When to Get Each Pregnancy Scan: Timeline by Trimester

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to understand your pregnancy scans? You're not alone. Many women feel confused and unsure, wondering:

• "When exactly should I have each scan?"
• "What are these scans looking for?", and
• "Am I booking scans too early or too late?"

It's completely normal to feel anxious about something so important. But here's some reassurance: pregnancy scans follow a structured timeline, designed to give you clarity and peace of mind at every stage.

I understand that you might have encountered mixed messages from healthcare providers or perhaps your appointments felt rushed, leaving you more confused than confident. This guide clearly lays out the pregnancy scan timeline, ensuring you know exactly what to expect, when to book, and the reasons behind each scan.

What is the standard pregnancy scan timeline?

Most healthy pregnancies typically involve at least two essential scans provided by healthcare services—often around 10–14 weeks and again around 18–22 weeks. However, many expecting parents choose additional scans for reassurance or specific reasons.

Here's a clear overview of when you might have scans and why:

• 6–8 Weeks (Early Viability Scan): Checks the pregnancy location, confirms heartbeat, and gives an accurate due date. Usually offered privately.
• 10–14 Weeks (Nuchal Translucency or NT Scan): Screens for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Offered publicly (NHS) and privately.
• 16 Weeks (Gender Scan): Optional scan, available privately, primarily to confirm your baby’s sex earlier than the anatomy scan.
• 18–22 Weeks (Anatomy Scan): Detailed examination of your baby's anatomy to confirm development and identify any significant anomalies. Public and private availability.
• 24–32 Weeks (Growth Scan): Monitors baby's growth, placenta position, and general well-being, especially important if earlier scans indicate concerns. Available privately, NHS typically provides if medically indicated.
• 36+ Weeks (Presentation Scan): Optional scan focusing on your baby's position for birth planning—particularly useful if you're considering birth options. Generally private only.

When should I book my first scan?

Your first pregnancy scan typically happens around 10–14 weeks. However, if you've experienced previous pregnancy complications, miscarriage, or significant anxiety, booking an earlier viability scan between 6–8 weeks can help provide early reassurance. This scan will confirm a heartbeat, confirm the pregnancy is developing in the right place, and provide an accurate due date.

Booking this scan privately is common, as it's rarely offered through public healthcare at such an early stage. Remember, an early scan doesn't just offer medical reassurance—it can also significantly reduce your emotional stress and anxiety during those delicate early weeks.

Are extra scans safe for my baby?

A common concern is whether having additional ultrasounds is safe. You may worry if frequent scans could affect your baby's health. Rest assured, ultrasound has been used safely for decades and has no known harmful effects when conducted by trained sonographers following standard medical guidelines.

That said, choosing additional scans should always be balanced between clinical necessity and personal reassurance. If you’re considering more frequent scans—such as weekly or monthly checks for peace of mind—you might find it helpful to read our detailed article, Are Extra Ultrasounds Safe? The Truth About Ultrasound Frequency, where we dive deeper into ultrasound safety guidelines and recommendations.

What's the difference between private and public scans?

Choosing between private and public scans can be confusing. Public healthcare, like the NHS in the UK or Medicare in Australia, typically covers essential routine scans (NT and anatomy scans). However, these appointments might feel rushed, and sometimes the information provided feels limited or unclear.

Private scans offer a more personalized approach, often including longer appointment times, detailed explanations from your sonographer, and more flexibility regarding timing and availability.

Should I be concerned if my scan results seem unusual?

Ultrasounds often highlight findings that sound worrying at first but are usually benign. Soft markers like choroid plexus cysts or an echogenic intracardiac focus are examples of findings that, although initially alarming, typically pose no risk to your baby’s health.

If you've recently had a scan result that’s causing concern, our supportive guide, Is This Normal? 5 Ultrasound Findings You Shouldn’t Worry About, can provide immediate reassurance. It clearly explains why these common ultrasound findings usually aren't cause for alarm, helping you feel more at ease until your next appointment.

Can I have a scan if I feel anxious or unsure between routine checks?

Absolutely. Many women choose reassurance scans—privately booked scans aimed solely at easing anxiety or confirming everything is okay with their pregnancy. While not medically essential, the emotional benefit these scans provide is significant for many expecting parents, particularly those experiencing high levels of anxiety or who have had previous pregnancy losses.

Making informed choices about your scan schedule

Understanding your scan timeline is crucial, both medically and emotionally. Feeling informed reduces anxiety, helps you plan effectively, and ensures you can confidently approach each milestone of your pregnancy journey. Your pregnancy scans are there to support you—providing crucial insights about your baby's health, development, and wellbeing.

If you still have lingering questions about when to book scans, what they mean, or if you're unsure about something you've heard at your last appointment, take advantage of our straightforward and reassuring timeline below.