Finding out your due date is one of those magic early-pregnancy moments where everything starts to feel real. Knowing what time of year you'll be going into labour makes it easier to imagine the bundle of joy waiting for you at the end of your journey.

Of course, it's also a reminder that you will need to do some preparation to make sure you're ready for the birth. Which leads us to a question that we hear from a lot of mums-to-be: just how accurate is my due date?

Your baby's first kicks are among the most magical parts of the pregnancy journey. But when can you expect to feel those tiny flutters for the first time?

If you've had a baby scan before, whether with the NHS or at a private ultrasound clinic like First Encounters, you were probably advised you to arrive with a full bladder – but why? Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique, so why do you need to have a full bladder?

In this blog, we will explore how a full bladder helps sonographers to get a clear picture of your baby.

Whether you've booked an elective scan with First Encounters Ultrasound or you're getting ready to attend one of the routine pregnancy scans offered on the NHS, it's always a good idea to be prepared.

Before you leave the house, follow these steps to get the most out of your ultrasound appointment...

A baby bump is one of the most obvious outward signs of pregnancy, but when will it start to show? Read on to find out! 

The best time for NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is 10 weeks into your pregnancy. If you are planning to have a NIPT test, it's best do it as soon as possible after you've passed the 10-week mark.

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a screening test that aims to determine whether an unborn baby has chromosomal abnormalities that are likely to result in genetic conditions like Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome.