Midwife Led Package
Midwife Antenatal Consultations
The 12 week Nuchal Translucency ultrasound Scan can be performed to assess the probability of Down's, Edward’s, Patau’s syndrome and to diagnose certain major structural conditions. This pregnancy ultrasound scan confirms that baby’s heart is beating, and the number of babies such as twins or triplets. Your baby’s head, brain, face, heart, stomach, bladder, hands and feet can be seen. We will also look at the placenta, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord.
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.
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
Pregnant women are offered two routine ultrasound scans during pregnancy, this is called the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme.
The Nuchal Translucency scan is offered from 11+3 to 13+6 weeks of pregnancy to screen for the most common chromosomal conditions including Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome and Patau’s syndrome.
The other routine pregnancy scan offered by the NHS is around 20 weeks of pregnancy called the Anatomy scan. The purpose of this ultrasound scan is to assess your baby’s physical development and to look for 11 rare conditions, including head/brain and heart conditions.
As the 12 week Nuchal Translucency Scan can only be performed when your baby measures between 45mm to 84mm from head to bottom (Crown to Rump Length CRL) which is 11+3 – 13+6 weeks of pregnancy, we often find that women book the Nuchal Translucency Scan with us as a result of the following:
Parents to be will be given an individual chance of baby having a chromosomal condition present. The three chromosomal conditions which the Nuchal Translucency Scan screens for are Down’s Syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome. The Nuchal Translucency scan has a sensitivity of 85% for detecting Down's Syndrome. This is calculated by inputting certain maternal and fetal factors including:-
Our Specialist Sonographers are highly skilled and accredited with the Fetal Medicine Foundation for the performance of the Nuchal Translucency Scan. They will be able to talk to you if you have additional questions, concerns or if you receive a high probability Nuchal Translucency Scan result. More information about further tests including the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test NIPT (TDL VeriSeq v2 by Illumina, Panorama, SAFE) or invasive tests such as a CVS or Amniocentesis is available.
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 Specialist Sonographers are here to reassure even at short notice.
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 X formerly known as 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.
A moderately full bladder will improve the visibility of the scan performed transabdominally (over the tummy).
The Nuchal Translucency Scan is a screening test only. It cannot confirm the presence or absence of a chromosomal condition, it offers a likelihood of a condition being present.
If your test result demonstrates an increased chance, we may recommend further screening using Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), referral to your local Fetal Medicine Unit for further ultrasound scans or invasive testing such as a CVS or amniocentesis.
A Non Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) can be performed from 9 weeks onwards of pregnancy. We offer the following tests: TDL VeriSeq v2 by Illumina NIPT, Panorama NIPT and SAFE NIPT. This test is non-invasive involving an ultrasound scan then a simple and safe maternal blood test. NIPT has a high sensitivity for the detection of Down’s syndrome, with an increased positive predictive value (PPV) compared to the Nuchal Translucency Scan.
The only way to know for certain during pregnancy if a baby has a chromosomal condition is to have an invasive test such as chorion villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. These tests carry a risk of miscarriage of less than 1%.
More information about Downs Syndrome can be found here:
More information about Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome can be found here:
More information about screening tests offered in pregnancy can be found here:
Screening tests for you and your baby
Screening tests for you and your baby translated versions
For more guidance with prenatal screening please contact
If you receive a low probability result, your next scan will be a Reassurance scan, Sexing scan or the 20 week Anatomy scan.
Please use 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 transvaginally.
If you are a virgin (Virgo intacta; hymen intact), guidance determines that transvaginal ultrasound scans are clinically contraindicated. If you have discussed this concern with your referrer and wish to proceed with a transvaginal ultrasound scan, this type of examination can be performed.
We are pleased to offer services across several locations. Visit us at one of the following places:
Scan packages are to be purchased at the first appointment.
We are unable to apply any refunds if you have booked multiple scans separately.
With our specialist sonographer.
£570
With our specialist sonographer.
£1300