No, you typically do not need a referral for a private pregnancy ultrasound. Most private clinics allow direct self-referral for quick access to scans.
If you’re currently pregnant and anxious to get a glimpse of your baby, either for extra reassurance before your first NHS dating scan or to ease your mind in the gap between your routine scans, you may be wondering whether you need to get a GP referral to book any additional private ultrasound scans.
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If you have an ultrasound scan coming up – whether it’s your very first pregnancy scan, a follow-up appointment or a 4D bonding scan – it is perfectly normal to feel a little nervous or anxious beforehand. In this blog, we will discuss some common questions about scan anxiety and share some great anxiety management techniques that you can use to help reduce nerves before your ultrasound appointment.
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Yes, private ultrasound scans are generally safe when performed by qualified healthcare professionals using medical-grade equipment.
However, the safety and trustworthiness of a private scan depends heavily on the ultrasound provider’s standards and staff qualifications.
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If you have an ultrasound appointment coming up, it’s understandable that you may want to share the magical experience with your close family and friends. While most NHS ultrasounds limit you to one adult guest, many private clinics – including First Encounters – allow more people to join you at your appointment.
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Going to your first ultrasound after a miscarriage can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether it’s weeks or months later, walking back into the scan room can bring a lot of emotions, from fear and grief to hope and guarded excitement. If you’re reading this because you’re approaching your first ultrasound after miscarriage, know that you’re not alone and that there are communities and compassionate professionals who understand what this moment means.
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A 4D scan is a moving, real-time, live-action video of a baby in the womb that allows parents to see their unborn baby’s movements and facial expressions. At First Encounters, we offer our 4D scans to those between weeks 24 and 32 of their pregnancy, however best results are usually obtained earlier, between 26 and 29 weeks.
To find out why this is the ideal window for getting a 4D scan and to learn about factors that can affect your image quality, continue reading this blog!
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