Cost
£65.00
During the first trimester, many expectant parents find themselves caught in a long and often anxious wait between seeing a positive pregnancy test and attending their first NHS scan, typically offered in Sunderland and the North East between 12 and 14 weeks. At Before We Meet, we understand just how emotional those early weeks can be, especially for first-time parents or those who have experienced loss or fertility treatment. That’s why we offer Early Pregnancy Scans from as early as 6 weeks, providing reassurance, clarity, and peace of mind during this important stage.
Our early scans are designed to confirm the pregnancy, check the location of the pregnancy, detect a heartbeat, and give you an estimated due date based on the baby’s measurements. This can be a huge relief when you're counting down the days until your NHS dating scan and just need that first glimpse to feel connected and reassured. Whether you're looking for confirmation, reassurance, or simply a moment to bond with your baby early on, our Sunderland clinic is here to support you with expert care in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Book Your Early Scan Now
A private early scan provides vital reassurance in the first weeks of pregnancy, and those first precious photos offer a lasting memory of the moment you first saw your baby. All the essential information about Early Scans at a glance.
£65.00
2D Scan
4 scan photos (extra available if required)
15 Minutes
There are strict time schedules in NHS clinics, and they often have other women booked in continuously to meet budgetary and time targets. This means that NHS facilities are sometimes pushed for time and although NHS staff are all professional, spending time chatting and discussing any issues can be short.
All of our scans are carried out by qualified and highly experienced Midwife Sonographers, who are fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This means they have dual training and expertise in both midwifery care and obstetric ultrasound, offering you the very best combination of clinical knowledge and compassionate care.
Our team understands how exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking pregnancy can be. Whether you're attending a reassurance scan early on or coming in to see your baby’s face in 4D later in pregnancy, you can feel confident knowing that you’re in safe, supportive hands. We take the time to talk you through each step of the scan, explain what we see on screen, and answer any questions you may have.
Your wellbeing and peace of mind are always our top priority.
No, you do not need a referral. Anyone can book a private scan directly with us. Private scans are a great way to check in on baby between NHS appointments or add a personal, memorable touch to your pregnancy journey.
In pregnancy, LMP dates refer to the first day of your last menstrual period, which is used to estimate how far along you are in your pregnancy, even though conception typically occurs about two weeks later.
Estimating due date: Most healthcare providers calculate your estimated due date (EDD) by counting 40 weeks from the first day of your LMP.
Initial scan planning: Your LMP helps determine when to book your early scan or check if the pregnancy is progressing on track.
Our scans are highly accurate, especially in early pregnancy. Dating scans between 8 and 12 weeks are more reliable than LMP (Last Menstrual Period) estimates and are often used to confirm your due date. Later in pregnancy, growth scans assess your baby’s size, estimated weight, and development based on standard biometric measurements, helping you and your midwife track progress.
For all scans performed before 24 weeks a full bladder helps us see more clearly.
In early pregnancy, the uterus is still small and sits low in the pelvis. A full bladder pushes the uterus upward, closer to the abdominal wall, making it easier for the ultrasound waves to reach it.
Ultrasound works by sending sound waves through the body. Urine is a fluid and it acts as a good conductor for sound waves. A full bladder helps carry the sound waves more effectively, resulting in a sharper, more detailed image.
We usually recommend drinking one litre of water around 1 hour before your appointment. Don’t empty your bladder until after the scan unless advised otherwise.