Private Scans

[Firstbabypanic]

Has anyone had a private and a normal hospital scan? I'm 13 weeks pregnant and still waiting for my scan appointment, getting fustrated that they are being so slow (christmas / holiday back log excuse) and worried that I'll miss out on the Nuchal scan. I have booked a private scan now to make sure I can have the test done. Does anyone know if I need to have the scan done at the hospital as well?
Thanks Firstbabypanic

[Meglet]

Still go to the hospital appointment. Give them a ring tomorrow and find out why you haven't had it yet. The post has been dreadful so maybe it's been lost? I'm sure they would fit you in as it's due.

[swilkinson]

My NHS scan is 4th Jan (tomorrow, finally!) at which point GP and midwife had me at over 14 weeks. I was worried it would be too late for the nuchal test and wanted to be able to tell extended family over christmas so booked myself in for a private scan.

I'm glad i did it because it put my mind at rest seeing the LO and they dated me at 10wk 2days rather than 11wk 4days which made me feel better about the NHS scan date. They didn't do the nuchal testing though and despite being quoted 130pounds i just received a bill for 340pounds, including a 210pound consultancy fee that was not included in the quote and i won't be paying!

Looking forward to tomorrow but really nervous. Hope everything is ok and we get to see our little wriggley one again!

Hope you get your scan very soon, either private or NHS. It's such a tortuous wait isn't it?!

[lilly13]

I had both private and NHS scan. The private scan was done at more modern machine (3/4D) and the resolution was much better. I found out my baby's sex at 12 weeks. Also, nuchal scan measurements were different. I was also dated differently (due dates) private vs NHS. The quality of appointment was much better privately whereby the specialist was very thorough and answered my tiniest questions. Cost GBP200 - money worth spent imho...

[jasmine51]

I had both. The NHS one they couldnt get a clear image for nuchal measuring. Went private for £180 and had nearly an hour of playing with the wriggly image. The sonographer was so thorough, checked all the soft markers and other potential defects, gave us a 3d picture and was a mass of reassurance - best £180 ever spent.
Only issue I now have is that I seem to have fallen off the NHS radar and havent had my 20 wk appointment. TBH would prob go private for that too money permitting....so do keep your NHS apt as well just so you stay in the system

[Firstbabypanic]

Thank you for all the advice, I have my private appointment tomorrow now, so excited about actually seeing the baby and making this whole thing actually real!

[Wombat33]

Sorry to butt-in but can I ask where you ladies had your detailed private scans?? Assuming this pg sticks I'd like to arrange one to get more info and reassurance than the NHSone is likely to provide. Did any of you have them in London and/or bucks?

[owlbooty]

Not quite Bucks but I went to Beard Mill Clinic just outside Oxford - they were really, really good.

[Wombat33]

Thanks Owl.

[Nell799]

How do you work out where to book your private scan ?

[Teasie]

I've had both. NHS was terribly frustrating because the appointments were late by more than an hour- not good for my job! I went to the birth company for my 16 week scan and would highly recommend it- you get attention, the scan was great quality and they saw me after work. I'm with them again next week at 21 weeks. I searched the internet and looked at forums on MN to get ideas on where to have the scan.

[Sparklies]

The Fetal Medicine Centre in London is absolutely terrific - it's run by the professor who helped invent the NT scan (he is also in charge of the research centre at Kings College) and the sonographers are all doctors themselves and research fellows and very highly qualified. The prices are very good too.

I had an NHS NT scan that had me screen positive so I went there for a far more detailed NT scan and it was very reassuring.

You do get treated a lot better too with a private scan, and you can ask a lot more questions and usually get sensible answers rather than the luck of the draw you get with an NHS sonographer.

I've also used and can highly recommend APeekaboo down in Belvedere, SE London for less high risk stuff as they are just lovely.

[Sierra19]

I had a 4d scan at 26 weeks in Watford at My Ultra Baby. You are obviously wanting an earlier one but the service was great. Should be ok location for you. As off A41 which is between Bucks and London.

[Firstbabypanic]

Wombat I went to MUMS in Solihul, for £170 I had a 14 week scan today and I think it was worth every penny... on time, in full! Your midwife should know private care in your area.

[MrsB33]

wombat i had a leflet come through (im not pg) that was for a clinic in l/spar, basic scan 80, 3d,4d 120 so very cheap.

[Wombat33]

Thanks all!! It sounds like the Fetal Medicine Centre might be our best bet. Now all I need is for this pg to stick long enough for there to be something to scan. FX for me!

[Nell799]

I'm off to MUMs in solihul next Saturday . Glad you give a positive review Fitstbabypanic.