Private Pregnancy Scans vs. NHS Scans: What’s the Difference?

Making sense of your options during pregnancy

If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve likely heard of both NHS pregnancy scans and private scans, and you may be wondering whether it’s worth paying for something you can get for free.

While NHS scans are a vital part of maternity care in the UK, private scans offer additional reassurance, more flexibility, and often a more personalised experience.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the key differences, so you can decide what’s right for you.

1. Appointment Availability

NHS:
You’ll usually be offered two routine scans – around 12 weeks and 20 weeks. These are essential, but you won’t always be able to choose your date or time, and additional scans are only provided if there’s a medical reason.

Window to the Womb:
We offer flexible, frequent appointments: from early reassurance scans (from 6 weeks) right through to growth and wellbeing checks and 4D scans (up to 42 weeks). Book online, choose your slot, and be seen quickly – often the same or next day.

2. Range of Scans Available

NHS:
NHS scans focus on medical checks like dating, anatomy screening, and growth. These are vital, but very structured.

Window to the Womb:
We offer a wider variety of scans (with the primary purpose of well-being) to suit your needs and stage of pregnancy, including:

• Early Scans
  
• Gender Reveal Scans
  
• 4D/HD Live Imaging
  
• Wellbeing + Growth Checks
  
• Presentation Scans (late pregnancy)
  

All carried out by qualified sonographers using state-of-the-art technology and begin with diagnostic well-being checks.

3. Family Involvement & Environment

NHS:
Due to hospital policies, NHS scans may have limited space for partners or guests and typically feel more clinical.

Window to the Womb:
We welcome partners, family and friends to join in your scan experience. Our scan rooms are spacious, relaxed and designed to feel special – because these moments matter.

4. Keepsakes & Memories

NHS:
NHS scans are focused on health checks. You might receive a printed image, but that’s usually it.

Window to the Womb:
In addition to checking baby’s well being and a full scan report of your baby’s health,, we offer beautiful keepsake packages with:
✔ High-quality prints
✔ Digital images via our app
✔ 4D video clips
✔ Heartbeat bears
✔ Gender reveal extras

We want to ensure you walk away informed with both the medical data and the memories.  

5. Medical Expertise & Reassurance

NHS:
NHS sonographers are highly trained and focused on clinical care. If a problem is detected, you’ll be referred for follow-up care immediately.

Window to the Womb:
Our scans are diagnostic, and we’re proud to have a team of fully qualified, registered & experienced sonographers who check baby’s development and heartbeat during every scan. If something unusual is spotted, we’ll guide you on the next steps and liaise with your local NHS care team to get you the right ongoing care.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both NHS and private scans are important. NHS scans are essential for medical monitoring. But private scans give you added reassurance, flexibility, and the chance to bond with your baby in a relaxed, supportive yet medical setting.

Whether you want to see your baby’s little kicks at 16 weeks, find out the gender in a memorable way, or simply need some reassurance between appointments – we’re here to help.

Your Baby, Your Journey, Your Choice

Book your private scan with Window to the Womb and make your pregnancy even more special.