Antenatal care and pregnancy scans (Antenatal care and pregnancy ultrasound)
The regular checks, screening choices and ultrasound scans offered through pregnancy to look after you and your baby and spot problems early.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- Antenatal care is the routine package of checks, screening choices and scans that looks after you and your baby through pregnancy.
- Scans and screening are useful but limited — they cannot find every condition, and screening estimates chance rather than giving certainty.
- Everything is offered, not compulsory; you can accept or decline any scan or test and your care continues.
- NHS/HSC antenatal care is provided according to clinical need; for most people living here it is free, though some overseas visitors can be charged — never delay maternity care over cost, and emergencies still go through the NHS. Private scans do not replace this pathway or make pregnancy safer.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.
Confirms your due date and how many babies you are expecting
Routine scans are not the right route for urgent symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain or reduced baby movements — these need urgent maternity...
You lie down with gel on your tummy while the sonographer takes images. It is usually usually not painful. Sometimes you are asked to move or wait so the...
Clear explanation of what each scan and test does and does not tell you.
You lie down with gel on your tummy while the sonographer takes images. It is usually usually not painful...
You can go straight back to your day. Most scan findings are explained on the day, and you may be given pictures.
Combined screening results usually come within a few days. A 'higher chance' result means you are offered further...
If a scan or test raises a concern, you will be offered further scans, tests and specialist input, with time and...
What is antenatal care and what are the pregnancy scans?
Antenatal care is the package of check-ups, advice, blood tests, screening choices and ultrasound scans offered through pregnancy. It is designed to keep you and your baby well, pick up problems early, and help you make informed choices.
In the UK, the NHS (and HSC in Northern Ireland) provides antenatal care according to clinical need. For most people who live here it is free, but some overseas visitors can be charged — whether you are charged depends on your residence and immigration status, so ask the maternity service's overseas-visitor or charging team if you are unsure. Importantly, urgent or immediately necessary maternity care must never be delayed because of charging, so do not put off seeking care over cost. A typical pattern includes a booking appointment, a dating scan at around 11–14 weeks (often with screening for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes), and an anomaly scan at around 18–21 weeks that looks in detail at the baby's development. Some people are offered extra growth scans later if there is a reason.
Scans and screening give useful information, but they have limits. The anomaly scan checks for a set list of conditions and cannot find everything; some conditions are easier to see than others. Screening tests estimate the chance of a condition rather than giving a yes-or-no answer, and any 'higher chance' result is followed by further tests you can choose to have or decline.
All scans and screening are offered, not compulsory. You can accept or decline any part, and your care continues either way. Private scans are available too, but they do not replace the NHS/HSC maternity pathway and have not been shown to improve outcomes when there is no medical reason for them; any worrying symptom should still be checked through your midwife or maternity unit.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
What the two main scans are for
| Scan | When | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dating scan | About 11–14 weeks | Confirms dates and due date; checks number of babies; can include screening |
| Anomaly scan | About 18–21 weeks | Detailed check of the baby's development and growth |
| Growth scan | Later, if needed | Checks growth, fluid and blood flow when there is a reason |
Scans give helpful information but cannot promise a healthy baby. Screening estimates chance and is always a choice.
Preparing for your test
- Book in with your GP or midwife as early as you can, ideally before 10 weeks, so screening choices can be explained in good time.
- For some early scans you may be asked to have a comfortably full bladder; you will be told if so.
- Take folic acid and vitamin D as advised, and ask about any medicines you take.
- Bring a note of your last period, any health conditions, and any problems in previous pregnancies.
- Think in advance about which screening tests you do and do not want — you can change your mind.
- Bring a partner, friend or family member to scans if you would like support.
- Write down any symptoms or questions to raise at your appointment.
What happens
Care usually starts with a booking appointment with a midwife, who takes a full history, arranges blood tests and explains the scans and screening choices. You will be given a way to contact your maternity team between appointments.
At a scan, you lie down and gel is put on your tummy; the sonographer moves a probe over the skin to build up a picture of the baby. The dating scan confirms your due date and checks for more than one baby. The anomaly scan goes through the baby's body in detail. Scans are usually usually not painful and most findings are explained as the scan goes along.
If screening for Down's, Edwards' or Patau's syndrome is chosen, this combines a blood test with the neck-fold measurement at the dating scan, and you are given a chance result a few days later. A 'higher chance' result does not mean the baby has the condition — it means you are offered further tests, which you can choose to have or decline.
Throughout, you can ask questions, decline any test, and take time over decisions.
Is this test right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- Routine scans are not the right route for urgent symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain or reduced baby movements — these need urgent maternity assessment.
- Souvenir-only private scans are not a substitute for proper antenatal care and screening.
- Screening tests are not diagnostic and should not be relied on for a definite yes-or-no answer.
- Extra growth scans are not needed by everyone and are offered where there is a clinical reason.
Delay or rearrange if…
- There is a worrying symptom that needs urgent assessment first, rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
- You need more time and information to decide which screening tests you want — these are always a choice.
- Key information is missing that would change how a scan or result is interpreted.
Alternatives to discuss
- Declining any individual scan or screening test while continuing the rest of your care.
- NHS antenatal care instead of, or alongside, private scans.
- Choosing not to have screening for chromosomal conditions if that is your preference.
- Specialist or consultant-led care if you or your baby need closer monitoring.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Benefits
- Confirms your due date and how many babies you are expecting
- Checks the baby's growth and development at set points
- Offers screening so you can make informed choices
- Picks up many problems early, allowing planning and support
- Keeps an eye on your own health through pregnancy, not just the baby's
- Gives a clear point of contact if you are worried
Risks & complications
- Anxiety while waiting for scans or screening results
- Screening results that show a 'higher chance' but turn out to be a healthy baby (false alarms)
- Uncertain or unclear scan findings that need a repeat scan or referral
- Information that is hard to take in, such as an unexpected finding
- A condition not being seen on the scan even though it is present (scans cannot find everything)
- Being recalled for further tests after an unclear result
- An incidental finding in the mother that needs follow-up
- A serious condition found that leads to difficult decisions and the offer of further, sometimes invasive, tests
- Very rarely, a diagnostic test offered after screening (such as amniocentesis) carries a small risk that will be explained separately
The main thing to understand is that scans and screening have limits. A normal anomaly scan is reassuring but cannot promise a healthy baby, and screening gives a chance, not a yes-or-no answer. Ask what each test can and cannot tell you, what a 'higher chance' result would mean, and what further tests you would then be offered, so you can decide what is right for you.
Published figures to discuss
Scans and screening provide estimates and snapshots, not guarantees. Detection depends on the condition, the baby's position, the stage of pregnancy and the scan's purpose. Screening gives a chance of a condition, with a known rate of false alarms and missed cases, which your team can explain.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical risk from routine pregnancy ultrasound | Very low; ultrasound uses sound waves, not X-rays | Scans should still be done only when clinically appropriate and by trained staff. | NHS — Ultrasound scans in pregnancynhs.ukSource-linked context |
| A normal scan missing a condition | Recognised limitation; detection depends on the condition and scan quality | The 20-week scan checks for a defined list of structural conditions, but no scan can guarantee a healthy baby. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Screening result needing further testing | NHS combined screening uses a 'higher chance' threshold of 1 in 150 or greater | Screening estimates chance; diagnostic tests such as CVS or amniocentesis are different and have their own risks. | NHS — Ultrasound scans in pregnancynhs.ukPublished figure |
| Repeat scan needed | Common enough to be routine | Baby position, gestation, body habitus or an incomplete view can mean coming back for another look. | NHS — Ultrasound scans in pregnancynhs.ukSource-linked context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
There is no physical recovery from antenatal appointments or scans. What matters afterwards is understanding the results, knowing your choices, and feeling supported — especially if a result is unexpected.
- Feeling reassured, anxious, or both, while waiting for results
- Being given a chance (not a certainty) from screening tests
- Occasionally being asked back for a clearer scan
- No physical after-effects from a scan
- Needing time to take in any unexpected news
Aftercare
- Make sure you understand each result and what it does and does not tell you.
- Keep your appointments, including any extra scans you are offered.
- Take folic acid, vitamin D and any prescribed medicines as advised.
- Know the symptoms that mean you should contact your midwife or maternity unit urgently.
- If a result is unexpected, ask about further tests, support and time to decide.
- Use your maternity team as your point of contact between appointments.
- Look after your own wellbeing, including mental health, through pregnancy.
- Booking appointment arranged early in pregnancy
- A note of your last period and pregnancy history
- Decisions about which screening tests you want (changeable)
- Folic acid and vitamin D at home
- Your maternity unit's contact number saved
- Written list of symptoms and questions
- Someone to come with you for support if you wish
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Severe or constant tummy pain
- A noticeable drop in or change to your baby's movements (in later pregnancy) — contact your maternity unit straight away
- A severe or persistent headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet (possible pre-eclampsia)
- A high temperature, feeling very unwell, or burning when passing urine
- Feeling faint, very breathless, or that something is seriously wrong — seek urgent care or call 999
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A reassuring result usually means your dates are confirmed, the baby is growing as expected, and the anomaly scan did not find any of the conditions it looks for. This is good news, but it cannot promise a completely healthy baby, because scans cannot detect every condition and some appear later.
Screening results give a chance of a particular condition, not a definite answer. A 'lower chance' result is reassuring but not a guarantee, and a 'higher chance' result is the start of a conversation about further tests you can choose to have, not a diagnosis. Your midwife or doctor will explain exactly what your results mean for you.
Each scan and test reflects that point in pregnancy. That is why care continues with further appointments, and sometimes extra scans, as your pregnancy progresses. New symptoms at any stage — particularly bleeding, severe pain, or changes in the baby's movements — should always be checked, regardless of an earlier normal scan.
Related tests, treatments or support
Antenatal scans go alongside routine blood tests, blood pressure and urine checks, screening for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes, and — where chosen — further diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS. Care is also linked with mental health support, and with consultant-led or specialist care if you or your baby need it.
Follow-up & long-term care
Your midwife or maternity team coordinates follow-up, including the timing of scans and screening, results, and any extra appointments. If a scan or screening result needs further checks, you will be referred for these with support. You should always know who to contact between appointments if you are worried.
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- Scans are sometimes repeated if the baby's position or image quality limits the view.
- An unclear screening or scan result may lead to further tests or referral.
- Extra growth scans may be added later if there is a concern.
- Plans can change as pregnancy progresses and new information appears.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- Clear explanation of what each scan and test does and does not tell you.
- Prompt, supported follow-up for any unclear or 'higher chance' result.
- A named maternity contact for worries between appointments.
- Clear written advice on urgent warning signs, including reduced baby movements.
- Smooth referral to specialist or consultant-led care when needed.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- Whether care is provided by the NHS/HSC (free for most people, though some overseas visitors can be charged) or private scans are added
- The type and number of scans (dating, anomaly, growth, or additional reassurance scans)
- Whether extra imaging or specialist scans are included
- Who performs and reports the scan, and how quickly results are given
- Any consultant or specialist appointments
- Additional screening or diagnostic tests chosen
- Which scans and screening tests are included
- What happens, and what it costs, if a finding needs a repeat or specialist scan
- Who performs and reports the scan
- When and how you will receive results
- Whether any private scan replaces or only adds to NHS care
- That urgent symptoms should always go through NHS maternity care
On the NHS? NHS/HSC maternity care is provided according to clinical need, and immediately necessary care must not be delayed because of charging. For most people living in the UK it is free, including routine scans, screening and blood tests, but whether you are charged depends on your ordinary residence, immigration entitlement and the rules in the UK nation providing care; some overseas visitors can be charged. Ask the provider's overseas-visitor or charging team if unsure, and do not delay seeking maternity care. Private scans do not replace this pathway and have not been shown to improve outcomes without a clinical reason.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Not being told that scans and screening are a choice you can decline.
- Believing a normal anomaly scan guarantees a healthy baby.
- Confusing a screening 'chance' result with a diagnosis.
- Not understanding what a 'higher chance' result leads to, including further tests with their own risks.
- Assuming a private scan replaces, rather than adds to, NHS maternity care.
Marketing red flags
- Private scans marketed as proof of a 'perfect' or 'guaranteed healthy' baby.
- Souvenir scans promoted over proper clinical care and screening.
- Claims that private maternity scans are safer than NHS care.
- Pressure to buy extra scans without a clear clinical reason.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.
- What does each scan and screening test actually check for, and what are its limits?
- What would a 'higher chance' screening result mean, and what tests would I then be offered?
- If a scan finding is unclear, what happens next?
- Which symptoms should make me contact you urgently during pregnancy?
- Do I need any extra growth scans, and if so, why?
- How do I reach the maternity team between appointments if I am worried?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the specialist who carries out my test, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this test not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to have all the scans and screening tests?
Can a normal scan guarantee my baby is healthy?
What does a 'higher chance' screening result mean?
Are private pregnancy scans better or safer?
Are ultrasound scans safe for my baby?
Is all of this free on the NHS?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: NHS — Ultrasound scans in pregnancy NHS — 12-week scan NHS — 20-week scan NHS — Screening tests in pregnancy UK Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme handbook NICE NG201 — Antenatal care RCOG — patient information (pregnancy) GOV.UK — Charging overseas visitors in England (guidance for NHS providers) nidirect — Health services for visitors to Northern Ireland
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
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