Fetal heartbeat
Cardiac activity is assessed when it should be visible for the gestational stage.
Pregnancy ultrasound · 6–17 weeks
Reassurance Pregnancy Scan
A private pregnancy ultrasound for an additional wellbeing check between routine appointments, assessing fetal heartbeat and movement when developmentally appropriate, basic growth, pregnancy number and general early pregnancy wellbeing.
- 6–17 weeks
- £149
- No GP referral
- Written report + image
Reassurance Pregnancy Scan£1496–17 weeksReport + 2D image included
HeartbeatAssessed when developmentally appropriate
MovementObserved when expected for gestation
Basic measurementsGrowth checked against gestation
Single or multiplePregnancy number assessed
About the scan
What is a reassurance pregnancy scan?
A reassurance scan is an additional private ultrasound for patients who would like an extra check between routine NHS or maternity appointments. It can be useful after previous pregnancy loss, IVF, mild spotting or cramping, or simply when you would value another assessment of the pregnancy.
The scan is intended to provide a focused wellbeing check appropriate to gestational age. It is not a replacement for NHS screening, the nuchal translucency scan, NIPT, or the detailed mid-pregnancy anomaly scan.
Clinical scope: what can be assessed changes between 6 and 17 weeks. Earlier scans focus on location, viability and dating-type measurements; later scans can also assess movement and basic growth, but this remains a reassurance scan rather than a detailed anatomy examination.
What is included
What we check during the scan
The examination is tailored to your gestational age and the views obtainable on the day.
Fetal movement
Movement is observed when developmentally expected and visible during the examination.
Basic growth measurements
Measurements appropriate to gestation are taken to check that growth is broadly consistent with the pregnancy dates.
Pregnancy number
The scan confirms whether a single or multiple pregnancy is visible.
Pregnancy location
In earlier gestation, location within the uterus is assessed as part of the scan.
Report and image
The live PrivateSono service includes a written ultrasound report and a 2D black-and-white image.
Why patients book
Common reasons for an extra pregnancy scan
A reassurance scan may be appropriate when symptoms are mild and you are clinically stable.
Previous pregnancy loss
An extra check can provide additional information between scheduled maternity appointments.
After IVF or fertility treatment
Some patients prefer additional wellbeing scans during the first and early second trimester.
Mild spotting or cramping
Ultrasound may help assess the pregnancy, although worsening symptoms can require urgent NHS review.
Long gap between appointments
A private scan can provide an interim check when the wait until the next routine appointment feels long.
Urgent symptoms need urgent assessment
Heavy bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal/pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, fainting, collapse, fever or feeling acutely unwell should not wait for a routine reassurance scan. Seek urgent NHS or emergency assessment.
How the scan is performed
Usually transabdominal, with transvaginal imaging only when needed
The live PrivateSono service states that reassurance scans are frequently performed transabdominally. In some early-pregnancy cases, an internal scan may be recommended to obtain clearer images.
- Your gestation, symptoms and relevant pregnancy history are reviewed.
- A transabdominal scan is usually performed with a full bladder.
- Heartbeat, movement and measurements are assessed according to gestation.
- A transvaginal scan may be offered if the abdominal views are insufficient.
- Internal scanning is performed only after explanation and explicit consent.
Your choice: you can decline or stop a transvaginal examination at any time. A chaperone can be provided according to clinic policy.
Preparation
How to prepare for your reassurance scan
Preparation depends mainly on whether the scan is performed through the abdomen or transvaginally.
Full bladder
The live PrivateSono page asks patients to drink approximately 1 litre of water around one hour before the scan for transabdominal imaging.
Bring pregnancy dates
Bring your LMP, IVF dates or previous ultrasound dating information if available.
Bring previous reports
Previous pregnancy scan reports can help comparison when dates or growth are being reviewed.
Internal scan if needed
If a transvaginal examination is required, the bladder is emptied before the internal scan.
Book online
Book your Reassurance Pregnancy Scan
Use the dedicated PrivateSono booking page to choose the clinic, date and available appointment time.
The secure PrivateSono booking page opens in a new tab.
Clinic locations
Central London and St Albans
Central London
27 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8EN.
Book Central London →St Albans
54–56 Victoria Street
St Albans AL1 3HZ.
Book St Albans →How much is the Reassurance Pregnancy Scan?+
The current PrivateSono price is £149.
What gestation is the scan for?+
PrivateSono currently lists the reassurance scan for 6–17 weeks of pregnancy.
What does the scan check?+
Depending on gestation, the scan can assess heartbeat, fetal movement, basic growth measurements, pregnancy number and general early-pregnancy wellbeing.
Will I receive a report?+
Yes. The live PrivateSono service includes a written ultrasound report and a 2D black-and-white image.
Do I need a full bladder?+
Yes for the usual transabdominal approach. PrivateSono currently advises drinking approximately 1 litre of water around one hour before the scan.
Is an internal scan always required?+
No. The scan is frequently transabdominal. A transvaginal scan may be recommended in some early-pregnancy cases when clearer views are needed.
Can I refuse a transvaginal scan?+
Yes. It is performed only with your explicit consent and you can decline or stop the examination at any time.
Can this scan tell me if the baby is completely healthy?+
No. A reassurance scan cannot exclude all fetal abnormalities or genetic conditions. Routine screening and the detailed anomaly scan remain important.
Is this the same as the anomaly scan?+
No. The anomaly scan is a detailed structural assessment usually performed later in pregnancy. A reassurance scan is a focused wellbeing check.
Can I book because I have spotting or cramps?+
Yes if symptoms are mild and you are otherwise well. Heavy bleeding, severe pain, dizziness, fainting or other red flags require urgent NHS or emergency assessment.
Can I have the scan after IVF?+
Yes. Bring your embryo-transfer date and previous fertility-clinic scan information if available.
Can it show twins?+
Yes. The scan can assess whether a single or multiple pregnancy is visible.
Can it confirm the pregnancy dates?+
Basic measurements may support gestational assessment, particularly earlier in pregnancy, but a dedicated Dating Scan is more appropriate when dating is the main purpose.
Do I need a GP referral?+
No. PrivateSono accepts direct private booking for this service.
What if the scan shows something unexpected?+
The report will document the finding and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include repeat ultrasound, Early Pregnancy Unit review, GP or obstetric assessment, or urgent referral depending on the finding and symptoms.
Private pregnancy reassurance
Book Reassurance Pregnancy Scan — £149
Focused pregnancy wellbeing assessment from 6–17 weeks with a written report and image.