What to Expect at Your First Private Pregnancy Scan Appointment

If you have booked your first private pregnancy scan — or are thinking about it — you might be wondering what actually happens when you arrive. What do you need to bring? Will it hurt? How long does it take? Here is a complete, step-by-step guide to what to expect at a private pregnancy scan appointment at MyBaby Ultrasound in Camberley, Surrey.

Before Your Appointment

There is very little preparation needed for most private pregnancy scans. For abdominal scans — which are used from around 10 weeks onwards — we ask you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, as this helps produce a clearer image. For early pregnancy scans before 10 weeks, the scan may be performed transvaginally, in which case an empty bladder is preferable.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen. You do not need to bring anything in particular — but if you have any previous scan images or medical notes you would like your sonographer to be aware of, feel free to bring them along.

Arriving at the Clinic

MyBaby Ultrasound is located at Suite 2, Camberley House, Portesbury Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SZ. The clinic is on the ground floor with no stairs, and there is parking available nearby. When you arrive you will be welcomed by your sonographer in a calm, private, and unhurried environment. There is no busy waiting room — appointments are spaced to ensure you always feel at ease.

Can I Bring Someone With Me?

Absolutely. Partners, family members, and friends are always welcome at your appointment. Sharing the moment of seeing your baby on screen for the first time is something we actively encourage. There is no limit on who can attend — bring whoever makes the experience special for you.

During the Scan

Your sonographer will ask you to lie on the examination couch and expose your abdomen. A small amount of warm ultrasound gel will be applied to your skin — this helps the probe make good contact and transmit sound waves clearly. The probe is then moved gently across your abdomen to build up images of your baby on the screen.

Throughout the scan your sonographer will talk you through everything they can see — your baby’s heartbeat, measurements, position, and any relevant findings. You will be able to see your baby on the screen in real time. Private scans are not rushed — you will have time to ask questions and take in the moment.

Does a Private Pregnancy Scan Hurt?

No. An abdominal ultrasound scan is completely painless. You may feel a slight coolness from the gel or mild pressure from the probe, but nothing uncomfortable. If your scan is transvaginal — which may be the case for very early pregnancies — you may feel mild pressure but this is usually well tolerated and lasts only a few minutes.

How Long Does a Private Pregnancy Scan Take?

Appointment lengths vary depending on the type of scan:

• Early pregnancy scan — approximately 15 minutes

• Gender reveal or wellbeing scan — approximately 20 minutes

• 3D/4D scan — approximately 30 minutes

What Happens After the Scan?

Once the scan is complete, your sonographer will summarise the findings with you clearly and answer any remaining questions. You will leave with digital scan images to keep and treasure. If anything of concern is identified during the scan, your sonographer will advise you on the appropriate next steps and recommend you follow up with your NHS midwife or GP promptly. Private scans complement your NHS care — they do not replace it.

Do I Need a Referral?

No. You can book directly with MyBaby Ultrasound online or by phone — no GP or midwife referral is required. Appointments are available seven days a week including evenings, making it easy to fit around work and family commitments.

Book Your Private Pregnancy Scan in Camberley, Surrey

MyBaby Ultrasound is Camberley’s CQC-registered private pregnancy scan clinic, serving families from across Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire — including Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Woking, Guildford, Bagshot, Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot, Virginia Water, and Sunningdale. Scans start from just £65 with no referral required. Book your appointment today.