NICE guidance recommends repeat ultrasound at an appropriate interval in specific uncertain findings rather than diagnosing miscarriage too early. Your report will explain the next step if a repeat scan, blood tests or specialist assessment is needed.
Book online
Book your Early Pregnancy Scan
PrivateSono currently lists the 6–11 week Early Pregnancy Scan at £149, including ultrasound assessment, explanation, images and a written report.
Early pregnancy ultrasound · 6–11 weeks
Get clear first-trimester information with sensitive, clinically cautious reporting
£149 • London & St Albans • Images + report included