When should I book a wellbeing scan?

A wellbeing scan can be performed from 24 weeks onwards. Many women book at 28, 32, or 36 weeks for routine reassurance. If you have noticed reduced fetal movements, please contact your midwife or maternity unit first, and then book a scan for additional assessment.

What is a biophysical profile?

A biophysical profile (BPP) is a scoring system that assesses five components of fetal wellbeing: fetal breathing movements, gross body movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and non-stress test (CTG). Each component scores 2 points, giving a maximum score of 10. A score of 8 or above is reassuring.

Can the scan detect if my baby is in the right position?

Yes. Your baby's presentation (head-down, breech, or transverse) is noted at every scan. If your baby is in a breech position after 36 weeks, this will be clearly documented in your report.

What if reduced movements are detected?

If your baby shows reduced movements during the scan, your sonographer will extend the observation period and perform a full biophysical profile. If there are any concerns, you will be advised to attend your maternity unit immediately for CTG monitoring.

Is the scan safe in the third trimester?

Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound has an excellent safety record throughout pregnancy, including in the third trimester. There are no known harmful effects from diagnostic ultrasound when performed by trained professionals.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

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Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Pregnancy Scans

Baby Wellbeing Scan (24–40 Weeks)

A reassurance scan in the second and third trimester assessing your baby's growth, movements, amniotic fluid, and placental position for peace of mind.

30–45 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedPregnancy Specialist

£235

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Written report within 24 hours

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Understanding Your Situation

Reassurance When You Need It Most

In the second and third trimester, reduced fetal movements or simply the anxiety of wanting to know your baby is thriving can make the wait between NHS appointments feel very long. A wellbeing scan provides immediate reassurance by assessing your baby's growth, movements, breathing, and amniotic fluid levels. Our specialist sonographers take the time to show you your baby in detail and answer all your questions.

Clinical Overview

What is a Baby Wellbeing Scan?

A baby wellbeing scan, also known as a growth and wellbeing scan, is a detailed ultrasound assessment performed from 24 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It measures your baby's growth parameters, assesses amniotic fluid volume, checks placental position and grade, and evaluates fetal movements and breathing. The scan uses a biophysical profile scoring system to provide a comprehensive assessment of fetal wellbeing. NICE recommends additional growth monitoring for pregnancies with risk factors for fetal growth restriction.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Women who have noticed reduced fetal movements and want reassurance

Those with a previous pregnancy affected by growth restriction or stillbirth

Women with risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, or multiple pregnancy

Those who simply want additional reassurance between NHS appointments

Women with a low-lying placenta requiring position monitoring

Patients with concerns about amniotic fluid levels

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Fetal Growth Assessment

Head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length are measured and plotted on growth charts to assess whether your baby is growing appropriately for gestational age.

Amniotic Fluid Volume

The amniotic fluid index (AFI) or deepest vertical pocket is measured. Both oligohydramnios (too little fluid) and polyhydramnios (too much fluid) are identified.

Placental Assessment

Placental position, grade, and appearance are assessed. Low-lying placenta or placenta praevia is identified and monitored.

Fetal Movements and Tone

Fetal body movements, limb movements, and muscle tone are observed as part of the biophysical profile assessment.

Doppler Blood Flow

Umbilical artery Doppler assesses placental resistance and blood flow to the baby, providing important information about fetal wellbeing in high-risk pregnancies.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Arrival and history

Your sonographer will note your gestational age, any symptoms, and relevant medical history before beginning the scan.

Growth measurements

Your baby's head, abdomen, and femur are carefully measured and plotted on growth charts.

Fluid and placenta

Amniotic fluid volume is assessed and the placenta is examined for position and appearance.

Fetal activity and Doppler

Your baby's movements are observed and umbilical artery Doppler is performed if indicated.

Report and images

A written report with growth charts and scan images is provided before you leave.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
No special preparation is required for a wellbeing scan
2
A moderately full bladder may help with image quality in earlier second trimester scans
3
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before to encourage fetal activity
4
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen
5
Allow 45–60 minutes for your appointment including discussion time

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Baby Wellbeing Scan Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during the scan and provide a written report with growth charts before you leave. Normal findings provide significant reassurance. If any concerns are identified — such as reduced fluid, growth below the 10th centile, or abnormal Doppler — the report will recommend appropriate next steps and urgent referral to your obstetric team if needed.

Why Private?