Top 10 List of Early Pregnancy Scan Clinics in London

Discovering you are pregnant is one of the most exciting times of your life. Anticipating the 12-week scan booked with the NHS can seem like an age for anxious parents-to-be. This is one of the reasons private early pregnancy scans have become so popular right across London. They provide expectant parents with their first reassurance and precious first glimpse of their baby, so much earlier.

An early pregnancy scan (known as a viability scan or dating scan) can be used to confirm pregnancy, check the baby’s heartbeat, rule out ectopic pregnancy and provide an estimated due date. Usually conducted between 6 and 12 weeks, an early pregnancy scan can provide reassurance at a time when anxiety levels can run high.

If you are looking for an early pregnancy scan in London this guide will introduce you to ten of the best clinics in the capital. At each of them you can be confident of receiving a professional Gynaecologists service, experienced sonographers and the latest ultrasound technology.

What Is an Early Pregnancy Scan?

Before we get into our list of places to get an early pregnancy scan, it is important to understand a little about what these scans entail. The NHS will typically provide a first ultrasound scan between 10-14 weeks. This scan is referred to as the dating scan, as it is used to measure how far along a pregnancy is and assess how the baby is developing.

An early pregnancy scan is one which takes place before this typical NHS appointment, in order to confirm the pregnancy and/or see the baby at an earlier stage. Most private clinics offer these scans from around 6 weeks, but waiting until 7 or 8 weeks usually results in clearer results and a better chance of seeing the heartbeat.

Sonographers will use an early scan to make sure that a pregnancy is developing in the womb (rather than, for example, in an ectopic pregnancy), to confirm whether it is a single baby or multiple pregnancies, to check for a heartbeat, and to estimate how many weeks pregnant you are based on the size of the baby.

Scans taken at 6-8 weeks will usually be transvaginal (internal) scans rather than over the abdomen. This provides clearer images at this early stage, when the embryo is still very small. From 8-10 weeks onwards, an abdominal scan should provide a good enough image.

Top 10 Early Pregnancy Scan Clinics in London

1. myGynaePlus

The modern women’s health clinic, myGynaePlus, is based in West London and is quickly gaining a reputation for high quality, expert care. myGynaePlus is staffed by a specialist team of gynaecologists, obstetricians and midwives, who are on hand to offer support and advice at every stage of a woman’s health care journey.

myGynaePlus differentiates itself by offering a service where every appointment is treated as a conversation, rather than a clinical box-ticking exercise. Early pregnancy scans are conducted by experienced specialists, utilising the latest imaging technology. The clinic’s services don’t stop at early pregnancy scans, and it also offers a wide range of other obstetric and gynaecological services, including fertility assessments and gynaecological ultrasounds.

A combination of medical knowledge and emotional intelligence, means the myGynaePlus team is able to offer a calm and supportive environment, where clear communication, transparent pricing and patient peace of mind is prioritised. If you’re expecting in West London and looking for an early pregnancy scan, myGynaePlus provides the clinical excellence and personal care that many parents want at this exciting time.

2. London Pregnancy Clinic

The London Pregnancy Clinic has locations in the City of London and Chelsea. They describe themselves as leaders in first-trimester baby development and health. The clinic offers scans from 6 weeks and has developed a unique 10-week scan that checks for structural anomalies earlier than most standard screenings.

All scans are performed by experienced doctors and specialist sonographers using advanced ultrasound equipment. They offer various NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) options alongside their scans for chromosomal screening.

3. The Fetal Medicine Centre

Founded by Professor Kypros Nicolaides, a pioneer in fetal medicine, The Fetal Medicine Centre on Harley Street has provided ultrasound examinations since 1996. All profits from the centre go to The Fetal Medicine Foundation, a UK charity focused on research and training.

The centre offers viability scans from 7 to 10 weeks, nuchal screening scans, and advanced diagnostic services. All scans are performed by experienced doctors who have trained under Professor Nicolaides.

4. The Medical Chambers Kensington

Based in Kensington, The Medical Chambers offers early pregnancy scans from 5 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. No referral is needed. Their senior sonographer specialises in early pregnancy scans and pregnancy complications.

Between 5 and 10 weeks, they typically use transvaginal ultrasound for higher resolution images. From 10 weeks onwards, they recommend abdominal ultrasound. Appointments last around 30 minutes, giving patients plenty of time to ask questions.

5. Ultrasound Direct

Ultrasound Direct is one of the UK's largest providers of private pregnancy scans, with multiple locations across London including the City, Wimbledon, Chiswick, and Canary Wharf. They offer early pregnancy scans, gender scans, 4D bonding scans, and NIPT testing.

All scans are performed by fully qualified sonographers registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Many of their team also work in the NHS. Each scan includes a wellbeing checklist and full scan report.

6. Window to the Womb

Window to the Womb operates several clinics across London, including Ealing, Walthamstow, Bexleyheath, and Croydon. They are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. The clinics offer early pregnancy scans from 6 weeks, gender scans, 4D scans, and growth scans.

All scans are conducted by fully registered and qualified medical professionals. Their packages include either an early pregnancy obstetric report or a fetal wellbeing report, accessible through their dedicated app.

7. Harley Street Ultrasound Group

Located in the Harley Street medical district, this clinic offers a full range of pregnancy ultrasound services performed by specialist senior sonographers. They provide scans from the earliest stages of pregnancy through to later wellbeing scans.

The clinic focuses on delivering exceptional care in a relaxing environment. All sonographers are fully registered and regulated for practice in the United Kingdom.

8. The Scan Clinic

The Scan Clinic, based near Stratford in East London, offers affordable private scan services. They specialise in early pregnancy scans and have built a strong reputation for detailed explanations and a friendly atmosphere.

The clinic uses high-end diagnostic ultrasound machines with large HD 4K televisions connected so patients and their loved ones can see the scan in real time. They are governed by the Care Quality Commission.

9. Numi Scan

Numi Scan has clinics in North London (Muswell Hill) and East London (South Woodford). They offer early reassurance scans from 7 weeks, providing an estimated due date and confirmation of pregnancy viability.

The clinics have a boutique feel with designer furniture and a welcoming atmosphere. All scans include 2D imaging and wellbeing reports. They also offer emergency baby scan services for out-of-hours appointments.

10. Ultrasound Plus Docklands

Located on the Isle of Dogs near Canary Wharf, Ultrasound Plus Docklands offers early pregnancy scans in a convenient East London location. The clinic is governed by the Care Quality Commission and uses up-to-date ultrasound technology.

The clinic is easily accessible from South Quay DLR station and Canary Wharf Station. They offer a range of pregnancy scans, gynaecological scans, and DNA tests.

What to Expect at Your Early Pregnancy Scan

If you've never had an early pregnancy scan before, knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves. Here's a quick breakdown of the process.

• Before the scan: For very early scans (under 8 weeks), you may be asked to have a comfortably full bladder, though this depends on the clinic. Some clinics advise drinking water about an hour before your appointment.

• During the scan: If you're having a transvaginal scan, the sonographer will insert a slim probe covered in gel into your vagina. This isn't painful but might feel slightly uncomfortable. If you're having an abdominal scan, they'll apply gel to your tummy and move a probe across the skin.

• What you'll see: At 6 to 7 weeks, you'll see a small gestational sac with a yolk sac and possibly a tiny flicker showing the heartbeat. By 8 weeks, you'll see a small bean-shaped figure, and the heartbeat should be clearly visible.

• After the scan: Most clinics provide printed images and a report to take home. Some also offer digital images and videos you can share with family and friends.

  
  

When Should You Have an Early Pregnancy Scan?

While scans can be done from 6 weeks, many sonographers recommend waiting until 7 or 8 weeks if possible. At 6 weeks, the embryo is still very small, and there's a chance the heartbeat won't be visible yet. This doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong. It may just mean the pregnancy is slightly earlier than calculated.

If you've experienced previous miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, bleeding, or severe pain, an early scan can provide important information and peace of mind. Women who have conceived through IVF are also often offered earlier scans as part of their care pathway.

Why Choose a Private Early Pregnancy Scan?

In the NHS, early pregnancy scans are usually only offered to women who have certain risk factors such as a history of ectopic pregnancy, recurrent miscarriage, or bleeding with pain. If you do not have any of these risk factors, you are likely to be offered a 12-week scan.

Many parents opt for Private Gynaecologist in London for reassurance. The first trimester of pregnancy can be a worrying time and getting an early scan to see your baby’s heartbeat can provide some much-needed peace of mind while you wait for your NHS scan. Private scans also offer the opportunity to involve your partner and family members to share in the experience.

When booking your early pregnancy scan, it’s important to choose a clinic that is registered with the Care Quality Commission, has qualified sonographers registered with the appropriate professional bodies, offers clear and upfront pricing with no hidden fees, and has positive patient reviews. A clinic like myGynaePlus that not only has the clinical expertise to provide a high-quality scan but also a warm and supportive environment can help to make the process less stressful and more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I have a pregnancy scan in London? 

Most private clinics in London offer early pregnancy scans from 6 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. Waiting until 7 or 8 weeks often gives clearer images and a better chance of seeing the heartbeat, as the embryo is still very small at 6 weeks.

Will an early pregnancy scan be internal or external? 

For scans before 8 to 10 weeks, most clinics use transvaginal (internal) ultrasound because it provides much clearer images when the embryo is tiny. This involves a slim probe inserted into the vagina. It's not painful but can feel slightly uncomfortable. After 10 weeks, abdominal scans usually work well.

How much does a private early pregnancy scan cost in London? 

Prices vary by clinic and the type of scan you choose. Early viability scans typically cost between £80 and £200. Scans that include NIPT blood testing for chromosomal conditions cost more, often ranging from £400 to £600 or higher depending on the testing options selected.

What can an early pregnancy scan detect? 

An early pregnancy scan confirms the pregnancy is developing inside the womb rather than being ectopic. It checks for a heartbeat, determines whether you're carrying one baby or multiples, and estimates how many weeks pregnant you are. Scans at 10 weeks and beyond can also start checking for some structural abnormalities.

Do I need a referral for a private pregnancy scan? 

No. Private clinics in London allow you to book directly without a GP referral. You simply contact the clinic, choose your appointment time, and attend on the day. If the scan reveals any concerns, the clinic can send a report to your GP or midwife with your consent.