Growth Scan Overview:
Available from 16 weeks gestation, our Growth&Gender™ scan is designed to obtain growth measurements and perform wellbeing checks on your baby after your initial NHS dating scan. It’s ideal for expectant parents who seek a regular detailed diagnostic evaluation of their baby’s development.
During the baby growth scan, your fully-qualified obstetric sonographer will carry out growth measurements and weight calculations, establish placenta position and fluid volume, provide an audible heartbeat trace, and identify the position of your baby. All of this will be documented in the form of a growthAssure™ Report, providing valuable information for you to share with your midwife.
Complimentary gender evaluation is included providing you are a minimum of 16 weeks along on the day of your scan as defined by your NHS dating scan (subject to baby presenting in a conducive position to confirm sex).
If you want your baby’s gender to be kept secret so that you can reveal this at a later date with family and friends, please ensure you select the ‘Secret Gender’ option when booking. When this option is selected, we will conduct the first part of your scan with the viewing screens turned off so that you don’t learn the sex and spoil the surprise! The viewing screens will then be turned back on for the remaining duration of your baby growth scan. Gender depiction will be documented on the growthAssure report and an image displaying gender will be supplied on photocloud. A complimentary Gender Reveal Scratch Card will be provided for the purpose of the secret reveal.
This baby growth scan has been specifically adapted for optimum safety during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. All staff will be wearing an approved level of PPE for your protection, and your scan report and imagery will be sent to you digitally to support infection control measures.
Your gender and growth scan will be conducted using an abdominal ultrasound probe (external on the abdomen), and it is important to recognise that imagery obtained is derived from the reflection of sound waves passing through your abdomen creating the visual image. The level of diagnostic evaluation and visibility achievable can differ greatly between clients – especially in cases of a high BMI, which can result in poor image resolution, possibly leading to an inconclusive evaluation.
Terms & Conditions
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, this Growth&Gender™ ultrasound scan is subject to a number of special terms and conditions:
COVID-19 (coronavirus) Pandemic Special Measures
This scan has been specifically developed for optimum safety during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, with the primary purpose of this scan being to achieve an essential diagnostic evaluation of your unborn baby. All staff will be wearing an approved level of PPE for your protection, and your scan report and imagery will be sent to you digitally to support infection control measures. Full details of our special procedures will be emailed along with your appointment confirmation. Please be aware that none-essential ‘bonding & souvenir’ scans breach the social distancing measures (law in Wales) as defined at the Amber phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic, however, the provision of essential diagnostic baby scans performed by qualified obstetric sonographers is permitted.
Scan Time & Baby’s Safety
Your Growth&Gender™ scan will last for approximately 5 minutes. As an ethical and regulated provider we comply with the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) guidelines, only scanning for as long as it necessitates to achieve the required diagnostic evaluation. Whilst we appreciate longer scan times promoted by other scan companies may seem appealing, the safety and wellbeing of your baby is paramount and should not be compromised.
Referral Procedure to NHS
In the event we identify matters of concern and it is considered a further detailed diagnostic assessment is required, a referral to your NHS GP/Midwife will be provided in accordance with our approved procedures. Referrals to NHS will only be provided when there is justified concern.
Complimentary Gender Evaluation
This is subject to your unborn baby's gestation age and their position at the time of the scan. Should you wish the gender element of your scan to be conducted in a secret format, please ensure you select the ‘Secret’ Book Now option.
If, on the day of your private gender scan, your baby is in a position that makes gender determination difficult to achieve, our Sonographer will recommend that you take a short walk to encourage movement. In the unlikely event that this does not work, we will offer you one complimentary re-scan date (terms and conditions apply).
Multiple Pregnancy Surcharge
A multiple pregnancy will require further scan time in order to conduct the detailed assessment of multiple foetus; as such we charge an additional £25 to account for the extended appointment time allocated.
Sonographers & Regulation
All ultrasound scans are performed by qualified and experienced obstetric Sonographers registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
During the pandemic we are permitting one adult guest to accompany you into the examination room. Face masks are now compulsory for all visitors attending the clinic and during the examination guests must remain seated within the physical distancing zone. Additional family members and children are welcome to view your scan through the window from outside the building, where they can watch the large screen with audio displayed from our private viewing room. Please be aware this guest policy is continually under review during the pandemic and is subject to change at short notice to comply with any Government restrictions imposed.
The diagnostic evaluations obtained whilst conducting our growth & wellbeing scans provide valuable insight into baby’s continual development and wellbeing, designed to compliment but not replace your NHS Dating/NT (12-14wks) and Anomaly scans (20 wks). Whilst each scan type has a specific purpose, gestation age criteria and defined reporting protocols, our qualified Sonographers have an ethical obligation to highlight, report and refer matters of concern which may be outside the scope/protocols of the performed scan. In some circumstances further NHS evaluation and screening may be required; however the gestation age criteria for such evaluations will be determined by your NHS Antenatal provider.
Arrive with a full bladder as this will assist with magnification of scan imagery. Please do NOT empty bladder prior to scan. Sugar in the blood stream will assist with baby’s movement. Remove any belly piercings in advance of your appointment. We will need to expose your abdomen during the scan, as such please consider wearing a two piece outfit in order that we may respect your dignity.
