Welcome to First Glance

We perform scans from 6 weeks of pregnancy. If you are unsure of your dates or how far pregnant you are you can use an estimation calculator like this one available on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/due-date-calculator/#due-date-calculator or contact us and we will help you decide when the best time is to come for your scan.

Early dating scans can be performed from 6 weeks.

Gender scans can be performed from 15 weeks onwards.

The best time for 4D and HD scans is usually from 28-32 weeks however we can perform reassurance scans at any time and growth scans from 24 weeks.

Unfortunately our clinic is not accessible by wheelchair

On arrival you will be greeted by one of our team who will discuss your appointment and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to fill in and sign one of our pre scan questionnaires.

Your chosen scan package will be carried out by one of our fully trained sonographers.

Scan times vary due to the nature of the scan and the position of your baby. Scans are performed following the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) which means we do not expose your baby to ultrasound for longer than is necessary to perform the scan.

After your scan depending on the packages you have chosen, we will prepare your photos and any additional extras you may wish to take home with you.

It is time for you to enjoy and go and show your family and friends! Don’t forget to tag and share with us.

Yes, if performed by trained qualified medical professionals. At First Glance Diagnostic Ultrasound we are all qualified, experienced UK registered sonographers.

Our 2D scans are the same type as your routine NHS scans and our 4D and HD scans use the same technology as 2D scans with no increase in the power or intensity.

All scans are performed using the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) which means we do not expose your baby to ultrasound for longer than is necessary to perform the scan.

All scans performed by First Glance Diagnostic Ultrasound are diagnostic scans. While performing scans for gender, reassurance and bonding purposes your baby’s health and well-being is always at the heart of our scans. All our staff are qualified experienced sonographers who have a duty of care at your scan. Should any unexpected findings or concerns be found these will be shared with you along with a printed report which can be shared with your NHS provider.

A scan which is classed as ‘non-diagnostic’ may be performed by an unregistered provider with equipment that may not meet required guidelines and this should be avoided. These providers may not be trained to recognise any potential problems on the scan or worse could ignore them.

Please arrive with a full bladder for Gynaecology scans, and pregnancy scans from 6-16 weeks. 1-2 pints of water an hour before your scan time is ideal.

It is not essential to have a full bladder for scans in later pregnancy.

No we do not charge extra for twins although please note depending on their position they may be better to see before 28 weeks.

Yes! Seating is available for up to five people. Children are very welcome, however please use your discretion if you are attending for an early pregnancy and/or transvaginal scan

For gynaecology scans one support partner may accompany you for your scan

We will do our best to complete your scan on the day, we may ask you to take a walk or get some food and drink. If we have exhausted all options, we may ask you to return another day free of charge.

The sonographer will discuss any unexpected findings in as much detail as possible. We will provide a copy of the report to take to your NHS provider.

We also have contacts and links to the local hospitals and fetal medicine department so we can also contact and make a referral on your behalf if necessary.

The main limitations and challenges in performing ultrasound are:
* High body mass index (BMI)
* Fetal position
* Overlying bowel gas

These limitations can result in poor image quality, and reduced diagnostic accuracy.

We can still show you your baby, just let us know if you want to keep the gender a surprise.

A trans-vaginal ultrasound is a safe internal imaging procedure used to examine the pelvic organs including the uterus and ovaries. It can also be used safely in pregnancy and often more commonly in early pregnancy to better visualise your baby.

The sonographer will explain the procedure and gain your consent to perform the examination should they think it is necessary at your appointment.

A female chaperone will be present throughout the procedure (please ask if you would like to view or have any questions regarding our chaperone policy).

A sterile cover will be placed over the probe and sterile gel applied to the top of it. Whilst maintaining your privacy and dignity you will be asked to remove your trousers and underwear behind our modesty screen and will be given a sheet of paper to cover yourself with when you lie back on the couch.

With your permission, the sonographer will insert the probe inside the vagina. By scanning transvaginally the sonographer is often able to visualise structures much more clearly than scanning across the top of your tummy, a small amount of pressure may be felt as the probe is moved from side to side. Please let your sonographer know if this is too uncomfortable or if you would like the procedure to stop at any point. The trans-vaginal probe is disinfected after every use in line with infection control policy and procedure.