Early Pregnancy Scan in London: Private Dating and Reassurance Scans With Same-Day Results
A private early pregnancy scan at The Online GP by The Wellness starts from £195, performed by a GMC-registered doctor with results discussed immediately at our Marylebone clinic. No referral is needed. The NHS does not offer routine scanning until 11 to 14 weeks, leaving many women with weeks of uncertainty after a positive pregnancy test. A private early pregnancy scan from 6 weeks onwards can confirm your pregnancy is in the right location, detect a heartbeat, date your pregnancy accurately, and provide reassurance during the most anxious weeks of early pregnancy.
Book an Early Pregnancy Scan - WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: 020 3951 3429
Why Women Seek Private Early Pregnancy Scans
The gap between a positive pregnancy test and the first NHS scan is typically 6 to 8 weeks. For many women, especially those who have experienced previous miscarriage, fertility treatment, or pregnancy complications, this waiting period is filled with anxiety. A private early pregnancy scan bridges that gap.
The most common reasons women book with us include wanting confirmation that the pregnancy is viable and has a heartbeat, needing reassurance after previous miscarriage (approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, most in the first 12 weeks), dating the pregnancy accurately if menstrual cycles are irregular or conception timing is uncertain, checking for ectopic pregnancy if there is one-sided pain or unusual bleeding, confirming a single or multiple pregnancy (relevant after fertility treatment), and simply wanting to see their baby and hear a heartbeat for the first time.
All of these are valid, important reasons. Early pregnancy is an emotionally intense time, and having clear information reduces anxiety and allows you to plan.
What the Scan Involves
Timing. Early pregnancy scans are most useful from 6 weeks of pregnancy onwards (dated from the first day of your last menstrual period). Before 6 weeks, the pregnancy may be too small to visualise clearly, which can cause unnecessary worry. If you are unsure of your dates, contact us and our team can advise on the best time to scan.
The scan itself. At very early stages (6 to 8 weeks), a transvaginal scan provides the clearest images. A small, smooth ultrasound probe covered with a protective sheath is gently inserted into the vagina, placing it closer to the uterus for optimal image quality. This is safe, should not be painful (though mild discomfort is possible), and does not increase the risk of miscarriage. Your doctor will explain the procedure and ask for your consent before proceeding. From approximately 8 to 10 weeks onwards, a transabdominal scan (external, over the abdomen) is often sufficient, though transvaginal may still be needed in some cases for clarity.
What your doctor looks for. The scan confirms the pregnancy is located within the uterus (intrauterine pregnancy), ruling out ectopic pregnancy. It identifies the gestational sac, yolk sac, and embryo (depending on gestational age). It checks for a fetal heartbeat, which is the primary indicator of viability. It measures the embryo (crown-rump length) to date the pregnancy accurately. And it assesses the uterus and ovaries for any incidental findings.
Same-day results. Because the scan is performed by a doctor at The Online GP by The Wellness, your findings are discussed with you immediately. Your doctor explains what they see on screen, answers your questions, and provides reassurance or next steps depending on the findings. You do not wait days for a report.
If Something Unexpected Is Found
Not all early pregnancy scans reveal straightforward good news, and it is important to discuss this honestly.
Pregnancy of uncertain viability. If the scan is performed very early (5 to 6 weeks), it may show a gestational sac but no embryo or heartbeat yet. This does not necessarily mean the pregnancy is failing. It may simply be too early. Your doctor will explain this clearly and recommend a follow-up scan in 7 to 14 days to reassess.
Missed miscarriage. If the scan identifies an embryo without a heartbeat at a stage when one should be visible, this may indicate a missed miscarriage. This is distressing news, and your doctor will explain the findings with sensitivity, discuss what happens next, and refer you to an early pregnancy unit (EPU) or gynaecologist for ongoing management.
Ectopic pregnancy. If no intrauterine pregnancy is seen but pregnancy hormone levels are elevated, ectopic pregnancy must be considered. Your doctor will arrange urgent further assessment, which may include serial blood tests and specialist referral. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency if symptoms progress (severe pain, dizziness, shoulder-tip pain), and you should go to A&E immediately if you experience these.
In all cases, our doctors provide compassionate, honest communication. We will not offer false reassurance, but we will make sure you understand your situation, your options, and what support is available.
Pregnancy Blood Tests at the Same Appointment
In addition to the scan, we can perform early pregnancy blood tests at the same visit. These include beta-hCG (the pregnancy hormone, useful for monitoring in very early or uncertain pregnancies), blood group and rhesus status (important for identifying rhesus-negative mothers who may need anti-D injections), full blood count (checking for anaemia, which is common in pregnancy), rubella immunity, hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis screening (all part of routine NHS antenatal screening, but available sooner through us), and thyroid function (thyroid disorders can affect pregnancy outcomes and should be identified early).
Having these tests done alongside your early scan means you enter NHS antenatal care with a head start on your blood work, ensuring nothing is missed in the early weeks.
Beyond the Early Scan: Your Pregnancy Journey
The Online GP by The Wellness provides support throughout pregnancy, not just in the early weeks. We offer early pregnancy reassurance scans, pregnancy-related blood tests and health screening, management of pregnancy symptoms (nausea, fatigue, pain), private prescriptions for pregnancy-safe medications, referrals to obstetricians and midwifery teams, and ongoing GP support for non-obstetric health concerns during pregnancy.
We work alongside your NHS maternity team, not in place of it. The NHS provides excellent maternity care including the detailed anomaly scan at 18 to 21 weeks, growth monitoring, and birth planning. Our role is to complement this with faster access, longer consultations, and the reassurance of early investigation when you need it most.
Pregnancy Enquiries - WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: 020 3951 3429
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an early pregnancy scan cost? From £195 at The Online GP by The Wellness. Doctor-performed with same-day results.
When can I have a scan? From approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy. Before 6 weeks, the pregnancy may be too small to see clearly.
What does the scan show? Confirms intrauterine pregnancy, checks for heartbeat, dates the pregnancy, and identifies single or multiple pregnancies.
Will I need a transvaginal scan? Likely at 6 to 8 weeks for best image quality. Your doctor explains and asks consent. It is safe and does not increase miscarriage risk.
Is it safe? Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation. Over 50 years of use with no demonstrated harmful effects.
Can I have a scan if I am bleeding? Yes, and it is important to do so. An early scan helps determine the cause of bleeding and whether the pregnancy is viable.
Do you offer pregnancy blood tests? Yes. Beta-hCG, blood group, FBC, rubella, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, and thyroid function all available at the same appointment.
The Online GP by The Wellness provides private doctor-led healthcare from our Marylebone clinic. Contact us on WhatsApp at +44 7961 280835, email team@thewellnesslondon.com, or call 020 3951 3429. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, severe pain, or dizziness in early pregnancy, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
References
NICE. Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage: diagnosis and initial management. NG126. Updated 2024.
British Medical Ultrasound Society. Guidelines for the safe use of diagnostic ultrasound. Updated 2024.
Tommy's. Miscarriage statistics. Updated 2025.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Early pregnancy assessment. Updated 2024.
