Fetal sex assessment
The sonographer assesses the external genital appearance where fetal position and image quality allow a reliable view.
Pregnancy ultrasound · 16–40 weeks · Gender + wellbeing
A private gender reveal pregnancy ultrasound from 16 weeks onwards to assess fetal sex where clearly visible, while also checking heartbeat, position, basic movement, placenta and amniotic fluid within the scope of a focused wellbeing scan.
The primary purpose is fetal sex assessment from 16 weeks onwards where the genital anatomy is clearly visible. The sonographer also performs a focused wellbeing review including heartbeat, fetal position, basic movement, placenta and amniotic fluid. PrivateSono states an accuracy of around 97%, but ultrasound cannot provide a 100% guarantee and the scan does not replace the detailed anomaly scan.
What is included
The appointment remains a professional pregnancy ultrasound while supporting the excitement of a gender reveal.
The sonographer assesses the external genital appearance where fetal position and image quality allow a reliable view.
Fetal cardiac activity is confirmed as part of the focused pregnancy wellbeing review.
The baby’s position is reviewed, which is particularly relevant if genital anatomy is initially obscured.
Basic fetal movement is observed during the examination where visible.
Placental position and amniotic fluid are reviewed within the scope of the appointment.
Keepsake images and a written record are provided according to the PrivateSono service.
Your reveal, your choice
Tell the sonographer before the scan how you would like the fetal sex result handled so the experience works for your reveal plans.
The sonographer can explain the visible findings and tell you the fetal sex during the appointment.
The result can be withheld so you do not accidentally hear or see it during the scan.
The result can be written down for you to open later at home or during a celebration.
You may ask for the result to be communicated confidentially to a trusted family member or friend.
Fetal sex may be assessed for each baby where position and visibility allow. Mention a known multiple pregnancy when booking.
Representative ultrasound images can be provided for keepsake and sharing, subject to fetal position and image quality.
Important clinical boundary
The focused wellbeing review may identify an obvious concern, but it is not designed to systematically assess every major fetal structure.
Fetal sex where visible, heartbeat, basic movement, fetal position, placenta and amniotic fluid.
A structured mid-pregnancy examination of fetal brain, spine, heart views, abdomen, kidneys, limbs and other major anatomy.
Attend your NHS anomaly scan and all other antenatal appointments even if the private Gender Scan is reassuring.
A Gender Scan is not a chromosome screening test and does not replace NIPT or NHS screening.
If detailed fetal biometry, estimated fetal weight or growth percentile is the main concern, a dedicated growth scan may be more appropriate later in pregnancy.
Pain, bleeding or reduced fetal movements should be managed according to gestational age and maternity guidance rather than relying on a gender scan.
Before your appointment
The scan is transabdominal and requires only simple preparation.
For a dedicated gender assessment, wait until at least 16 weeks.
A moderately full bladder can improve the view, particularly around 16 weeks. Follow the instructions sent with your booking.
A top and trousers/skirt make it easy to expose the abdomen while remaining comfortable.
If you want a sealed or confidential reveal, tell the team before scanning begins.
Your visit
The appointment is designed to be clear, relaxed and professionally delivered.
Your pregnancy dates and any relevant previous scan information are reviewed.
The sonographer scans across your abdomen to assess fetal sex where visible and perform the focused wellbeing review.
If the view is obscured, you may be asked to walk briefly before the sonographer tries again.
The result is shared according to your reveal preference and the scan findings are documented for your records.
Pregnancy symptoms
A gender appointment is not an emergency pregnancy assessment.
Seek urgent maternity or emergency assessment for significant bleeding, particularly with pain, dizziness or feeling unwell.
Severe or persistent abdominal pain requires clinical assessment rather than a routine gender-reveal appointment.
Later in pregnancy, a change or reduction in your baby’s usual movements should be discussed urgently with your maternity unit.
Contact your maternity team, NHS 111 or emergency services according to the severity of your symptoms.
Clinic locations
Book directly and choose the clinic and appointment that suits your pregnancy timeline.
Central London
London, W1G 8EN — close to Harley Street, Marylebone and Mayfair.
Book Central LondonSt Albans
St Albans, AL1 3HZ — convenient for Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Book St AlbansPatient questions
Answers about timing, accuracy, surprise reveals, fetal position, wellbeing checks and the difference between a Gender Scan and an Anomaly Scan.
Need help before booking? Call 020 7101 3377PrivateSono offers the Gender Reveal Scan from 16 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Before 16 weeks, fetal sex assessment is less reliable, so a dedicated gender scan should be booked from 16 weeks onwards.
PrivateSono currently lists the Gender Reveal Scan at £149. The scan includes fetal sex assessment where visible, a focused wellbeing review and keepsake imaging/reporting according to the clinic service.
PrivateSono states that its experienced sonographers can determine fetal sex with around 97% accuracy, but ultrasound can never provide a 100% guarantee. Accuracy depends on gestational age, fetal position, image quality and other technical factors.
The sonographer may ask you to take a short gentle walk and then rescan. If the fetal position still prevents a reliable assessment, PrivateSono states that you can be rebooked for another gender scan free of charge.
Yes. Tell the sonographer before the scan begins if you do not want to hear the result in the room. The result can be written down or shared confidentially with a nominated person for a gender-reveal celebration.
Yes, within the scope of this focused appointment. The sonographer can assess fetal heartbeat, position, basic movement, placenta and amniotic fluid, and may perform basic measurements. It is not a detailed anomaly scan.
No. A Gender Scan is primarily for fetal sex assessment and a focused wellbeing review. It does not replace the detailed mid-pregnancy Anomaly Scan, which systematically assesses fetal anatomy and development.
A moderately full bladder can sometimes improve transabdominal imaging, particularly around 16 weeks. Follow the preparation instructions provided with your booking. You can eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise.
Yes. PrivateSono provides keepsake ultrasound imaging and reports the findings from the appointment. Image quality depends on fetal position, gestational age and technical factors.
No. Continue all NHS midwife appointments, screening tests and hospital scans. A private Gender Scan is an additional reassurance and fetal-sex assessment service and should not replace routine antenatal or anomaly screening.
Book online
PrivateSono currently lists the Gender Reveal Scan at £149, available from 16–40 weeks.
Gender reveal pregnancy ultrasound · 16–40 weeks
£149 • Surprise reveal option • London & St Albans