Sexing Scan / Reassurance Scan/ Early Anatomy Ultrasound Scans from 16 weeks of pregnancy

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The Sexing Scan is performed from 16 weeks of pregnancy. This ultrasound scan is for parents to be who would like to know the sex of their baby earlier than the 20 week anomaly scan offered by the NHS, or if the NHS Sonographer was unable to confirm the sex of your baby during your 20 week anomaly scan. Our sonographers are very accurate (over 99%). If we have any doubt we will invite you for a repeat sexing scan at no extra cost.

What is currently offered by the NHS?

Many NHS hospitals will offer to tell you the sex of your baby at the 20 week Anomaly scan. If the baby is not in a favourable position during your routine hospital pregnancy scan, the NHS Sonographer may not be able to see. If the sonographer could not reveal the gender of your baby during your 20 weeks anomaly scan, you will not routinely be offered another opportunity within your NHS care.

We offer the sexing scan from 16 weeks, which is earlier than the 20 week anomaly scan. We can also reveal or confirm your baby’s gender if your NHS scan did not determine if you are having a boy or a girl, with longer appointments as routine.

When can I have the Sexing Scan?

A Sexing or Gender scan can be performed from 16 weeks of pregnancy onwards. An early fetal anatomy scan will be performed by our Specialist Sonographers as routine. You will be able to see your baby's heartbeat and movements before you can feel them.

Our Sonographer will assess baby's head, brain, face, heart, stomach, kidneys, bladder, hands, feet, spine, and abdominal wall within the limits of your pregnancy gestation. How many weeks pregnant you are determines how much of baby's anatomy the sonographer can check at this stage. Other pregnancy related structures such as amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta will also be assessed. 

Due to the limitations of ultrasound, earlier sexing scans can be less successful for pregnant ladies with a higher BMI, therefore it may be best to wait a couple more weeks until baby is more developed.

How is the Sexing Scan performed?

• Sexing ultrasound scans are usually performed ‘transabdominally’ which means over the tummy.

What are the indications or reasons for having the Sexing Scan?

•  To find out the sex of your baby earlier than the routine 20 week anomaly scan
• To confirm if you are having a boy or a girl if the NHS sonographer was unable to tell you during your 20 week anomaly
• If your NHS sonographer was unsure if you are having a boy or girl and you would like a second opinion
• To reassure that your baby's heart is beating, the baby is growing and developing well
•  Our Specialist Sonographers perform advanced detailed ultrasound scans earlier than your NHS 20 week Anomaly Scan
•  Baby's movements may not yet be felt or the pattern of movements have changed
•  The Midwife was unable to hear baby's heart beating with a stethoscope or perform a good assessment of baby's growth with a tape measure
•  If you have a medical history which indicates that an assessment of the cervix should be performed. The Cervical scan can be performed in addition to the Sexing Scan. 

Is there someone I can talk to about the outcome of my sexing scan?

Our Specialist Sonographers are highly skilled and accredited in the performance of this scan. They will be able to talk to you if you have additional questions or concerns.

Consultant Obstetrician or Specialist Sonographer?

• In the majority of pregnancies, a Sexing Scan be performed by one of our experienced sonographers. All of our sonographers are fully qualified and accredited, so you are in safe, expert hands.
• If however, you are experiencing complications with your pregnancy or need a second opinion, an ultrasound scan with our Consultant Obstetrician is recommended.

Is it easy to make an appointment?

We offer morning, afternoon and evening availability during the week, as well as weekend appointments. A surcharge will be applied for evening and weekend appointments. We have a wide range of availability therefore same day appointments can be easily arranged. Our Sonographers are here to reassure even at short notice. 

What you will receive:

• Detailed ultrasound report and images
• A report to file with your maternity notes.
• YourBabyScan Images and Videos direct to mobile and email
• Baby Ultrasound Keep Sake Images to take home
• Longer appointment times as routine
• A calm and relaxing environment
• High quality professional care from our Specialist Sonographers who are committed to advances in pregnancy care 

How is the scan electronically sent to you?

The Birth Company is the first clinic in UK to offer this service allowing you to share your pregnancy ultrasound with friends and family wherever they are in the world. This optional recording can be shared via Email, Facebook and Twitter. We will offer this to you routinely at the end of the scan. The transmission is instantaneous. Please note on this system currently there is no sound, only video. It is a national policy not to permit patient or partner's phone recording in a room. Simply tell your sonographer that you would like an electronic transmission of your scan. It will appear on your phone immediately. 

How to Prepare for your sexing scan

• A moderately full bladder will improve the visibility of the pregnancy by transabdominal scan. 

What is the next scan following a Sexing or Gender scan?

The next pregnancy scan is the Anomaly scan offered from 20-24 weeks of pregnancy. This important ultrasound scan should be offered routinely by your hospital, or you can book with us at The Birth Company.

TBC Recommends

Upgrade to the Gold Package if you have already had an NIPT at The Birth Company - Click here for more details

Upgrade to the Silver Package if you have already had a Nuchal Translucency Scan at The Birth Company - Click here for more details

Find out more about our Bronze package with our Specialist Sonographers - Click here for more details

A Cervical Length Assessment can be added to your Sexing Scan - Click Here to find more details

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations, a full refund of your appointment fee will be given with 24 hours notice. If less than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given, a £50 cancellation fee will be applied. Our full terms and conditions can be found here: Terms and Conditions

Patient Information

Some early pregnancy ultrasound scans are performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. In later stages of pregnancy, it may be advised to perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan to have a closer look at a baby’s anatomy, or to assess the maternal cervix.

There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
The transducer will be introduced with a non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy.
If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.   

Transvaginal Ultrasound Consent

Below is a link to our Transvaginal Ultrasound Consent Form. This must be completed ahead of your appointment to confirm whether you consent or do not consent to having your scan performed internally.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Consent Form 

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