The community Midwife will arrange an appointment for a scan at approximately 12 weeks of pregnancy. Another scan is offered at 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Further appointments are arranged through the antenatal clinic or community Midwife.
Who performs the Ultrasound scans?
Qualified Sonographers, Midwife Sonographers or specialist doctors may complete your pregnancy ultrasound scans. Your scan may be completed by a male or female professional.
Trainees also work in our department. If you would prefer not to have a trainee carry out your scan (under supervision) please inform the receptionist. If you require a staff member of a specific gender, you must inform the receptionist when booking in for the appointment. Ultrasound staff will try to accommodate this, however if this is not possible then you will be offered an alternative appointment.
Can I bring someone with me for my scan?
One adult only is to accompany you during the scan. This is because an ultrasound scan is a medical examination, and the Sonographer needs to concentrate closely during the examination to check that everything is developing normally with your baby. At the discretion of the Sonographer, family and/or friends can accompany you at the end of the diagnostic element of the scan.
Can I bring children with me for my scan?
Children are not routinely permitted in the scan room during the diagnostic scan, children must wait outside with another family member or appropriate adult. Staff will not be able to look after children while you are having an ultrasound scan. Ultrasound scans can sometimes find problems with the baby and therefore children of any age, will not be allowed in the scan room during the scan. At the discretion of the Sonographer, children, family and/or friends can accompany you at the end of the diagnostic element of the scan.
If you attend with children and you have no alternative childcare, then children may be admitted to the scan room at the Sonographer’s discretion, our staff are unable to offer childcare. Alternatively, another appointment may be offered.
Can you tell me my baby's sex?
Finding out the sex of your baby is not offered as part of the national screening programme. If you want to find out the sex of your baby, the Sonographer may be able to visualise this during the 20-week screening scan. You should tell the Sonographer at the start of the scan that you would like to know the baby's sex. It is not possible for the Sonographer to be 100% certain about the baby's sex. For example, if the baby is lying in an awkward position, it may be difficult or impossible to tell. If the sex can be seen, only the patient and support person will be verbally informed whilst they are inside the ultrasound scan room. Staff are not able to participate in any ‘gender reveal’ service as part of the NHS scan, such as writing the sex of the baby on paper and sealing it in an envelope. You will not be able to have a repeat scan solely to establish the sex of the baby, even if the Sonographer is unable to determine this at the time of the scan.
Can I have a picture of my baby?
You should ask the Sonographer during the scan if you would like a picture of your baby. Please note that the image quality is dependent on the baby’s position. If you have a high body mass index (BMI), the pictures may not be clear. It also may not be possible to obtain clear scan pictures if you are over 24 weeks pregnant. The Sonographer will mention any factors that influence the image quality in the ultrasound scan report. There is a charge for scan pictures. Sonographers should direct you to pay for the pictures after your scan at the payment machine (by cash and card payment) in the antenatal clinic (ANC) waiting area, then collect the pictures from the main ANC reception.
Please note that cameras, mobile phones and other recording devices cannot be used in the scan room.
Can I use my mobile phone during scans?
Photography/video or voice recordings are not permitted during the scan, and Sonographers are not obliged to give consent for this. The use of mobile phones can distract the Sonographer which may affect their concentration whilst performing the scan. If you or the person accompanying you is still not compliant with this decision, a manager can be contacted to discuss further.
Further information
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/ultrasound-scans/
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/screening-for-downs-edwards-pataus-syndrome/
Date of Review: December 2025
Date of Next Review: December 2027
Ref No: PI_DP_2179 (NCA)