What to expect at every stage: Your guide to pregnancy scans from 6 to 40 weeks
Pregnancy moves fast, especially when you’re trying to keep up with all the appointments, seeing family, baby showers, gender reveals and the constant streams of advice. One question we hear a lot at Yorkshire Baby Scan is: “What scan do I need, and when?”
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect from early reassurance to the final checks before birth, and how private scans can give you clarity, peace of mind and those unforgettable first glimpses of your baby.
6 to 11 weeks: Early pregnancy scan
This is often the most emotional scan of all. Whether it’s your first, second, third, fourth or more pregnancy, early scans offer reassurance when it matters most. Giving you peace of mind.
What it shows:
- Confirmation of pregnancy
- Location of the pregnancy (to rule out ectopic)
- Presence of a heartbeat
- Whether it’s a single or multiple pregnancy
- Estimated due date
Why it matters:
NHS dating scans usually don’t happen until 12 weeks. If you want peace of mind earlier, this is the one to book. It’s quick, gentle and incredibly reassuring.
10 – 40 weeks: NIPT with scan
From 10 weeks we can perform a NIPT test with scan, this is a non-invasive blood test that screens for chromosomal conditions in pregnancy, we use this test to screen for Down’s Syndrome (T21), Edward’s Syndrome (T18) and Patau’s Syndrome (T13) – the NIPT test for Down’s Syndrome is very reliable too, it gives us a detection rate greater than 99% with a false positive rate of less than 1 in 1000!
What it shows:
- Check your baby’s heartbeat visualisation
- An ovary and pelvic area assessment to check everything is fine with your body
- Can also optionally find out the sex of your baby
Why it matters:
It can give you assurance all is well with your pregnancy and plan for the unexpected! Test results should be back with you within 10 working days too!
12 to 14 weeks: Dating scans
By this point, your baby is growing quickly, and you’ll likely want to know more detail. You are well within your second trimester now and from 12 weeks your little baby is about the size of a plum! (how sweet!)
What it shows:
- Confirm your pregnancy and check your baby’s heartbeat for the first time
- Confirm if you are having one or multiple babies
- Receive a medical report of your scan and 4 printed images to take away
Why it matters:
You’re getting deeper into the pregnancy now. This is when many parents want to share the news or start planning more seriously. If you’re curious about gender, we can usually confirm it with a high degree of accuracy from 16 weeks onwards in our Gender and Growth Scan!
24 to 34 weeks: 4D scan and growth scan
This is when the real bonding happens. Your baby’s features are now developed enough to capture in 3D or 4D. You can see them moving around the womb and get a glimpse of what they will look like when they are born! Seeing your baby’s face helps your bond together, preparing you for when they arrive.
What it shows:
- Baby’s face and movements
- Overall growth and wellbeing
- Check the blood flow to your baby through your umbilical cord
- Amniotic fluid levels and position
Why it matters:
If you want stunning memories of your baby or photos to keep, this is the best window. After 34 weeks, baby may move into a less visible position or become too large to capture clearly.
36 to 40 weeks: presentation scan
This scan helps you feel ready for the final stretch. It checks how your baby is positioned for birth and ensures everything is looking normal in the final weeks.
What it shows:
- Baby’s head or bottom down
- Amniotic fluid levels
- How your baby’s heartbeat is doing
- Umbilical blood flow
Why it matters:
This scan can reduce anxiety before labour, especially if you’re considering a natural birth or want to avoid last-minute surprises.
Why book privately with Yorkshire Baby Scan?
We’re not here to replace NHS care, we’re here to complement it. Our private scans offer more time, more flexibility and a calm, supportive environment where you’re not rushed. Whether you’re looking for reassurance, connection or clarity, our team will guide you through each stage of pregnancy with care and expertise.
Final thoughts
Pregnancy is a journey of constant change. The right scan at the right time can make all the difference, not just for your peace of mind, but for your connection with your baby.
At Yorkshire Baby Scan, we offer medically led scans in a calm and welcoming setting. You’ll always leave with answers, keepsakes and a clearer sense of what’s happening inside your growing bump.
Ready to book your next scan? Give us a call or explore our services online — we’re here to help at every step.
