Your Pregnancy, Your Peace of Mind: Choosing the Right Scan at the Right Time
Expert guidance from Window to the Womb
Pregnancy is a journey filled with joy, wonder - and often, plenty of questions. One of the most reassuring ways to connect with your growing baby and ease any concerns is through a private pregnancy scan. But with so many scan options available, how do you know what’s best for each stage?
"At Window to the Womb, we specialise in providing clear, compassionate scan experiences tailored to each stage of pregnancy. Whether you’re newly pregnant or preparing to meet your baby, we’re here to guide you every step of the way."
Why Choose a Private Scan?
While NHS scans offer essential medical checks, many expectant parents want additional reassurance or a more personal experience. Private scans provide:
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Flexible appointment times (including evenings and weekends)
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A relaxed, family-friendly environment
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The chance to bond with your baby at more stages
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Extra insight and early detection of any concerns
Which Scan Should I Book and When?
Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of the most popular scans we offer, what to expect during each one, and how they help provide peace of mind:
6–8 Weeks: Early Pregnancy Scan (Viability Scan)
If you’ve recently found out you're pregnant and want confirmation, this is the ideal first step.
What happens:
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This diagnostic scan checks for the presence of a gestational sac, yolk sac, and fetal heartbeat.
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Our trained sonographers will look for the baby's heartbeat (often visible from around 6 weeks).
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We assess if the pregnancy is developing in the right place (i.e. ruling out ectopic pregnancy).
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We offer a full scan report to take away.
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If any issues arise, we have relationships with local NHS hospitals and will refer you to the right care pathway.
How it works:
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For pregnancies under 10 weeks, we will recommend a transvaginal (internal) scan for a clearer view, as the baby is still very small and might not be visible abdominally.
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This is a safe and common procedure, and always done with your comfort and (most importantly) your consent in mind.
When to book:
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From 6 weeks onwards. Earlier scans (5 weeks or less) may not provide enough information and could lead to unnecessary worry.
From 7 Weeks: firstPeek Early Gender Blood Test
Find out your baby’s gender early with a simple blood test—accurate, fast, and stress-free.
What happens:
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A small blood sample is taken from the expectant mother.
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Baby’s gender is determined with up to 99% accuracy.
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Results are delivered within 7 days.
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An optional early pregnancy scan is available for added reassurance and dating confirmation.
Ideal for:
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Parents eager to discover their baby’s gender as early as 7 weeks.
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Those wanting to plan and prepare with confidence.
8–12 Weeks: Dating Scan or Reassurance Scan
If you’re between NHS scans or unsure of your dates, this scan can help clarify how far along you are.
What happens:
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Measurement of crown-rump length (CRL) to estimate gestational age.
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Confirmation of heartbeat.
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Optional internal scan if the baby is still low in the pelvis or visibility is unclear.
Benefits:
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Great for easing early pregnancy anxiety.
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Helps you prepare for your NHS appointments with a clearer idea of the gestational age.
From 10 Weeks: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Early, safe, and highly accurate screening for chromosomal conditions using a simple blood test.
What happens:
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A blood sample is taken to analyse fetal DNA for chromosomal abnormalities.
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Detects conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome.
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Optional ultrasound scan provides additional reassurance and dating confirmation.
Ideal for:
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Parents seeking early insight into their baby’s genetic health.
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Those wanting a safe, non-invasive alternative to diagnostic procedures.
15–23 Weeks: Gender Scan
Ready to find out if you're having a boy or girl? From 15 weeks, we can offer a reliable gender confirmation.
What happens:
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We check the baby's position, heartbeat, and growth.
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Our fully qualified sonographer will identify the baby's gender (with near 100% accuracy from 15 weeks).
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You can choose to find out there and then, or have it written down for a reveal later.
Extras available:
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Heartbeat bears, gender reveal cannons, and printed images.
15–42 Weeks: Well-being Scans
Even if you’ve had your 20 week NHS anomaly scan, many parents choose to check in again privately to monitor progress.
What happens:
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Baby’s measurements are taken to check growth.
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Amniotic fluid levels, placental position, and heartbeat are assessed.
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You’ll receive a full well-being report to take home.
Ideal for:
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Reassurance if you’ve had complications in previous pregnancies.
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Those who want a second opinion or extra monitoring in between routine appointments.
24–34 Weeks: 4D + Well-being Scan (with Optional HDlive technology)
This is the window when baby is big enough to see clearly, but not yet too crowded in the womb.
What happens:
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Scan always begin with well-being checks: position, fluid levels, and growth.
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Optional high-definition 4D imagery shows your baby’s features in stunning detail.
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Depending on the position of your baby and placenta - see your baby moving, yawning, or even smiling.
26–42 Weeks: Growth & Presentation Scan
A detailed third-trimester check to monitor your baby’s development and position before birth.
What happens:
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Baby’s head, abdominal circumference, and femur are measured to assess growth.
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Estimated fetal weight is calculated and compared to expected growth percentiles.
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Baby’s position, placental location, heartbeat, and organ development are checked.
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You’ll receive a full well-being report with measurement images via the MyScan App.
Ideal for:
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Monitoring growth and presentation in the final trimester.
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Parents wanting reassurance or additional insights between NHS appointments.
Why Parents Trust Window to the Womb
At Window to the Womb, we understand how emotional and exciting pregnancy can be. We have been scanning since 2003 and have already introduced over 1 million babies to their parents. With over 55 clinics across the UK, we are proud to make our services easily accessible to families, whatever their needs or concerns. Every scan is delivered by highly qualified sonographers in CQC-regulated clinics with a strong focus on your comfort and care.
You’ll also enjoy:
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Friendly, experienced staff who are happy to answer your questions
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Comfortable scanning rooms and family-friendly spaces
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Printed images, digital copies, and keepsakes to treasure
Ready to Book Your Scan?
Whether you're seeking reassurance, a magical 4D experience, or checking in on baby’s progress—our team is here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey.
We’re proud to care for thousands of families every month and help make pregnancy feel that little bit more magical, supported, and special.
