Over the years, our team at Before We Meet has supported thousands of women and families across the North East on their pregnancy journeys, and along the way, we've been asked countless questions, some practical, some emotional, and all completely valid. To help make your experience as reassuring and informed as possible, we've taken the time to collate the most frequently asked questions we've received in our clinic. Whether you're curious about scan timings, safety, what to expect, or how to prepare, our comprehensive FAQ section is here to give you the clarity and confidence you deserve before your visit.
Absolutely. We are experts in disguising a baby’s gender and wouldn’t dream of spoiling your surprise if that is your wish.
Please ring us on 0191 548 7416 or emailcontact@beforewemeet.co.ukas we often open specifically for families and we will find a suitable time for you.
You can bring upto five guests with you for your scan, this includes partner and children. Please contact us if you would like to bring more guests.
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.
It is important that you arrive at the clinic a few minutes before your scheduled appointment and wait outside until a member of staff waves you in. This is to give our staff time to thoroughly clean all areas following an appointment and prepare for your appointment.
Please go to our clinic receptionist on arrival, who will ask you to read through our consent form and will give you the opportunity to discuss any aspect of your scan before your appointment. You will not need to change into a gown, but please read any pre-scan preparations found in the scan descriptions and your booking confirmation. Payments and balances are taken once you have signed the consent form and before the scan.
Please Note:
Drink some clear fluids and please do not empty your bladder before your scan.
Wear two-piece clothing if possible as we need to expose your abdomen during the scan.
We want you to be comfortble during your scan, we recommend wearing a two-piece outfit (like a top and leggings or jeans) so we can easily access your bump while keeping you comfortable and covered. You’ll remain fully clothed except for your tummy, and we always provide tissue to wipe your tummy after.
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.
Depending on the type of scan, appointments typically last between 10 and 30 minutes. We allow plenty of time so you’re never rushed, and so you can enjoy the experience, ask questions, and bond with your baby.
Absolutely! We love welcoming twin pregnancies. You’ll typically need a longer appointment to give us enough time to scan both babies thoroughly. We aim to get great images of each baby and will provide individual updates and photos where possible.
Yes! We recommend eating normally beforehand. In fact, a light snack or sugary drink about 20–30 minutes before your scan may help encourage baby to move, making it easier to get clear images.
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.
There’s often a lot of confusion surrounding the different types of baby scans, especially for first-time parents who may be navigating everything for the very first time. With terms like early reassurance scan, gender scan, 3D and 4D being used, it’s completely understandable to feel unsure about which scan is right for each stage of pregnancy. Many parents come to us with questions about what each scan involves, when they should have it, and what they can expect to see. To help you feel more informed and confident in your choices, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions we receive about scan types and timings.
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.
Yes. NHS scans are medical and time-limited, focused on screening for anomalies or assessing fetal health. Their main priority is your health and the health of your baby, getting the best photos and identifying the gender is secondary. Private scans, like ours, offer additional reassurance, early bonding, and clearer imagery, often using advanced technology like 4D. They’re not meant to replace NHS scans but to complement your care.
You can have your first private scan as early as 6 weeks gestation, often called a reassurance or viability scan. This scan confirms the pregnancy, checks for a heartbeat, and determines your due date.
Pregnancy is an exciting and emotional time, but it also comes with a lot of questions, especially around scans and what to expect at each stage. From understanding when to book your first scan, to knowing the difference between 2D, 3D, and 4D options, it's completely natural to feel unsure or overwhelmed. Many parents ask about scan safety, what baby’s position means, how accurate gender scans are, or whether they need to prepare in any special way before their appointment. At Before We Meet, we’re here to answer all of your general pregnancy and scan questions with honesty, clarity, and reassurance, so you can feel fully informed and confident throughout your journey.
Depending on the type of scan, appointments typically last between 10 and 30 minutes. We allow plenty of time so you’re never rushed, and so you can enjoy the experience, ask questions, and bond with your baby.
Your wellbeing is our priority. Our sonographers are trained to spot any concerns. While private scans are non-diagnostic, if we see anything unusual or uncertain, we’ll explain clearly and refer you promptly to your NHS midwife or hospital team with a detailed report to ensure you get the care and follow-up you need.
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.
Don’t worry—babies move around a lot! If your baby isn’t facing the right way, we’ll try gentle techniques like asking you to go for a walk, change positions, eat sweets or have a cold drink to encourage movement. If that doesn’t work, we’ll try to offer a complimentary rescan so you can still get the images you came for.
Yes, gender scans are available from 16 weeks onwards, and most are highly accurate when baby is in a good position. Our experienced sonographers look for clear anatomical markers to confirm the gender. If baby is shy or in a tricky position, we may invite you back for a free rescan to confirm.
Yes, ultrasound scans are safe when performed by trained professionals. They use sound waves, and this is perfectly safe for both the baby and mother. Many parents opt for extra scans for bonding, reassurance, or special keepsakes throughout pregnancy.
You can have your first private scan as early as 6 weeks gestation, often called a reassurance or viability scan. This scan confirms the pregnancy, checks for a heartbeat, and determines your due date.
