Harley Street Medical District · Central London & St Albans
Private Early Pregnancy Scan in London
A private early pregnancy scan at London Private Ultrasound costs £149 for 6–11 weeks, checking pregnancy location, early viability and heartbeat when developmentally appropriate, and dating measurements. No GP referral, a female sonographer is available on request, and a written report follows the same day or within 24 hours.
Whether you want early reassurance, have bleeding or pain, or simply can’t wait until your NHS booking appointment, this scan gives you a calm, private answer from 6 weeks. Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available.
- £149 all-inclusive
- 6–11 weeks
- Female sonographer on request
- No GP referral
- Report same day
- Open 7 days a week
Early Pregnancy Scan at a Glance: Cost, Coverage and Timings
| Price | £149 all-inclusive · no hidden fees |
|---|---|
| What’s included | Pregnancy location · early viability & heartbeat when developmentally appropriate · dating measurements · single/multiple pregnancy check · ultrasound images · written report |
| Suitable for | 6–11 weeks of pregnancy |
| Scan time | Usually 5–10 minutes · allow 30–40 minutes for the full appointment |
| Who performs it | Registered sonographer · female sonographer available on request |
| Preparation | None for a transvaginal scan · a comfortably full bladder can help for transabdominal |
| GP referral | Not required — book directly |
| UK price range | Private early pregnancy scans typically £70–£180 in London |
| Locations | 27 Welbeck Street, Central London W1G 8EN · 54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ |
| Results | Verbal within the scope of ultrasound practice · written report same day or within 24 hours |
| Availability | 7 days a week, 9am–7pm · same-day appointments often available |
Book Your Private Early Pregnancy Scan
Open the secure London Private Ultrasound booking page in a new tab, then choose your clinic, date and appointment time. Same-day appointments are often available.
Choose your clinic and appointment time
The booking system opens separately, so this page remains available while you complete your appointment.
Urgent symptoms: severe or one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, collapse or feeling acutely unwell should be assessed urgently rather than waiting for a routine private scan.
What an Early Pregnancy Scan Actually Examines
This scan is designed to answer the questions people most commonly have in the first trimester: is the pregnancy in the right place, is it developing as expected, and what happens next?
Pregnancy location
Checks whether the pregnancy is visible within the uterus, with urgent guidance if findings or symptoms raise concern.
- Intrauterine pregnancy confirmation where visible
- Gestational sac and yolk sac assessment
- Urgent referral pathway if concerning
Viability & heartbeat
Fetal heartbeat assessed when developmentally appropriate and technically visible for your exact stage.
- Embryo or fetal pole assessment
- Cardiac activity where visible
- Follow-up scan advised if too early to confirm
Dating & measurements
Measurements such as crown-rump length help estimate gestational age and your likely due date.
- Crown-rump length where appropriate
- Estimated due date
- Single or multiple pregnancy check
Symptoms & next steps
Can help investigate bleeding, pain, uncertainty about dates, or previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Assessment relevant to bleeding or pain
- Context for previous pregnancy history
- Clear guidance on any follow-up needed
Uterus & ovaries
Relevant uterine and ovarian findings are reviewed where they may affect interpretation.
- Uterine findings that may affect the scan
- Ovaries, including corpus luteum or cysts
Report & images
You leave with a clear plan, ultrasound images for your records, and a written report.
- Ultrasound images included
- Written report same day or within 24 hours
- Guidance on any recommended follow-up
What this scan cannot always do. If the pregnancy is very early, the scan may be inconclusive even when everything is developing normally — this is common and does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. In that situation, the safest next step is usually a repeat scan a week or two later, and/or blood tests. Your sonographer will explain clearly what was and wasn’t seen and why.
Common Reasons to Book an Early Pregnancy Scan
Many people book for reassurance alone. Others have a specific symptom or history that makes an earlier look worthwhile.
Reassurance & dating
Confirming progress from 6 weeks, estimating your due date, and getting clarity before your NHS booking appointment.
Bleeding or spotting
Vaginal bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy is common but understandably worrying, and a scan can offer a direct answer.
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Pain in early pregnancy warrants assessment, both for reassurance and to check pregnancy location.
Previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
A history of pregnancy loss understandably increases anxiety, and an earlier scan can bring peace of mind sooner.
Fertility treatment
After assisted conception, many people want confirmation of pregnancy location and viability as early as possible.
Uncertain dates
Irregular cycles or uncertainty about your last period make dating measurements especially useful.
Seek urgent medical care rather than booking a routine scan if you have severe one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, collapse, fever, or feel acutely unwell. Contact 999, attend A&E, or go to an Early Pregnancy Unit.
Transabdominal vs Transvaginal: Which Approach Is Used?
The clearest approach depends on how many weeks pregnant you are. Both are safe in early pregnancy, and your comfort and consent come first.
| Approach | How it’s done | Best for | Detail level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transabdominal | Probe moved over the lower abdomen, from outside the body | Later in the early pregnancy window, depending on gestational age and body habitus | May be less detailed before 9 weeks |
| Transvaginal | Small covered probe placed gently into the vagina, with consent discussed first | Before 9 weeks, when the pregnancy is very small | Clearer early pregnancy detail |
Consent and comfort come first. If a transvaginal scan is recommended, your sonographer explains why, what it involves, and what the alternatives are. You remain in control throughout and can ask to pause or stop at any time. A female sonographer is available on request for early pregnancy and women’s health ultrasound.
What Happens During Your Early Pregnancy Scan
A calm, private appointment designed to be clear and unhurried, with consent discussed before any scan approach is used.
Arrival and check-in
No fasting and no special preparation for the transvaginal approach. A female sonographer is available on request.
Your history
Your sonographer confirms your dates, symptoms, previous pregnancy history and any relevant blood test or scan results.
The scan
A transabdominal scan may be attempted, but before 9 weeks a transvaginal scan may be recommended for clearer detail. Your comfort and consent are prioritised throughout.
Findings explained
Your sonographer explains the findings within the scope of ultrasound practice and answers your questions clearly and sensitively.
Written report
A written report with images follows the same day or within 24 hours, supporting GP, Early Pregnancy Unit or specialist follow-up if needed.
How Much Does a Private Early Pregnancy Scan Cost in London?
Private early pregnancy and viability scans in London generally range from around £70 to £180, depending on whether a written report and images are included, and whether the scan is sonographer-led or consultant-led. Ours is £149, all in.
What the £149 covers
| Pregnancy location assessment | Included |
| Early viability & heartbeat when developmentally appropriate | Included |
| Dating measurements & estimated due date | Included |
| Single or multiple pregnancy check | Included |
| Ultrasound images for your records | Included |
| Written report same day or within 24 hours | Included |
| Female sonographer on request | Included |
| Total | £149 |
If findings are too early to confirm, a follow-up scan may be recommended at a clinically appropriate interval. This does not usually mean anything is wrong.
Why cheaper scans are not always comparable. The lowest advertised prices sometimes exclude a written report, images, or a female sonographer option. Before comparing prices, check three things: whether a written report and images are included, whether a female sonographer can be requested, and how quickly you receive your results.
How a Private Scan Fits With Your NHS Pregnancy Care
A private early pregnancy scan can provide reassurance and documentation sooner, but it works alongside your NHS care rather than replacing it.
Private early pregnancy scan
- Book directly without a GP referral
- Useful from 6–11 weeks
- Verbal explanation and written report
- Partners or support person usually welcome
NHS pregnancy care
- Essential for antenatal screening and maternity booking
- Emergency assessment for severe pain or bleeding
- Early Pregnancy Unit care when clinically indicated
- Your routine pathway continues even after a private scan
Getting an NHS scan
- Usually arranged via your GP or midwife
- Or directly via an Early Pregnancy Unit if you have symptoms
- Waiting times vary by area
Early Pregnancy Scan: Frequently Asked Questions
The questions our team is asked most often at the front desk and on the phone.
How do I get an early pregnancy scan in the UK?
On the NHS, an early pregnancy scan is usually arranged through your GP or an Early Pregnancy Unit if you have symptoms such as bleeding or pain, or as part of your booking pathway, though waiting times vary by area.
Privately, you can self-refer directly, without a GP referral, and book online, by phone or by WhatsApp for a same-day or next-day appointment.
Do London clinics offer early pregnancy scans?
Yes. Several private clinics across London, including London Private Ultrasound in the Harley Street Medical District, offer early pregnancy scans from around 6 weeks, without a GP referral and usually with same-day or next-day availability.
Is it worth getting an early pregnancy scan in the UK?
For many people, yes, particularly if you have bleeding, pain, a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, uncertainty about your dates, or simply want reassurance earlier than your NHS booking appointment allows.
It’s a personal decision: the scan provides valuable early information, but it doesn’t replace NHS antenatal care.
Is 7 weeks too early for a pregnancy scan?
No. Seven weeks is generally a good time for an early pregnancy scan, when a fetal pole and cardiac activity can usually be seen, particularly on a transvaginal scan.
Very occasionally, if your dates are earlier than thought, a repeat scan may be recommended a week or two later, which doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong.
How much does a private early pregnancy scan cost in London?
A private early pregnancy scan at London Private Ultrasound costs £149, all-inclusive. Across London, prices for a private early pregnancy or viability scan generally range from around £70 to £180, depending on whether a written report and images are included.
Do I need a GP referral for a private early pregnancy scan?
No. You can self-refer and book directly online or by calling 020 7101 3377. If you have previous scan reports, fertility treatment dates or blood test results, bring them for useful clinical context.
Can you see a heartbeat at 6 weeks?
A fetal heartbeat may be visible from around 6 weeks when the pregnancy is developing as expected, but this depends on exact gestational age, ovulation timing, scan approach and image quality.
If it’s too early to confirm, a follow-up scan may be advised — this is common and not usually a cause for concern.
Will the scan be transabdominal or transvaginal?
A transabdominal scan may be attempted, but before 9 weeks a transvaginal scan is often recommended for clearer early pregnancy detail. The sonographer explains the approach and you can ask to pause or stop at any time.
Can the scan confirm the pregnancy is in the right place?
The scan aims to confirm whether the pregnancy is located within the uterus. This matters because an ectopic pregnancy needs urgent clinical assessment, though very early pregnancies can occasionally be too small to fully confirm location.
Can I request a female sonographer?
Yes. A female sonographer can be requested when booking for early pregnancy and women’s health ultrasound. Availability can vary by date and clinic location, so mention this in your booking notes or contact the team in advance.
Can this scan replace NHS pregnancy care?
No. A private early pregnancy scan is an additional reassurance or diagnostic service. It does not replace NHS antenatal care, screening pathways, emergency care or maternity booking appointments.
Is ultrasound safe for my baby?
Diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionising radiation. The scan is performed using standard safety principles, keeping exposure as low as reasonably achievable while obtaining the information needed.
Can my partner attend?
Yes, a partner or support person can usually attend. Please contact the clinic in advance if you have specific support, accessibility or chaperone requirements.
When will I get my results?
Findings are explained verbally after the scan, within the scope of ultrasound practice. A written report with images is normally provided the same day or within 24 hours.
Where can I get a private early pregnancy scan near me in London?
London Private Ultrasound has two clinics. Central London is at 27 Welbeck Street, W1G 8EN, in the Harley Street Medical District, a short walk from Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Marylebone. St Albans is at 54–56 Victoria Street, AL1 3HZ.
Both offer early pregnancy scans seven days a week, 9am to 7pm, with same-day appointments often available.
Private Early Pregnancy Scan Near You: Central London and St Albans
Two clinics, seven days a week, 9am to 7pm, with same-day and next-day appointments frequently available. Both offer the full early pregnancy scan at £149.
Central London — Harley Street Medical District
27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN
Two minutes from Bond Street (Elizabeth line, Central, Jubilee), five from Oxford Circus, eight from Marylebone and Baker Street. Convenient for patients travelling in from Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Soho, the City and Paddington.
St Albans — Hertfordshire
54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ
A short walk from St Albans City station, with parking nearby. Convenient for patients across Hertfordshire, North London, Watford, Hatfield, Harpenden and Welwyn Garden City.
Our Registered Pregnancy Ultrasound Team
Ashleigh Austin
Consultant SonographerAdvanced Practitioner Sonographer supporting women’s health and pregnancy ultrasound pathways
Mrs Hosna Rashidi
Consultant SonographerExperienced female ultrasound clinician supporting private pregnancy and women’s health services
Dr Babak Soleimanpour
Medical Director & GPMD · MRCGP · DRCOG · GMC 6060555 · Overall clinical governance responsibility
Mr Pedram Aghaei
Co-founder & Medical WriterCo-founder of London Private Ultrasound, medical writing and content editorial oversight
Female sonographer requests. For early pregnancy and women’s health ultrasound, a female sonographer can be requested when booking. Availability can vary by date and clinic location, so please mention this in your booking notes or contact the team before attending.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general patient information and does not replace individual medical advice, NHS antenatal care or emergency assessment. An early pregnancy scan cannot always confirm viability at very early gestations. If you have severe pain, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, collapse, fever or feel acutely unwell, seek urgent medical attention rather than booking a routine scan.