Private Baby scans - BBC investigation

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Private baby scans show 'incredibly poor practice' www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54527595

I had what I thought was a good experience but reading this has made me think it could have been incredibly negligent.

What does everyone else think?

I think that poor woman was just an unlucky one.

Alot of women have had reassurance and also been told of medical conditions.

I'm now in two minds about them. My last pregnancy ended early due to the baby being very poorly with cystic hygromas and I'm surprised these weren't picked up on a private 10 week scan. Considering how big they were at the 12 week NHS scan.

I think it’s important to do research before going to a private scan. The scan clinic I use has only sonographers that currently work in the nhs. It’s a small clinic, the lady I usually see currently works in a maternity hospital as a sonographer primarily doing 12 and 20 week scans. Although you have to sign a disclaimer to say the scan isn’t for a medical check, she and the others who work there have the ability to see abnormalities - in fact, a family member of mine went there some years ago and a problem with her placenta was picked up at the private scan, she was given a report to take to the hospital and had her baby delivered 12 weeks early via c-section. That private scan saved her baby’s life (baby was fine, currently 7 years old and doing fantastic!) and it’s always given me a positive out look on clinic, particularly that one.

There is another clinic that is popular in my area and it’s run by a beautician with very little training (never mind a university degree!). There has been a few people I’ve heard of that have gone there for scans and not been told that their baby has severe abnormalities. People have been told the wrong sex a lot too, which I know is trivial but it’s clear the person scanning has no clue what they’re doing. It’s scary to think of the false hope and reassurance these places can give families.

I completely agree with @Whatthedoodle. Do your research online and check for things like the reviews, whether they are audited by the CQC etc.

The BBC are right though in that I’m sure many women have had bad experiences with some of the more unknown high street scan providers.

Personally, I’m booking a private reassurance scan and will ask many questions during my ten minutes!